The Speaker of Parliament is likely to announce the resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the night from Thursday to Friday. International news agencies reported on Thursday that Rajapaksa has sent his resignation letter via email, but the formal dismissal requires that a physical letter be submitted to Parliament.

news agency Reuters Reports said Parliament Speaker Mahinda Abiwardena will make an announcement on Friday at 2.00am (Netherlands time). It is likely that the resignation will be announced at that time.

According to the news agency Reuters The letter of resignation was sent via email on Thursday. However, Parliament Speaker Abiwardena would like to receive an actual speech before announcing the resignation. The letter is now being flown from Singapore, where Rajapaksa currently resides, to the Sri Lankan commercial capital, Colombo.

Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on Wednesday. He did so after violent protests erupted. His official residence was broken into. The president promised to resign earlier on Wednesday but did not.

The president will be on his way to Saudi Arabia

according to Watchman The president arrived in Singapore on Thursday afternoon. According to the Singaporean government, he does not intend to stay there for long. He is said to be on his way to Saudi Arabia and does not want to resign until he is there. As president, Rajapaksa cannot be prosecuted, but after his resignation, he can.

According to the British newspaper, he is looking for a safe haven where he will not be extradited. It is not yet clear if he is now on his way to Saudi Arabia.

Anger over the economic crisis and the spread of corruption

The Sri Lankan people blame the president for causing the worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. In addition, the presidential family is accused of widespread corruption.

This anger led to months of violent protests and the storming of Rajapaksa’s official residence. The crowd also directed its anger at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently the acting president. Wickremesinghe is seen as a partner in Rajapaksa. His office was also broken into on Wednesday.