The president announced his departure to parliament shortly after arriving in Singapore today. The controversial politician had fled to the Maldives on a military plane the day before.
The latest developments have left a power vacuum on the island as protesters continue to push for new leaders. They stormed and occupied the offices and residences of the President and Prime Minister. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was appointed acting president and declared a state of emergency, has said he will bring the situation under control with the help of police and armed forces. He reiterated that parliament will elect a new president on July 20.
Demonstrations against the government have been ongoing for some time as Sri Lanka faces its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. To stem the growing number of anti-government demonstrations, a curfew is now in place in the province that includes the capital.
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