COLOMBO : Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa who arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake early this morning on Tuesday, July 12 to leave the country, returned home due to people protesting against his departure from the island, s Ada Derana reported here.
It is reported that Rajapaksa’s attempt was impeded after he was met with a strong protest at the airport.
Meanwhile, the Immigration & Emigration Department’s officers attached to the Silk Route Lounge, which provides dedicated services to the VIPs at the airport, have withdrawn from their duties from midnight yesterday.
Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association K.A.A.S Kanugala said the decision was taken due to concerns regarding the security of its members serving at the lounge.
He told Reuters that the immigration & emigration officers are under tremendous pressure to not allow top-level figures to leave the country, given the ongoing crisis situation.
“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,” he said further.
