Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, wife used military aircraft to reach Maldives

Colombo : President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife along with two bodyguards travelled to the Maldives after full approval of the country's Defense Ministry, Sri Lanka officials confirmed on Wednesday.

"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. Rajapaksa landed at the Velana International Airport in the Maldives early Wednesday.
The Prime Minister's Office also confirmed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left the country.