The Lanka Crisis: What happens next, what does it mean for the Rajapaksa clan?

Faced with massive protests triggered by an unprecedented economic crisis, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country Tuesday night. What happens next, and what does it mean for the once-powerful Rajapaksa clan?

THE ROADMAP
* If Rajapaksa resigns as promised, constitutional provisions will get activated to elect his successor
* Two persons will come under immediate focus: the PM and the speaker of parliament


WHAT ABOUT RAJAPAKSAS?
* Clan reigned supreme with four members in top echelons of power and two nephews waiting in the wings
* Gotabaya was the most powerful, but never had a firm grip over his own party SLPP, say experts
* There is no chance of him making a comeback, they say
* Mahinda has also become physically and politically weaker, say analysts
* There is no comeback for former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa either, they add.

KEY PLAYERS
PM Ranil Wickremesinghe: Was appointed acting President by Rajapaksa Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

* If both president and PM resign, speaker will serve as acting president for a maximum of 30 days

*Parliament will elect a new president from one of its members, who will hold office for remaining two years of current term

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa: Samagi Jana Balavegaya leader Sajith Premadasa says his party is ready to lead next government

* Says any resistance to the move in parliament will be seen as a “treacherous act”