‘Don’t safeguard criminals’: Fleeing Sri Lankan president faces protests in Maldives

Sri Lankan expatriates carrying flags and placards denounced Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his country after protesters overran his Colombo residence over the worsening economic crisis

Escaping Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa faced protests in the Maldives on July 13 with dozens of compatriots urging Male not to provide him safe heaven.

Sri Lankan expatriates carrying flags and placards denounced Mr. Rajapaksa, who fled his country early on July 13 after protesters overran his Colombo residence at the weekend over the worsening economic crisis in the South Asian nation.

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"Dear Maldivian friends, please urge your government not to safeguard criminals," said a black and white banner held by Sri Lankans working in the islands' tiny capital.

Local media carried unverified videos of residents shouting insults at Mr. Rajapaksa as he walked out of the Velana International airport following his arrival on a military aircraft.

As Sri Lankans protested at an artificial beach area in Male on July 13, Special Operations police confiscated placards and dispersed the demonstrators, witnesses said.

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