Sri Lanka Crisis: India pledges to continue its support to island nation

The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA), on Thursday, proposed four suggestions to Sri Lankan authorities in order to reach a solution within the constitutional framework.
In a statement released on Thursday, it said:

• Public representatives should listen to the majority of public opinion 
• The protestors should hand over the public property that captured in the last five days
• No space should be allowed to make it a platform to achieve narrow personal objectives.
   

Reiterating its commitment to Sri Lanka, India on Thursday said that New Delhi will continue to stand with the people of the island nation and their aspirations through democratic means and a constitutional framework. Addressing the weekly media briefing today, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India denied having any role or facilitating Gotabaya Rajapaksa's departure or his travel from Sri Lanka.

The President’s office, on Thursday, clarified that a letter which went viral on social media claiming to be President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation letter is bogus. Earlier on July 14, the President sent his resignation letter to the Speaker via e-mail.

A day after embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives, the government of Male issued a statement on Thursday, saying he was granted diplomatic clearance for a Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft to land at the Velana International Airport after receiving an official request from the Government of Sri Lanka. "President Rajapaksa left for Singapore on 14 July 2022," it said.

Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, on Thursday, said the official announcement of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation will be done on Friday, July 15, NewsWire reported. According to him, the announcement will be made once the legal verification of  Rajapaksa’s letter and other legal procedures are completed.
 

Following Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation, Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of the Maldives parliament, stated that the island country can now move forward.  "I believe the President would not have resigned if he were still in Sri Lanka, and fearful of losing his life. I commend the thoughtful actions of the Govt of Maldives. My best wishes to the people of Sri Lanka," Nasheed wrote on Twitter. 
 

According to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), three additional Diesel shipments of 40,000 MT each and 92 Octane Petrol shipments of 35,000 MT are scheduled to arrive in the country on July 17. Earlier on June 25, the state-owned CPC stopped providing fuel to the general population owing to shortages, News Cutter reported. 
 

In a massive development, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent his resignation letter to the Parliament Speaker through e-mail. According to local media reports, the much-awaited resignation comes after the embattled President landed in Singapore Thursday evening. This is the first time a President in the country has resigned from his post, News Cutter reported. 

Amid the ongoing economic and political crisis in the country, Sri Lankan protesters left the government buildings they occupied and the military reinforced security. 

(Images: AP)

Saudi Airlines flight SV 788 carrying Gotabaya Rajapaksa has landed at Singapore's Changi airport. According to reports, more than 12,000 people tracked the flight on flightradar24.com.

Singapore's foreign ministry issued a statement on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's visit to the country.  Terming it as a 'private visit', the ministry also added that neither has he asked for asylum nor has he been granted one. The statement further read that country generally does not grant asylum.

British MP and the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, has urged that a global arrest warrant should be issued against Sri Lankan Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country amid the ongoing crisis. "The horrible state of affairs in Sri Lanka has been caused by the corruption of the Rajapaksa Authorities, tax cuts, skyrocketing defence expenditure and draconian police powers,” Davey told media, News First reported. He also urged the UK government to coordinate with international partners for a comprehensive financial and political solution to "help the democrats in Sri Lanka," including the issuance of an arrest warrant against Rajapaksa. 

As reported earlier, the Sri Lankan Parliament will not be convened on Friday, July 15. Meanwhile, Committee on Parliamentary Business and party leaders will hold a meeting on Friday, the News Cutter reported. 

Amid the growing unrest in the country, Sri Lankan soldiers have been given authority to use required force in order to prevent the lives of people as well as the destruction of property, the Daily Mirror reported citing Army Media. 

Amid the ongoing unrest in the country, military armoured vehicles were also seen patrolling the roads of Colombo.  The Army personnel were seen sitting on tanks and taking rounds of the region. In addition, troops also gathered at Sri Lanka's parliament in order to stop any untoward activity as Gotabaya Rajapaksa is slated to resign on Thursday. The security forces are also conducting air patrol over Prime Minister's residence in Colombo. 

Keeping the Supreme Court informed, the lawyers of Mahinda Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, and SR Attygalle have said that all three officials will not leave the country until tomorrow, July 15. As per the News Cutter report, the lawyers gave the information to the Apex court on Thursday.

