Sri Lanka, Sept. 11 -- Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left his official residence on Wijerama Road, Colombo, a short while ago in adherence to the country's law and order, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said.

A large crowd was seen gathered outside the residence

Speaking to the media, Kariyawasam said the former President would be leaving for his hometown in Tangalle.

He further described Rajapaksa as a leader who guided the youth during the unrest of 1988-1989, ended the 30-year civil war, and saved nearly Rs. 2,000 billion that would otherwise have been spent on the war. Kariyawasam added that Rajapaksa spearheaded development in the country, put an end to the era when coffins were a comm...