President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa were aboard the same flight to the Maldives today (28), even as a warrant was issued for Rajapaksa’s arrest.

The President was travelling to Malé on a state visit at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Namal Rajapaksa, meanwhile, was reportedly heading to the Maldives for a function, according to his media unit.

Both were seated in the SriLankan Airlines flight UL 101 from Colombo to Malé.

Earlier in the day, the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for Rajapaksa’s arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing. The case relates to violent clashes that occurred in February 2017 between government supporters and protestors opposing the alleged takeover of private land for an industrial zone in which China was expected to hold a significant stake. Police had used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protestors during the incident.

Rajapaksa’s media unit stated that he has informed his legal counsel about his travel plans, and that the matter will be communicated to the court accordingly.