Ousted leader says he did 'utmost' for bankrupt Sri Lanka

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brief note, sent from the safety of a safe haven in Singapore, blamed COVID-19 for the financial meltdown that triggered months of protests, culminating in his humiliating escape abroad.

Sri Lanka's ousted president did his "utmost" to avoid an economic catastrophe but the coronavirus pandemic derailed his efforts, he said in his resignation letter. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)