Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees the country on military jet

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled the country amid mass protests over its economic crisis, and landed in the Maldives.

The 73-year-old arrived in the capital city, Male, at around 03:00 local time (22:00 GMT), the BBC understands.

Mr Rajapaksa left aboard a military jet, ending a familial dynasty that has ruled the country for decades.

He had been in hiding after crowds stormed his residence on Saturday.

His brother, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, has also left the country, sources have told the BBC.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s youngest brother was prevented from leaving the country 24 hours earlier but is now said to be heading to the US.

Sri Lankans blame President Rajapaksa’s administration for their worst economic crisis in decades.

For months they have been struggling with daily power cuts and shortages of basics like fuel, food and medicines.

The leader, who enjoys immunity from prosecution while he is president, is believed to have wanted to flee abroad before stepping down to avoid the possibility of arrest by the new administration.

They have been struggling for months with daily power outages and shortages of basic items like fuel, food and medicine.

The leader, who enjoyed immunity from prosecution while he was president, is believed to have wanted to go abroad before resigning to avoid the possibility of arrest by the new administration.

Sources also said that the Government of India has intervened and facilitated their departure from Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of Maldives.

Sources added that their destination is yet to be revealed and is likely to be Dubai.