President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled from Sri Lanka, has now left the Maldives for Singapore. Private plane had reached Maldives to take him to Singapore. Gotabaya was also preparing to fly to Singapore from the Velana International Airport in Maldives late on Wednesday, but had to leave the flight fearing protests.
At the same time, protests are still going on in Colombo. Meanwhile, tanks have been deployed for the security of the Parliament House. On the other hand, the protesters have vacated the President’s residence and the Prime Minister’s residence. The army has taken both these places under its control.
On the other hand, President Rajapaksa’s brother and former minister Basil Rajapaksa has also fled to America. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abhaywardene says that Gotabaya’s resignation has not been received so far.
Updates related to Sri Lanka crisis…
- The army was allowed to use force to prevent violent protests in the country.
- Curfew was imposed in Colombo from 12 noon on Thursday to 5 in the morning on Friday.
- According to the news agency AP, Gotabaya Rajapaksa will go to Saudi Arabia after Singapore.
- The protesters are negotiating to vacate occupied government buildings.
- Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday lifted a curfew imposed in the Western Province.
One killed, 75 injured in protests in Sri
Lanka The anger of Sri Lankans flared up after Rajapaksa left the country. Protesters are fiercely rioting on the streets of the capital Colombo. Seeing the fierce protest of the people, the army has lowered its weapons in front of its citizens. To control, they are just firing tear gas shells or using mild force. One person died and more than 75 people were injured during the demonstration.
What next: Rajapaksa family important in choosing next president, Premadasa ahead in
race Due to this, he will have an important role in choosing the new President. The SLPP has 116 members in the 225-member house. The opposition has 108 members.
Several members of the SLPP are in favor of former media minister Dullas Alhapparuma. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Janata Vimukti Peramuna Party’s Anura Kumara Disanayake, Dullas Alhapparuma and Leader of Opposition Premadasa are in the race for the President’s post.
The President will be the one who will get the support of the SLPP. In such a situation, the role of Mahindra can be important. After the resignation of the President, the PM will become the acting President for 30 days. If the prime minister resigns, the speaker will become the acting president. Presidential election will have to be held in 30 days. Barring Mahinda Rajapaksa, the rest of the Members of Parliament will be eligible for nomination. Mahinda cannot become the President, as the Constitution prevents him from becoming the President for a third term.
- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed acting president hours after Gotabaya, 73, who had promised to resign on Wednesday, left the country. Now the protests have started afresh there. The Prime Minister’s residence is still in the possession of the protesters.
- Emergency has been imposed in Sri Lanka in view of the violent protests. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe appealed to the army to take action to maintain peace. However, the PM’s order has been opposed by former Field Marshal and MP Sarath Fonseca.
- Curfew was imposed in Colombo till 5 am on Thursday, but has now been lifted.
- Sri Lankan nationals have been stationed near Velana International Airport in Maldives since Wednesday evening. They are protesting against Rajapaksa.
- Meanwhile, an all-party meeting was also held on Wednesday. In this, except the leaders of the parties involved in the government, all other leaders participated. It demanded the resignation of Wickremesinghe. Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said- A leader with one MP is first made the Prime Minister and then he is the acting President. This is the Rajapakse style of democracy. What is the spectacle? what a tragedy?
- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, ‘We cannot tear our Constitution. We cannot allow fascists to take over power. We must put an end to this fascist threat to democracy.