By Online Desk
Sri Lanka’s embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has signed his resignation letter. Gotabaya, who is reportedly under the protection of the Armed Forces in the island nation, signed his resignation letter, dated for July 13 on Monday. The Speaker of Parliament is expected to publicly announce it to the nation on July 13, the Daily Mirror reports.
Speculation was rife yesterday that Rajapaksa had already left the island last afternoon, however, these reports were rejected by senior sources close to the President who confirmed to Daily Mirror that Rajapaksa was still in the country and was protected by the Armed Forces, the report adds.
Another report noted that the immigration officials and staffers attached to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) decided to withdraw from services with the information reaching them that former minister Basil Rajapaksa’s intention to leave the country through the airport. However, the decision was taken to prevent the possibility of political VIPs using the channel to flee the country
After his failed attempt to leave the country failed following a standoff with airport immigration staff who blocked his exit to safety abroad, there are reports lately saying that Gotabaya is planning to leave the country in a navy patrol craft.
In the meantime, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) today denied social media reports that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is currently staying in a private house belonging to Air Force Chief Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.
It may be recalled that in the nation stalked by the economic crisis, the anti-government protesters have taken control of the Presidential Secretariat, President’s House, and Temple Trees, which contain both the prime minister’s official office and residence.
Meanwhile, the UN chief on Monday called for dialogue to “ensure a smooth transition of government and solutions to the country’s deep economic crisis”.
