Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa's travel ban extended

His brother, deposed president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has Singapore visa renewed until August 11

Police examine damage at a conference hall during an investigation at the President's Palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg

Police officers during the investigation at the palace in Colombo. Bloomberg

Crime investigation officers at the palace after protesters on July 14 left the premises, ending a five-day occupation of several official buildings. The parliament of Sri Lanka on July 15 accepted the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled to Singapore after months of anti-government protests. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as interim president on July 15. EPA

One of the bedrooms at the President's Palace after protesters vacated the site. EPA

Crime investigation officers in the palace after the protesters' occupation. EPA

Officers inspect the palace for damage. EPA

Sri Lankan special task force soldiers on duty in the palace. EPA

Crime investigation officers in one of the bedrooms at the palace. EPA

The occupation of the palace followed months of anti-government protests fuelled by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. EPA

A travel ban on former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa and ex-finance minister Basil Rajapaksa has been extended until August 2, local news outlet Newsfirst said in a tweet on Wednesday, citing the Supreme Court.

The men are the brothers of ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is currently in self-imposed exile in Singapore, after fleeing the widespread demonstrations calling for his removal this month.

Singapore has also extended a short-stay visa for Mr Gotabaya, local media reported on Wednesday.

Mr Gotabaya went to the Maldives on July 13 with his wife and two bodyguards on a military plane, before heading to Singapore a day later, where he was allowed a 14-day visa initially. The extension means he can stay until August 11, The Straits Times newspaper reported on Wednesday, without citing a source.

The former president was allowed to enter Singapore on a "private visit" and did not seek asylum, authorities said previously.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet representative Bandula Gunawardena told reporters in Colombo on Tuesday that Mr Gotabaya was not in hiding and was expected to return to his country, although the government had not been informed of his travel plans.

"He is not in hiding and my understanding is that he will return, but if there is anything to the contrary, the state authorities will inform him and ensure that there is no danger for the ex-president," he said.

Mr Gotabaya was replaced by prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe who was approved by Parliament to fill the role.

Amid mounting international condemnation of the violent crackdown on protesters, Mr Wickremesinghe told diplomats this week that non-violent protests against his government will be allowed to continue, including in the commercial capital Colombo.

"President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to upholding the rights of peaceful, non-violent assembly," his office said in a statement, describing a meeting with Colombo-based envoys.

Protesters blamed Mr Gotabaya's government for mismanaging the country's finances, with the island nation defaulting on its $51 billion debt and unable to afford to import even the most basic necessities.

The country of 22 million people has suffered from months of lengthy power cuts, acute food and fuel shortages and galloping inflation in its most severe economic downturn since gaining independence in 1948.