Speaker of Parliament and former president, Mohamed Nasheed, has praised the Maldivian government's efforts in safeguarding Sri Lanka's president Gotabaya in his flight out of Sri Lanka.

Nasheed took to Twitter on Thursday, announcing Gotabaya's resignation. He commended the Maldivian Government for the assistance provided to Gotabaya, adding that he had delayed resignation over fear of his life while residing in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's speaker of parliament confirmed on Thursday that Gotabaya has indeed handed in his resignation letter.

Nasheed added that he hopes Sri Lanka will now move forward, saying his best wishes are with the country.

Gotabaya, who sought refuge in the Maldives, flew to Singapore on Thursday afternoon via Saudi airlines. Singapore has confirmed Gotabaya's arrival in the country.

Addressing the issue, Maldives Foreign Ministry stated that Gotabaya has not requested for asylum from Singapore, and that the country does not grant asylum to anyone.

The administration and Speaker Nasheed has received public backlash from both Sri Lankans and Maldivians over the assistance provided to Gotabaya.