Refuting media reports, ANI's sources have revealed that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards, who boarded a Saudi Airline flight from the Maldives to Singapore, will stay in the Lion city and would not travel further to the Middle East. Earlier, reports had stated that the embattled leader would arrive in Jeddah from Singapore. However, sources have confirmed that Rajapaksa would remain in Singapore after he reaches the city at 7 PM (local time).  

Trains from outstations to Colombo are suspended due to the curfew, stated the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways. However, the trains from the Sri Lankan capital in the evening will function normally.

Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wednesday said that there should be an international arrest warrant for Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his “cronies". According to News Cutter, Davey even accused the Rajapaksa regime for the situation in the country driven by his policies. 

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left for Singapore at noon on Thursday on a Saudi Airlines flight SV 788, revealed a Maldives Journal to News Cutter. As per the report, the flight was issued by the airline's office in Jeddah. It has also been reported that he was accompanied by three others who are expected to be his wife and two bodyguards. 

Republic reports LIVE from Colombo as curfew was imposed in the Sri Lankan capital from 12 noon on July 14 to 5 AM (local time) July 15 as fresh clashes rock the city on Thursday.  

In the latest development, Galle Face protesters have reportedly decided to hand over all government buildings, including the President's House, President's Office, and Prime Minister's Office back to the authorities. 

Local reports have stated that a curfew has been imposed in Colombo until 5 AM (local time) tomorrow. The latest development came after at least 2 security personnel were injured in fresh clashes between the army and the anti-government protesters on Thursday. 

As per reports, the Sri Lankan protesters stole a T-56 machine gun and bullets belonging to the army who clashed with the troops near the parliament on July 13. 

Private jet lands in Maldives to take Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Singapore as protests rock the economically embattled nation to collapse.

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In the latest update pertaining to Sri Lankan President Goatabya Rajapaksa's resignation, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that the embattled leader is "is under a lot of pressure and that steps will be taken to send the resignation letter as soon as possible". According to the News Cutter report, the speaker is seeking legal advice to determine if it could be considered that Rajapaksa left the office, even without the letter of resignation. 

Union Minister for Civil Aviation & Steel Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Wednesday hailed Trivandrum & Kochi airports for showcasing "Indian spirit" and allowing the landing of at least 120 Sri Lanka-bound flights as the neighbouring country continues to witness a crippling crisis. While several nations have warned citizens against travelling to Sri Lanka, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka highlighted how New Delhi is assisting the island nation in "multiple ways".

Apart from the shipments, monetary aid, and other assistance that India offered Sri Lanka in the months-long economic crisis, Trivandrum & Kochi airports went "beyond their call of duty by allowing technical landing to 120+ aircraft bound for Sri Lanka". Scindia said, "The gesture will go a long way in furthering ties with our neighbour".

According to News First,  Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has said that a vessel carrying 40,000 MT of diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country on Friday, July 15. CPC Chairman reportedly confirmed that payments for the fuel have been completed with the island. 

As the world watches the scenes emerging from Sri Lankan protests in shock, UK, Singapore, and Bahrain have called on the citizens to avoid travelling to the debt-ridden island nation. Apart from devastating protests, the country is reeling from an acute shortage of essential items. 

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's request for asylum in Singapore is 'under negotiation', revealed Singaporean sources to News Cutter as the embattled leader is set to arrive in the Lion City on Thursday. The source was quoted by the media outlet as saying, "He was apprehensive of travelling with the general public for security reasons. He wanted a private jet". 

The Swiss government on Wednesday issued a warning to travellers warning them against leisure travel to Sri Lanka as the country is crippled by the crisis. Foreign Ministry of Switzerland stated “Travel to Sri Lanka for tourists and other non-urgent purposes is not advised (except for air transit via Colombo International Airport). The political situation is confusing, and tensions are rising. It must be anticipated that the situation would worsen “.

As Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented economic crisis resulting in massive outrage among the public, Sri Lankan military and the police on Wednesday urged the Speaker of Parliament to convene an all-party leaders' meeting in order to maintain a law and order situation in the island nation. In a statement, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva appealed to the people as well as political leaders, especially the youth to support the Army, Navy, Air Force and police in order to find a solution to the chaos.

