Thousands of Sri Lanka citizens invaded Sri Lanka’s presidential palace in the capital Colombo after months of demonstrations advocating for solutions to the economic crisis the country has been facing.
All of the fury was attributed to the government’s inability to address crippling economic turmoil, and the capital losing value hence opted for storming his home. Several haven’t been able to afford meals and basic needs in the recent past.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family who have been dominating politics for the past two decades were forced to go into hiding within the navy security protection. Even in the recent past, there have been incessant numerous protests, enforcing the president to agree to resignation from office.
Protests mainly arose due to the economy of the nation running into the ground faced with corruption and mismanagement. Demonstrations had at least 42 people injured in clashes with security forces in the city, as health officials said after the police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters and fired shots into the air to try to disperse them.
Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the parliamentary speaker said, “Protesters entered the president’s residence and office, and thousands more descended on the capital, Colombo, to register their growing fury over his government’s inability to address a crippling economic crisis. As the demonstrations swelled, the country’s political leaders urged Mr. Rajapaksa to step down.”
Due to the protests, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office only in May and was also facing demands to resign, said he would step down, saying “the safety of all citizens is in my mind.”
This comes after Saturday left at least 42 people injured in clashes with security forces in the city, health officials said, after the police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters and fired shots into the air to try to disperse them.
Videos on social media showed protesters jumping into the pool in Mr. Rajapaksa’s residence, resting in bedrooms, and frying snacks in the presidential kitchen.
According to some of the members in the demonstration, they saw some enjoying the freedom within the presidential palace. As others jumped in the pool in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I came here today to send the president home,” said Wasantha Kiruwaththuduwa, 50, who had walked 10 miles to join the protest. “Now the president must resign. If he wants peace to prevail, he must step down.”
