The Dalai Lama has officially stepped down as the leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile. The move was made official on Sunday following a three-day parliament session. Government spokesman Lobsang Choedak said Lobsang Sangay, who was elected to lead Tibet last month, has officially taken over leadership of the country. The Dalai Lama will remain Tibet’s spiritual leader.
The Dalai Lama announced his intentions to retire in March. "Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people, to whom I can devolve power. Now, we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect,” he wrote on his website. "Since I made my intention clear, I have received repeated and earnest requests both from within Tibet and outside, to continue to provide political leadership. My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run.”
"It is not because I feel disheartened. Tibetans have placed such faith and trust in me that as one among them I am committed to playing my part in the just cause of Tibet," the 75-year-old added. "I trust that gradually people will come to understand my intention, will support my decision and accordingly let it take effect."
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