Former Defence Secretary and SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has requested the court's permission to travel overseas between October 09 and October 12.

Rajapaksa has sought permission to travel to Singapore for "medical treatment."

The SLPP candidate underwent a surgery in Singapore before announcing his candidacy in August.

However, he is currently facing a crucial court case over his eligibility to run for the presidency and the validity of his Sri Lankan citizenship.

An unfavourable ruling from the judges hearing the case could hamper his presidential candidacy, political observers said.