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Sri Lanka’s deposed president ‘to return home’
Sri Lanka's constitution guarantees bodyguards, a vehicle and housing for former presidents.
Colombo: Sri Lanka’s deposed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to end his self-imposed exile in Thailand and return home on Saturday, a top defense official said.
As per details, the 73-year-old fled the island under military guard in July after a huge crowd stormed his official residence, following months of angry public protests blaming him for nation’s unprecedented economic crisis.
He issued his resignation from Singapore before flying onward to Bangkok, where he has been petitioning his successor to facilitate his return.
"He has been living in a Thai hotel as a virtual prisoner and was keen to return," the official, who asked not to be named, told AFP.
Sri Lanka's constitution guarantees bodyguards, a vehicle and housing for former presidents.
Rajapaksa travelled to Thailand after Singapore declined to extend his 28-day visa, but security authorities in Bangkok told him not to step out of his hotel for his own safety.
The former president had a 90-day visa to remain in Thailand, but opted to return with his wife, a bodyguard and another aide, the official said.
Rajapaksa’s youngest brother, Basil, the former finance minister, met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe last month and requested protection to allow for the deposed leader’s return.
SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES