For the first time in history, an Australian with Sri Lankan origin is set to claim a seat in the Australian parliament.
Labor’s Cassandra Fernando is contesting for the seat of Holt, in Melbourne and polls show Fernando leading the ballot count in her District.
It is notable that her closest Liberal candidate was also a Sri Lankan by the name of Ranji Perera.
However, since ballots are still being counted, an official result has not been released by Australian authorities.
Another Sri Lankan, Virosh Perera contested as the Liberal party candidate for Scullin in Melbourne but did not manage to obtain a seat in parliament.
The new Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese told jubilant supporters that Australians had “voted for change”.
However it is still unclear whether he can secure a majority.
Meanhwile, former Premier Scott Morrison has stepped down as leader of the Liberal Party after conceding defeat, saying he accepted responsibility for the result.
Morrison says he will hand over the leadership at the next party meeting.
Morrison said he would continue to represent the people of Cook and serve them to the best of his capability.
Morrison lauded the Australian people for coming through a tumultuous few years as he addressed the party faithful.
