After months of anti-government protests, the now-fugitive Rajapaksa resigned on Thursday. His resignation should restore calm, is the hope in the Asian country that is suffering from enormous economic problems.
The president announced his departure to parliament shortly after arriving in Singapore on Thursday. The controversial politician had fled to the Maldives on a military plane the day before.
The latest developments have left a power vacuum on the island as protesters continue to push for new leaders. They stormed and occupied the offices and residences of the President and Prime Minister. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was appointed acting president and declared a state of emergency, has said he will bring the situation under control with the help of police and armed forces. He reiterated that parliament will elect a new president on July 20.