He also made a special request to the Parliament Speaker to inform all party leaders about the steps to ensure a political resolution to the "current conflict". Meanwhile, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has also made a similar request and appealed to security forces not to implement "unconstitutional" and "unlawful orders" given by the acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

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UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that he is following the situation in Sri Lanka "closely" and has urged for restoration of peace. He said, "I continue to follow the situation in Sri Lanka very closely. It is important that the root causes of the conflict and protestors’ grievances are addressed. I urge all party leaders to embrace the spirit of compromise for a peaceful and democratic transition."

Sri Lankan Parliament's speaker has said that he has not yet received Gotabya Rajapaksa's resignation, as per News First report. However, Rajapaksa is expected to resign today.

Local reports have stated that public transportation in Sri Lanka is operating as usual on Thursday after a day full of protests. However, the trains and buses are run in comparatively less numbers. 

Sri Lanka's embattled leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country in the wake of protests and is now struggling to pin down a safe location for his family, is expected to resign later on Thursday. As per reports, the Parliament speaker has informed leaders of all parties that Rajapaksa will tender his resignation on July 14. 

As per local reports, Sri Lanka's nationwide curfew was lifted at 5 AM (local time) on Thursday, July 14. Meanwhile, at least 42 persons were hospitalized following clashes at Polduwa junction near Parliament on Wednesday. 

Amid massive protests in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled to Male on Wednesday did not board the Singapore-based flight amid security threats, Daily Mirror added citing sources. According to the media reports, he was about to leave the Maldives on Wednesday with flight SQ437 but he did not board the airline amid the threat of being mobbed by angry protestors. Moreover, securing a private aircraft for the embattled President is currently in talks, Maldivian Media reported.

The interim President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Wednesday, imposed a nationwide curfew until Thursday morning in Sri Lanka in the wake of intensifying protests against the government. The President said that the curfew will remain in force till 5 am on July 14.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused his Russian counterpart of the current crisis in Sri Lanka. He underscored that the blocking of food and other agricultural produce has resulted in unrest all around the world. Notably, his critical remarks came during the virtual Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul on Wednesday. "The shocking rise in food and fuel prices caused a social explosion. No one knows now how it will end. However, you all know that the same outbursts are possible in other countries affected by food and energy crises," he pointed out.

Sanath Jayasuriya is both "angry" and "sad" to witness his beloved Sri Lanka grapple with enormous financial crisis and civil unrest but the former cricketer is expecting that democracy will soon be restored in the Island nation. The former captain and one of the greatest players to emerge from the sub-continent, Jayasuriya didn't mince words while flaying the politicians, who he thinks have made a mess of everything.

"It is a very, very sad situation as to what Sri Lankan public has to go through. My country is suffering and I am deeply pained to see people standing in long queues to buy essential food items. There is no electricity, no fuel and above all basic medicines are unavailable. It couldn't have gotten worse for the common man," Jayasuruya told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

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US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung on Wednesday urged Sri Lanka’s political fraternity to ensure peaceful transfer of power and called for the rule of law to be upheld in the crisis-hit island nation.  “We urge all parties to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation and to work quickly to implement solutions that will bring long-term economic & political stability,” Chung said in a tweet. “We condemn all violence and call for the rule of law to be upheld. A peaceful transfer of power within SL’s democratic & constitutional framework is essential so the people’s demands for accountability, transparency, democratic governance & a better future can be realised,” she added. 

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party urged for the "immediate establishment" of full law and order in the country and pledged its full support. "We strongly request the Acting President and the security forces to immediately establish full law and order in the country and we emphasise that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is ready to provide full support for that. Our opinion is that the behaviour of the violent groups facing the country should be taken seriously," the statement read.

The Sri Lankan Bar Association has published a statement in response to the country's political crisis and requested responsible behaviour from all parties. The Prime Minister's Office at Flower Road has been occupied by protesting masses, which has caused great concern among the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), according to a statement released.

Further, BASL urged the protesters to hand over the aforementioned property to the law enforcement officials right away. The statement went on to say that while the BASL would continue to support the rights of peaceful demonstration, it opposes unconstitutional conditions of lawlessness or chaos. Additionally, according to BASL, attempting to occupy government buildings or damage or destroy property does not qualify as a peaceful protest.

