Amid widespread protests over Sri Lanka’s economic problems, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country on a military jet. The 73-year-old, with his wife and two security personnel, took a flight to the Maldives, according to the country’s air force.
A family dynasty that had dominated Sri Lanka for many years ended with Mr Rajapaksa’s departure. After large crowds attacked his home on Saturday, the president fled and announced his intention to step down on Wednesday, July 13.
Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, his brother, has reportedly departed Sri Lanka and is on his way to the United States. “Quit now or face massive protest,” Rajapaksa warned.
Thousands of people flooded Colombo’s streets as Sri Lankans awoke to the news. Many people gathered at Galle Face Green, the city’s primary protest location. On a temporary platform made up for speakers of ordinary people to grab the mic, some people listened to ferocious speeches. The rallying cry of the protest movement, “Victory to the struggle,” was used as a punctuation mark as speakers lashed out at a government and its officials they believed had let them down.
Some protesters were incensed by Mr Rajapaksa’s departure because they perceived a lack of accountability. They blame President Rajapaksa’s administration’s worst economic catastrophe in decades. For months, they have been suffering daily blackouts and shortages of necessities like fuel, food, and medications.
The leader is thought to have intended to leave the country before resigning to avoid the prospect of being arrested by the next administration, as he is immune from prosecution while he is president.
The president’s departure raises the possibility of a power vacuum in Sri Lanka, which requires a functioning administration to start the country’s process of financial recovery.
Politicians from other parties have discussed a new unity administration, but there is no indication that they are close to reaching an agreement. Another question is whether the general people would accept what they come up with.
According to the constitution, if the president were to step down, the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, would take over. In parliament, the prime minister is referred to as the president’s deputy.
Although Mr Wickremesinghe also has a poor reputation. When protesters set fire to his private property on Saturday, he and his family were not inside. Yet, he announced that he would step down to make room for a unity administration but did not provide a timeline.
The parliament speaker is the next most likely contender to serve as interim president, according to constitutional experts. However, considering Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena is Rajapaksa’s friend, it is uncertain whether the general populace would recognise his authority.
Whoever does end up in the role of acting president has 30 days to call a vote among parliamentarians to pick a new leader. The victor of the vote might complete Mr Rajapaksa’s remaining term until late 2024.
Sajith Premadasa, the main opposition leader, stated that he would be running for president. But he also gets little public support, and the public strongly distrusts politicians.
There is no clear front-runner for the position of leader of the country amid the protest movement that has taken Sri Lanka to the verge of change.