Rajapaksa's Resignation Brings an end to Sri Lanka's Political Dynasty

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Rajapaksa's Resignation Brings an end to Sri Lanka's Political Dynasty
15 Jul 2022
6 min read

News Synopsis

Sri Lanka's parliament has accepted the resignation of ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, effectively ending the rule of a family that has ruled for nearly two decades. Mr. Rajapaksa's resignation came after he fled to Singapore amid widespread criticism of his economic mismanagement. Sri Lanka is in the grip of economic chaos, with a severe shortage of food, fuel, and other basic necessities.

The resignation of Mr. Rajapaksa clears the way for the country to begin the process of electing a new president. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the speaker of Sri Lanka's parliament, said on Friday that he accepted Mr. Rajapaksa's resignation, which he received late on Thursday.

He has called for parliament to meet on Saturday to begin the process of choosing a new leader. Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn in as Prime Minister. Parliament has until the end of the month to choose a new leader, who could be Mr. Wickremesinghe.

Mr. Rajapaksa fled to Singapore from the Maldives on Thursday, as massive protests erupted in Sri Lanka. He is thought to have wanted to leave Sri Lanka before stepping down to avoid being arrested by a new administration.

After flying to the Maldives on Tuesday night, the embattled leader arrived in Singapore earlier on Thursday. According to reports, he is accompanied by his wife and two bodyguards.

Singapore's Foreign Ministry stated that Mr. Rajapaksa had neither requested nor been granted asylum. "In general, Singapore does not grant asylum requests," it added.

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