Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has returned to the country, seven weeks after resigning and fleeing the island amid protests over its economic crisis.

Video shows the presidential motorcade driving through the streets of Colombo on Saturday (September 3).

Rajapaksa, who arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport from Bangkok via Singapore, will be living in a state-owned home close in Colombo with a large security detail.

It has been feared that his return could prompt the revival of tensions in the country.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka around 11:30 pm local time on board a Singapore Airlines flight after fleeing the country in July. Rajapaksa will be living in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo while a large security contingency will be appointed to maintain security in the area. Several ministers arrived at the BIA to welcome the former President.

Rajapaksa resigned from the Presidency in July amidst mass-scale protests calling for his resignation as Sri Lanka was plunged into one of its worst ever economic crises. He fled to the Maldives on board an airforce aircraft and then entered Singapore on a medical visa, which was extended twice. As the Singapore government failed to extend it the third time, Rajapaksa along with his wife left for Thailand where he was advised to remain inside his hotel for security reasons. With his movements restricted, Rajapaksa decided to return back to Sri Lanka and will remain here till his application for the USA Green Card is approved by the American government.

Rajapaksa will be accorded all privileges as a former president and will be allocated additional security. He will reside at the state-allocated bungalow.