Gotabaya Rajapaksa asks for private jet from Maldivian government to fly to Singapore [TKB World]

Public protests erupted in Sri Lanka after prolonged economic crisis and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country on Wednesday without resigning from his post. First he stayed in Maldives, after which preparations were made to go to Singapore late at night. According to local media reports, Rajapaksa demanded a private jet from the Maldivian government to go to Singapore, fearing public protests.

Heavy security at the airport
There is heavy security at Velana International Airport in Maldives, as Gotabaya Rajapaksa can leave for Singapore from Maldives at any time. However, there were also demonstrations against Gotabaya in the Maldives. On the other hand, the journalists who were waiting near the VIP terminal of the airport were removed by the security officials.

Fled to Maldives before resigning on Wednesday
Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives before resigning on Wednesday. He left the country to avoid the possibility of arrest by the new government. A state of emergency was declared in Sri Lanka shortly after Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives in a military plane on Wednesday morning. After this, a nationwide curfew was imposed till 5 am on Thursday amid the uproar in the country.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed had talks
According to news agency , talks were held by the Speaker of the Majlis (Parliament) of Maldives and former President Mohamed Nasheed for Rajapaksa’s escape to Maldives. The Maldivian government argues that Rajapaksa is still the President of Sri Lanka and has not resigned. However, he has signed the resignation. But he has not given his powers to any successor.

Sri Lankans living on the island started protesting as soon as the news of Rajapaksa’s arrival in Maldivian capital Male was received. There were protests in Male with placards carrying the Sri Lankan national flag and anti-government slogans. In which there has been a demand to send Gotabaya Rajapaksa back to Sri Lanka.