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Speaking to Republic TV, Caretaker President Ranil Wickremesinghe's aide Tharindu Liyanage claimed that the "protests are politically motivated and that the country needs an experienced leader." He further stated that it's the duty of the government to enforce the law and order and focus on the economic recovery plan. "People are protesting because they're going through hardships in their lives," Liyanage added. 

According to the Sri Lanka PM's Media Division, Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to nominate a Prime Minister who is acceptable to all the parties in the country. This comes after Wickremesinghe held a meeting with the cabinet members today. All of the participating ministers agreed to transfer power to an all-party government as soon as that decision is taken, Sri Lanka PM's Media Division added, as per ANI. 

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa claimed that the government has unleashed a "wave of oppression" against the people in the face of ongoing demands for both the Prime Minister and the President to step down. He stated that a wave of oppression using firearms and other weapons has been launched against unarmed protestors. Further, Premadasa also urged the country's security forces to keep unarmed protestors in mind, and avoid acting as the President and Prime Minister's tools, News Cutter reported. 

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) released a statement regarding the political turmoil in the country. It also urged all parties to act responsibly amid the ongoing crisis. It further stated that the association is deeply disturbed at the occupation of the Prime Minister’s Office at Flower Road by protesting crowds. "We call upon them to return the said premises to the authorities immediately. Whilst the BASL will continue to uphold the rights of peaceful protests, it does not support a situation of lawlessness or anarchy which are unconstitutional. Attempts to occupy Government Offices and to cause destruction and or damage to property do not constitute peaceful protests," the BASL stated. 

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) urged all stakeholders in Sri Lanka to abstain from violence and ensure a peaceful transition of power in the country. It also called on the security forces of the island country to exercise restraint and respect human rights. 

General Shavendra Silva, the chief of the defence staff for Sri Lanka, stated that the country's Police and the Armed Forces have operated in accordance with the law of the land. He also urged the people support the Police and Armed Forces in upholding the peace. Amarasuriya stated, "The people are protesting on the street because they want Gotabaya to resign and Ranil to leave the office. The news that Ranil has been appointed as acting president has really disturbed and upset people because that is not what they expected, they expected Ranil to resign and the speaker to be the acting president. They also expected Parliament to elect a new President next week."

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General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of the Defence Staff for Sri Lanka, stated that the country's Police and the Armed Forces have operated in accordance with the law of the land. He also urged the people to support the Police and Armed Forces in upholding the peace, News First reported. 

The worsening economic situation in Sri Lanka has forced thousands of people on the streets, except one little girl, who is still making efforts to help her motherland get out of the crisis. In a video that is doing the rounds on social media, a young Sri Lankan girl was seen talking to a few tourists, persuading them to visit the country and help in tourism, which could boost the crumbling economy. 

In the video, the girl can be heard saying, "In my Sri Lanka- my motherland, there is a big problem with politicians. When you have friends, you invite them to our country and travel all the nice places. We have lots of nice places. We don't have dollars but when you come to our country, we get dollars."

Doctors in Sri Lanka have advised people not to "fall ill or get into accidents" as the island nation's healthcare system is running short of drugs and other vital supplies. Meanwhile, several doctors have posted messages on social media platforms, urging donations of supplies or funds to buy essential things. However, till now, there's been no sign of an end to the crisis that has wreaked havoc on the South Asian island nation. Meanwhile, several hospitals have also asked the government to provide essential medical items to treat serious patients, but the government has not been able to help. The economic crisis has hit Sri Lanka at a time when the country is still recovering from the COVID pandemic. 

At least four people got injured during a clash while protesting against the Gotabaya Rajapaksa-led government today in Colombo. According to a Daily Mirror report, the injured people were aged between 17-20 years and residents of Colombo and Wellampitiya. Following the incident, they were admitted to the hospital.  

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, Sri Lankan MP and Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) leader Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran stated that the next leader should be chosen by the people of this country. Here further stated that people are protesting in the country as they do not want acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe to continue. "There is no point blaming the Opposition, intervention of the international community is needed," Rajaputhiran added. 

