Former secretary of defense Gotabaya Rajapaksa responded to reports claiming that he was due to leave for Singapore by saying that he will not leave the country at a time when he is needed.

Releasing a statement on his Facebook Page, Rajapaksa appreciated the messages of concern he had received after some reports appeared in the media claiming that the Singapore Government had offered him an opportunity to work for it.

According to the reports, he was given an opportunity to work for the National University of Singapore by the country’s Foreign Ministry.

The reports also claimed that Rajapaksa could not assume duties at the new post as his passport had been impounded by court order.

“I assure you that I will not leave Sri Lanka at a time when I am needed. I thank you for the confidence you place in me and your encouragement to remain in Sri Lanka for the sake of our country” Rajapaksa stated in response.