Rajapaksa stays at luxury resort in Maldives as he looks to avoid prosecution

by Sharmini
Jul 13, 2022

Sri Lanka's embattled president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is reportedly staying at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafush in the Maldives, after he fled Sri Lanka late last night in a military aircraft. 

Rajapaksa who is expected to officially resign today finally fled to the Maldives after several failed attempts to leave the island following mass protests demanding his resignation.  

Staff at the hotel have confirmed that Gotabaya and his family are staying at the luxurious hotel, where a one night stay reportedly costs between US$ 5,903 and US$ 8,760.  

The 73-year-old former defence secretary was reportedly trying to flee the country before he is scheduled to step down and lose immunity as a head of state that protects him from prosecution for a range of crimes. He reportedly fears being arrested and placed on trial where he could face prosecution for his financial crimes, as well as his genocide of Tamils.

The Maldives, which is a signatory to the International Criminal Court, would be obligated to turn over Gotabaya if a case is opened.  

Read more from The Maldives Journal here.

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