Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emails a letter of resignation to the speaker of the country's parliament, shortly after he arrives in Singapore
Protesters who have taken to the streets against a dire economic crisis hurting the island nation have been demanding the resignations of both the president and the prime minister.
The original resignation letter will be flown into Colombo from Singapore as soon as possible, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters news agency. Singapore's foreign ministry confirmed Rajapaksa had been allowed to enter the city-state but insisted it was for a "private visit". In Sri Lanka, protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament earlier in the day, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.
Images of protesters inside the government buildings — lounging on elegant sofas and beds, posing at officials' desks and touring the opulent settings — have captured the world's attention.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves Maldives for SingaporeSri Lanka's fleeing President has left Maldives en route to Singapore amid anger in his home country over his refusal to formally resign
Read more »
Fleeing Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa allowed to enter Singapore on 'private visit'Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has landed in Singapore on a flight from Maldives after fleeing his country in the wake of anti-government protests.
Read more »
President Rajapaksa flies out of Sri Lanka to MaldivesGotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and a bodyguard were among four passengers on board an Antonov-32 aircraft that flew from main international airport, immigration officials say.
Read more »