Maldives Police Service (MPS) has dismantled the protest over the government safeguarding Gotabaya Rajapaksa's travel to the Maldives by Sri Lankans residing in Maldives.

The protest began near the petrol shed at Carnival area on Wednesday evening around 1530hrs. The protest was joined by both Sri Lankans and Maldivians criticising the administration for harbouring and safeguarding Gotabaya. The protesters called for Gotabaya's resignation and for Maldivian government to not aid in his travel overseas.

MPS officers dismantled the peaceful protest and confiscated the Sri Lankan flags and the banners used by the protesters and sent them home.

"ONE" journalists active at the scene reported that the protest was dismantaled after Maldivians joined in on the protest, raising their voices behind the Sri Lankan citizens.

Gotabaya arrived in the Maldives on a Sri Lankan military aircraft and is said to have been arranged clearance for entry into Maldives by Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed who is said to have received him at Velana International Airport (VIA). Some reports suggest the self-exiled Sri Lankan president will depart for Singapore via VIA on Wednesday night.