Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the former president of Sri Lanka, will extend his stay in Singapore.
According to the Straits Times in Singapore, his short-term stay permission, which was obtained when he arrived for a private visit two weeks ago, has been extended for an additional 14 days.
Bandula Gunawardena, spokesperson for Sri Lanka's Cabinet, informed reporters on Tuesday (July 26) that he was anticipated to return home.
He stated that he did not know when the former president would return, but stressed that Mr. Rajapaksa was neither in hiding nor in exile.
Rajapaksa was eager to return to his own villa on the outskirts of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, as quickly as possible, according to a second Sri Lankan government official who requested anonymity.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 73, was awarded a 14-day visit permission upon his arrival at Changi Airport from the Maldives on a Saudia aircraft on July 14.
He departed Sri Lanka in the midst of a worsening economic crisis and massive protests against his administration, as surging inflation pushed up the costs of essentials such as food and petrol.
Rajapaksa tendered his resignation shortly after his arrival in Singapore, which was formally confirmed by the Sri Lankan parliament on July 15.
Last Thursday, MPs elected his buddy and former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the next president.
The Straits Times stated that Rajapaksa's newly awarded visa will expire on August 11.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa is thought to have transitioned from a hotel in the city center to a private house.
Since his arrival, he has kept a low profile and has not been spotted in public.
Shortly after his arrival on July 14, a representative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged that Rajapaksa had been permitted admission for a private visit and stated that he had not requested nor been given refuge.
The official stated that Singapore does not often accept asylum claims.
Wednesday, July 20th, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) responded to media inquiries by stating that people from Sri Lanka entering Singapore for social visits will often be awarded a 30-day short-term stay pass.
Those who need to prolong their stay may apply online for a visit pass extension. ICA stated that applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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