US rejects SL President's visa request?

The United States has rejected Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s recent request for a visa, 'The Hindu' reports quoting a top official.

“He sought a safe passage to the U.S. after the recent events, but it was denied,” the Colombo-based official had said on Tuesday.

However, 'The Hindu' further notes that they had sought a comment from the US Embassy in Colombo but is yet to receive a response.

Earlier, the AFP reported that the President had attempted to leave the country from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, but immigration staff had blocked his exit.

AFP had later reported that Mr. Rajapaksa was considering using a navy patrol craft to flee the island Tuesday, according to official sources.