Amid the deepening crisis in the country, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has called for an emergency all-party meeting today evening. During the meeting, the leaders are likely to discuss about forming an all-party government in order to take the country out of the crisis. The Sri Lankan Parliament will convene on Friday, July 15. 

After taking oath as the country's acting President, Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he has given powers to a committee comprising the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Police and Commanders of the Armed Forces force to maintain the law and order the bring the situation to normalcy. Notably, he will be the acting President till July 20, when the Parliament is slated to elect a new President of the country.

Sources have told Republic TV that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has checked in to a 5-star resort in the Maldives. They further added the Sri Lankan leader is expected to move to Singapore next. Republic Media Network has also accessed the details of the flight ticket to Singapore. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena stated that Rajapaksa is likely to submit his resignation letter today.

Amid the deteriorating situation in the country, the protesters have stormed into the Prime Minister's Office in Colombo. A few of them were also seen on the balcony of the office with the national flag. 

Azath Salley, former Governor of Sri Lanka's Western Province, spoke exclusively to Republic Media Network and urged the nation to come together and bring the country to a stable situation. He also accused the opposition of playing games at a time when Sri Lanka is experiencing economic turmoil. 

He said, "This is not the time for the opposition to play games, this is the time for all politicians, all citizens and everybody to get together to build Sri Lanka and to bring the country to a stable situation. Because if the parliament has announced that it will elect a president on the 20th. So, today till the 20th (July) you need a cabinet of ministers sitting and deciding on things, now we don’t have fuel, we don’t have gas, we don’t have medicines. So, if the opposition is trying to play politics, I don't think we will succeed in anything."

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Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena stated that he is yet to get Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation letter. According to the Speaker, Rajapaksa is slated to hand over the resignation letter to him within a day. Abeywardena also stated that the country will elect a new President on July 20. 

Before he fled Sri Lanka on Wednesday amid a crushing economic crisis, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the last of six members of the country's most influential family still clinging to power.

Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards flew to the city of Male, the capital of the Maldives, according to an immigration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

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In a recent development, Sri Lanka's national television Rupavahini Corporation has suspended its telecasts after protesters stormed the TV station. Meanwhile, the country's Army and the Air Force are patrolling the streets and skies respectively as the fresh protest erupted today morning. 

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the Prime Minister is not allowed to exercise presidential powers, impose curfews, or proclaim a state of emergency in the country. His statement came after former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as the country's acting President on Wednesday. He also declared a state of emergency amid fresh protests in the country. "PM becomes acting President only if the President appoints him as such, or if the office of President is vacant, or if the CJ in consultation with the Speaker forms the view that the President is unable to act [sic]," Premadasa tweeted. He further added, "In the absence of any of these, the PM cannot exercise the powers of President, and cannot declare curfew or a state of emergency." 

Sri Lankan Army took over state television and radio as citizens celebrate Army's Presence as the crisis spirals out of control.

Amid political turmoil in Sri Lanka, uncertainty has loomed over the two-match cricket test match serious between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is to take the final call on the fate of the matches which are slated to take place on July 16 and July 24 at Galle and Colombo respectively. 

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as Acting President after Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees. Wickremesinghe has also ordered 'Stae of Emergency' across the country along with a curfew in the Western Province.

As fresh protests rocked the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo and the military started air patrolling, US Embassy in Colombo suspended day's operations citing 'caution'. The US mission in Sri Lanka said, "Out of an abundance of caution, Consular is canceling our Wednesday afternoon services (American citizen services and NIV passback) as well as all consular services on Thursday.  We apologize for any inconvenience and will reschedule all canceled appointments.".

According to a News Cutter report, a Sri Lankan Air Force has been spotted circling Prime Minister's Office at Flower Road, Colombo. However, the motive of such a ,easure still remains unclear.

A spokesperson from Sri Lankan Prime Minister said that the PM has declared a state of emergency across Sri Lanka and a curfew has been imposed in the western province.

On Wednesday, protests erupt outside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's residence amid heavy security deployment in Colombo. Protesters were raising slogans. 

On Wednesday, protests erupt outside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's residence amid heavy security deployment in Colombo. Protesters are raising slogans. 

