Sri Lankan immigration officials say they have prevented the President's brother and former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa from flying out of the country, amid growing anger at the powerful political family over the country's debilitating economic crisis.
The Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers Association said its members declined to serve Basil Rajapaksa at the VIP departure lounge of the Colombo airport.
"We are concerned for our security. So until this issue is resolved, the immigration officials working at the VIP lounge decided to withdraw their services." Basil Rajapaksa could not be immediately reached for comment and a close aide declined to give details. The opposition parties are expected to form an "all-party government" if the President follows the lead of his brother, shown here in 2012, by resigning.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lankan opposition parties plan unity government after president quitsPrime minister as well as Rajapaksa will step down after months of protests culminated in attacks on their homes
Read more »
Morning Briefing: India's growing population, Sri Lanka to elect new president and US gun safety lawsFrom Kiribati's Pacific Islands Forum withdrawal to household spending, these are the stories making headlines in Australia and around the world:
Read more »
Sri Lanka protesters vow to stay until President and Prime Minister leave officeLeaders of Sri Lanka's protest movement say they will occupy the residences of the President and Prime Minister until the political leaders finally quit office.
Read more »
President of crisis-hit Sri Lanka confirms he will quit amid protestsGotabaya Rajapaksa informs PM’s office of resignation intention as brother Basil is turned away at airport and opposition leader signals plan to run for president
Read more »
Playing piano and swimming, Sri Lankan protesters settle into presidential palaceHundreds of Sri Lankans have jostled to use the vast array of exercise machines in the private gym of the presidential palace, lifting weights and running on treadmills inside the exclusive residence
Read more »