Singapore authorities have told Sri Lanka’s former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, that they would not extend his leave beyond the 15 days they had initially granted.
The announcement follows Rajapaksa’s resignation on Thursday whilst in exile. The disgraced former President took flight over the weekend amidst mass protest in Colombo. Without diplomatic immunity, he may face prosecution for numerous crimes, including that of genocide.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry released a statement moments after Gotabaya Rajapaksa reportedly landed, claiming that Rajapaksa was on a “private visit”.
“He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum,” the statement added. “Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum” the statement added.
Read more here: TG VIEW: Take him to The Hague
In his stead, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, has assumed the position of acting President. Responding to protesters, Wickremesinghe has imposed a state of emergency and authorised the military’s use of lethal force.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa informed the Sri Lankan Supreme Court that they will not flee the island until the Fundamental Rights petition filed against them has been heard.
Sri Lankan parliamentarians are set to elect a new President this Wednesday.
Read more here.