Colombo: Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency after president Rajapaksa flees to the Maldives with his wife along with two bodyguards, said the country's Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
As per media reports, both President Rajapaksa and his wife, who arrived in the Maldives, were taken to an undisclosed location under police escort.
"According to the request of the Government in accordance with the powers vested in an Executive President in the Constitution of Sri Lanka, His Excellency the President and the Lady along with two bodyguards from Katunayake International Airport to the Maldives subject to the full approval of the Ministry of Defense subject to immigration, customs and all other laws at Katunayake International Airport. An Air Force flight was given early in the morning on 13th July 2022 to depart," Sri Lankan Air Force Media Director said in a statement.
Reports also informed that the resignation letter signed by the President will be handed over to the speaker of parliament to make a public announcement today.
Meanwhile, security was beefed up outside the PM's residence. However, it was also reported that some protesters broke through the police cordon and moved on.
"We want the PM to resign, because according to our constitution if the president resigns, the PM becomes acting president," a former adviser to Sri Lanka's foreign ministry told ANI in mid-March.
The deteriorating economic situation in Sri Lanka has increased tensions. In the last few weeks, there have been reports of numerous clashes between individuals and members of the police force and the armed forces at the fuel stations.
The country is facing its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.
Also watch: