Rajapaksa, 73, landed at Velena international airport while the capital of Maldives, Male, was under heavy security, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

The President of the Parliament of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, received Rajapaksa at the airport, the Sri Lanka Guardian digital media reported.

Rajapaksa is expected to fly to another as of yet unknown destination, the source said.

The Sri Lanka Air Force reported that it provided a plane for the former dignitary, the first lady and two members of his security to leave the country for the Maldives in accordance with the request made by the outgoing Government, with the approval of the Ministry of Defense, the News First website reported.

The statement added that all Immigration and Emigration laws, as well as customs, were respected when facilitating the aircraft.

The President’s Office told The Morning newspaper they are yet to receive the president’s resignation letter.

Rajapaksa promised to resign from his position this Wednesday, July 13th.

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