Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refused to comment on Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa's arrival to the Maldives during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The refusal to comment comes at a time when his trip to the Maldives has become a heated issue. AFP, citing immigration officers in Sri Lanka has confirmed that the Sri Lankan President had traveled to the Maldives, fleeing the country after mass protests calling for his resignation. Security at the Velana International Airport was temporarily increased, anticipating the military aircraft on which Gotabaya arrived to the Maldives.

Following the news, many Maldivians have been expressing their concerns and disapproval over the matter. Upon being asked questions regarding the matter in the Foreign Ministry Media Group by a journalist, the Spokesperson at the Ministry, Miuvan Mohamed stated that the Ministry does not wish to comment on the matter at this time.

CNN cited a senior security official in Sri Lanka noting that the Maldivian Air Traffic Controller had denied clearance for the military aircraft to land in the Maldives. However, they were granted clearance once former President and Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed was directly involved.

CNN had noted that they had contacted Nasheed for a comment, but their calls were unanswered, like the many texts from journalists in a WhatsApp group created for parliament media queries.

President Gotabaya fled the country ahead of his resignation after months of prolonged protests in the country over worsening economic conditions.