evidence: Here's what life is like in Sri Lanka in the midst of its economic crisis [...] Economic crisis: Rajapaksa’s departure further enraged protesters, who want both leaders to vacate their roles as the country’s 22 million people struggle to buy basic goods, fuel and medicine. [...] Sri Lanka’s Air Force on Wednesday confirmed Rajapaksa’s departure, saying in a statement: "Pursuant to the request of the government and in accordance with the powers vested in a President in the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka air force provided a plane early today to fly the President, his wife and two security officials to the Maldives."