Sri Lanka president flees to Singapore after protesters storm presidential palace

 It's official: Sri Lanka's president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has not only resigned but fled to Singapore.

"In response to media queries, it is confirmed that Mr Rajapaksa has been allowed entry into Singapore on a private visit. He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum," Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said, confirming the embattled former president's presence in Lion City.

According to the BBC, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the country's speaker of parliament, had accepted Rajapaksa's resignation. The 73-year-old had resigned on July 14, 2022.

Acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will now be sworn in as interim president as Sri Lanka's parliament makes preparations to convene on July 16 to begin the process of electing the new leader of the country.

Why did Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign?

Gotabaya Rajapaksa (right) and his brother and former Sri Lanka president, Mahinda Rajapaksa. IMAGE: Eranga Jayawardena / Associated Press.

Gotabaya's resignation is symbolic for two reasons.

First, his resignation marks the end of the Rajapaksa family's 20-year rule over Sri Lanka. Gotabaya, along with his brothers Mahinda, Basil, Chamal, and his nephews, thrived along the corridors of power in the South Asian nation.

Second, due to nepotism and corruption, Sri Lanka saw its inflation rise to 54.6 percent.

Don't cause any trouble, Singapore warns people.

While Gotabaya has not sought asylum in Singapore, nor has he been granted any, Lion City has warned people not to cause any trouble, according to Bloomberg.

"The public, Singaporeans, residents, work pass holders and social visitors alike, abide by our local laws. Action will be taken against anyone participating in a public assembly that is illegal."

The warning was issued after a group of Sri Lankans had gathered at Changi Airport in an attempt to confront the beleaguered former president.

On July 9, protestors had stormed the presidential palace and had even set fire to the prime minister's private home.

Gotabaya had arrived with his wife and two bodyguards. He flew from the Maldives in a Saudia flight and is expected to remain in Singapore until he gets clearance to fly to Saudi Arabia.