Violent demonstrations, tear gas shells fired in Colombo as Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa fled the country
Violence is being seen once again due to the departure of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the early hours of Wednesday. A large number of protesters have taken to the streets. These people are marching towards Parliament. On the other hand, tear gas shells were used to control the furious mob. The protesters also stopped the army vehicle. Earlier, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa escaped from the country and reached Maldives. Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed Gotabaya’s departure.
On the other hand, the speaker said that till now the resignation letter has not been sent from the President of Sri Lanka. He was received by the representatives of the Maldive government at the Velana airport in Male. Today he was to resign as per his announcement. Know ten big things in this matter so far:-
President escaped on board a military plane
President Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards boarded a military aircraft from Colombo International Airport last night to Male. According to the reports, his younger brother and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has also left the country.
PM’s Office confirms President’s departure
Defense officials say Rajapaksa requested him for a plane last night and was “obliged” to provide him with one. Rajapaksa remains the Supreme Commander of the Defense Forces as President. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe’s office has also confirmed that the President has left the country.
Rajapaksa taken to undisclosed location in Maldives
On arrival in the Maldives, President Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards were taken to an undisclosed location under police protection, an airport official in Male said.
Indian High Commission denied these reports
The Indian High Commission in Colombo denied reports that India had helped President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Basil Rajapaksa escape. The High Commission termed these reports as baseless, and also said that India will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka. Because they want to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established democratic institutions and constitutional framework.
Rajapaksa fled the country to avoid arrest
As president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is exempt from arrest, is believed to have gone abroad before leaving office to avoid the possibility of being taken into custody.
President has to resign today
Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday promised to resign and clear the way for a “peaceful transition of power”. Sri Lanka’s political parties have stepped up efforts to form an all-party government and a new president is to be elected on July 20.
President and his brother had to go back
Earlier, both Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Basil had to return from Colombo airport in the early hours of Tuesday. Both had tried to leave the country amid growing public anger against the Rajapaksa family over the country’s worst economic crisis.
Protesters entered the President and PM’s house on Saturday
Sri Lanka has been in the grip of a huge economic crisis in the last few months. There is a severe shortage of essentials in the country, due to which the public took to the streets against the government and the protest reached its peak on Saturday when the protesters stormed the official residences of President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
PM also announced resignation
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has also announced that he will step down if an all-party government is formed in the midst of the ongoing turmoil in the country.
Sri Lanka does not have foreign exchange
Sri Lanka has run out of foreign exchange even for imports of the most essential commodities, causing serious difficulties for its 22 million people. The country defaulted on its foreign debt of $51 billion in April and is in talks with the International Monetary Fund for possible relief.
