Colombo – Agencies:
Multiple sources in the defense sector have revealed that advisers to Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are discussing ways to escape the president and his crew on a patrol boat, following an humiliating confrontation with immigration officials, who let him through Colombo airport. was stopped from Source.
In addition, the presidential office does not report on the president’s condition, but Rajapaksa, who remains the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has access to military media.
On Saturday, the president used a navy ship to escort protesters from the besieged Rashtrapati Bhavan to Katunayake base in the country’s northeast. Rajapaksa then took a helicopter flight to Colombo International Airport on Monday.
“The best option now is to get out to sea,” the defense official said, referring to another option of boarding a plane from Matla International Airport, which opened in 2013. The airport does not serve regular international flights, and has been described as the world’s least used international airport..
Yesterday, immigration officials refused entry to Rajapaksa’s VIP lounge to get his passport stamped when the head of state wanted to avoid public facilities, local media reported, adding that the president took 15 of his family’s home. Tried to leave the country with the members. and associates.
Since he has yet to announce his resignation, Rajapaksa still enjoys the presidency, fulfilling his pledge for a “peaceful change of power” on Wednesday. He wants to take advantage of this and seek exile abroad.
The president and his wife spent last night at a military base near the international airport after four flights that could have taken them out of the country went missing.
The Sri Lankan President left a bag full of documents and Rs 17.85 million (49,000 euros) in cash, which were handed over to the court.
Rajapaksa is accused of mismanaging the economy to such an extent that the country ran out of foreign exchange for even basic imports, something that left its population of 22 million people in a very difficult position.
Sri Lanka defaulted on its foreign debt worth $51 billion in April and is in talks with the International Monetary Fund for a possible rescue plan.
Sri Lanka has almost consumed its scarce supply, mainly petroleum. The government ordered the closure of non-essential offices and schools to ease traffic and save fuel.