Arson, violence, loot: Lanka PM’s home set afire, Prez house breached as crisis escalates
India Today
Massive protests erupted in Sri Lanka on Saturday amid a severe economic crisis and protestors stormed into the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Protestors also set Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house on fire. Here's what we know so far.
Thousands stormed the official residence of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday in a show of striking public fury over the island nation's worsening economic condition. Rajapaksa fled his official residence in Colombo minutes before an angry mob breached the police barricades and entered the compound.
Protestors have been demanding the president's resignation over the dire economic situation in the country. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned a crucial meeting of all party leaders and requested the Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, to summon the parliament. Ranil Wickremesinghe offered to resign to facilitate an 'all-party government'.
By late evening, demonstrators began their march towards the private residence of Ranil Wickremesinghe and set it on fire. Meanwhile, the Speaker said that President Rajapaksa has agreed to resign on July 13.
-Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled his official residence in Colombo on Saturday after protesters demanded the leader's resignation. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic turmoil in its seven decades. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was escorted to a safe location, a top defence source told AFP.
Colombo, Sri Lanka right now. The Presidential Palace has been stormed, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is said to have fled. Unbelievable scenes. Live reports on @IndiaToday: https://t.co/p6JV6FzCub pic.twitter.com/8zlJdBfN2P
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