Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa at a location near Mattala airport after failing to board a flight to Dubai

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa is now waiting at the Weerawila military camp or an army-run holiday bungalow near the Southern Mattala Airport as he was not allowed to leave the country by Katunayake airport staff for Dubai, informed sources said.

He has now arrived at a location near the Mattala Airport after his attempt to leave the country through the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake early this morning was thwarted by the airport staff and passengers, airport sources said.

He tried to leave the country from the Katunayake airport early this morning on board an Emirates plane but the airport immigration staff had refused to extend their services to him.

Informed sources said that Mr. Rajapaksa also convened the front-liners of the ruling SLPP for an emergency meeting and held a lengthy discussion yesterday on actions that should be taken when the parliament meets next week to elect a new president.

They also discussed the possibility of nominating Minister Ramesh Pathirana to the post of President or to support the JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, SLPP sources said. (Bandula)