Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa expected to return to country, official says

Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is usually expected to return to the country from Singapore, a Sri Lankan legislator says.

Cabinet spokesperson Bandula Gunawardena told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Rajapaksa was not in hiding but the date of their return was not known.

The former leader fled Sri Lanka after bulk unrest over a fiscal crisis.

Numerous protesters say he mishandled the nation’s budget, leading to soaring prices of essential goods.

Mr Rajapaksa remaining Sri Lanka on 13 July for the Maldives, before making his method to Singapore on 14 July.

This individual submitted his resignation shortly after his appearance, which was formally recognized by the Sri Lankan cabinet on fifteen July.

The previous president travelled together with his wife and 2 bodyguards. He no more has legal immunity as a head associated with state.

Singapore states the ousted leader did not ask for political asylum when he arrived.

Mr Rajapaksa had been initially granted a 14-day australian visa for his stay in Singapore. But which has now been extended another 14 days, Singapore local media reported on Wednesday.

Speculation has since swirled about their possible plans, which includes suggesting he might proceed to the United Arab Emirates.

Nevertheless Bloomberg quoted an unnamed Sri Lankan official as saying Mr Rajapaksa has been keen to return to Colombo.

Then upon Tuesday Mr Gunawardena told reporters, “To my knowledge he or she is expected to come back”.

Sri Lankans blame Mr Rajapaksa’s administration for their worst economic crisis in years.

They have been fighting months of daily power cuts and shortages of basics like fuel, as well as medicines.

Mr Rajapaksa has been replaced as president by his close ally Ranil Wickremesinghe – this individual was voted in by lawmakers last week but is significantly unpopular among Sri Lankans.