Sri Lanka's embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s escape from the country to the Maldives was negotiated by the Maldivian Parliament Speaker and former president Mohamed Nasheed, sources said on Wednesday, according to PTI.

Protest breaks out again in Colombo as the crisis in the country deepens after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country, earlier today. According to the speaker, Rajapaksa is yet to submit his resignation.

Opposition MP Patali Champika Ranawaka has levelled criticism against Gotabaya Rajapaksa for fleeing the nation without signing his resignation. Noting that things should be according to the constitution, Ranawaka said that had Rajapaksa signed his resignation, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe could have been the interim President amid crisis. The Opposition MP also said that the Speaker and the entire nation had hoped Rajapaksa would hand in his resignation.

According to the News Cutter report, Sr Lanka's former President Maithripala Sirisena called on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to resign from his post. Sirisena said, "The protestors expect both the President and the Prime Minister to resign, he must listen to the people and resign".

Sri Lanka's speaker's office has confirmed that no acting president was appointed before President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa fled the country to reach the Maldives. 

Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament told ANI that "We haven't received Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation yet, but we hope to get it in a day". It is to note here that Rajapaksa has left Sri Lanka and was presently known to be in Maldives' capital, Male.

Republic TV's sources have revealed that Gotabaya Rajapaksa's final destination is not the Maldives, where he reached with the full approval of Sri Lankan government earlier on Wednesday. It has been understood that he would reach his final spot later on July 13, after which he will officially resign from the post of Sri Lankan President. His resignation would be delivered to the Speaker of the Parliament by a close aide. 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa reaches the Maldives after fleeing from Sri Lanka, and India denies helping President amid propaganda.  Republic reports LIVE from Colombo as the country battles the worst economic crisis.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister's Media Division has reported that Sri Lankan Prime Minister's office has confirmed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the country

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother Basil who is also the former Finance Minister also fled the crisis-hit Sri Lanka, sources have revealed. 

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country with his wife and 2 bodyguards, were subjected to full approval by the Ministry of Defense for immigration, customs & other laws to fly to the Maldives, confirmed Sri Lankan Air Force Media Director.

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As Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Maldives capital Male, India High Commission in the island country categorically denied reports of New Delhi assisting his travel. The High Commission said, "High Commission categorically denies baseless and speculative media reports that India facilitated the recent reported travel of @gotabayar @Realbrajapaksa out of Sri Lanka. It is reiterated that India will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established democratic institutions and constitutional framework".

Media reports have stated that the United States had rejected the visa for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was also a former American citizen. The embattled Sri Lankan President, who is now known to be in Maldives, initially thought of a safe passage out of the island nation through the US, but reportedly, "it was denied".

According to a press release by the Sri Lanka air force, embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the country on a military jet and arrived in the capital of the Maldives, Male, at around 03:00  AM (local time). Republic also accessed the first visuals of Rajapaksa in Male. 

Ready to nominate civil activists for Presidency if no consensus by political parties, said the Sri Lankan Buddhist priest.

As the country remains crippled by the financial crisis and political turmoil,  local media reported that the country will witness a similar public outrage on Wednesday, July 13

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had fled the island nation with his wife, other family members and a bodyguard after the embattled leader had to leave his home in Colombo due to thousands of protesters storming inside.  Republic learnt that outgoing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will take over the office of the President, on Tuesday. Sources told the channel that the incumbent President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has already signed his resignation papers dated July 13 which will be submitted to the Parliament Speaker on Wednesday for the formal declaration.

Read more about Republic's scoop on Rajapaksa's resignation here 

Weighing in the current crisis unfolding in Sri Lanka, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was the island nation's "internal issue".Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, "We expect a new government to be formed and are ready to cooperate with it. We believe the situation will return to normal before long and that the new Sri Lankan authorities will take the necessary measures to ride out the crisis in the national economy".

Following the tumultuous protests on Saturday, Sri Lanka's embattled president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had fled the country, landed in the Maldives, as per PTI sources. Earlier, Republic had understood that outgoing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the office of the President on Tuesday. Republic TV sources stated that Rajapaksa had already signed his resignation papers dated July 13 which will be submitted to the Parliament Speaker on Wednesday for the formal declaration.