Colombo 17 August, Colombo : Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country amid protests against the economic turmoil in the nation and will return to Sri Lanka on August 24. Former Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Rajapaksa’s cousin Udayanga Weeratunga, who was a witness before an inquiry into a purchase of MiG aircraft in the civil conflict against Tamil rebels, stated the former President will be returning to Sri Lanka.
Gotabaya was a powerful Defence Secretary during the final phases of the war.
“Gotabaya should be allowed to return to the country, and the people will be happy for him, but he will not stay in politics since he is not suited,” Weeratunga, who was critic of the function of Gotabaya as President said to the media.
“Gotabaya is a competent administrator, but he is not suited for the political arena,” Weeratunga who praised his cousin, who was also former Prime Minister and President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
After protesters smashed President’s home and office on the 9th of July the president went into hiding and then went to the Maldives and later to Singapore.
At the demand of Sri Lankan government, Gotabaya was allowed to enter Thailand this week.
The Thailand government has denied allegations that Sri Lankan ex-president had sought asylum in Thailand.
The Thailand Foreign Ministry said it received the request of Rajapaksa, who wanted to visit Thailand with no intention of seeking asylum on a political basis.
“Thailand did not have a problem with Rajapaksa being able to enter the country on a diplomatic visa, which allowed him to stay for 90 days.” Thailand Foreign Ministry had said.
The island nation is confronted with a crisis of unprecedented economic magnitude.
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