Sri Lanka: Protesters storm President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residenceon July 9, 2022 at 8:19 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Thousands of protesters are demanding President Rajapaksa quit over the country’s economic crisis.

People marching in ColomboImage source, Getty Images

Thousands of protesters have stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence in the capital of Sri Lanka.

Demonstrators from all over the country marched to Colombo demanding his resignation after months of protests over mismanagement of the country’s economic crisis.

Reports say he has already been moved to a safer location.

The country is suffering rampant inflation and is struggling to import food, fuel and medicine.

Thousands of anti-government protesters travelled in cars, vans and buses to the capital, with officials telling AFP news agency that some had even “commandeered” trains to get there.

They swarmed into Colombo’s government district, shouting slogans against the president and breaking through several police barricades to reach President Rajapaska’s house, a witness told Reuters.

Police fired shots in the air to try and prevent angry crowds from overrunning the residence, but were unable to stop some of the crowd from entering.

Authorities had attempted to stop the demonstration from taking place by imposing a curfew on Friday night. But protesters were undeterred, and the curfew was lifted after civil society groups and opposition parties strongly objected to it.

Sri Lanka has run out of foreign currency reserves and is struggling to import essential goods. Many blame the country’s dire economic situation on President Rajapaksa, and demonstrations have been taking place since March demanding he quit.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Labour considers processing asylum seekers overseason December 26, 2023 at 6:38 pm

The party is exploring whether some could have their claims assessed before they travel to the UK.Image source, PA MediaBy Iain WatsonPolitical correspondent, BBC...

Covid-19: Common cold may give some protection, study suggestson January 10, 2022 at 10:00 am

Researchers say immune cells made to defend the body against some colds could help stave off Covid.Image source, Getty ImagesNatural defences against a common...

Israel-Gaza war: What is the price of peace?on December 14, 2023 at 6:01 am

The BBC's Jeremy Bowen asks Israeli and Palestinian activists about their hopes for resolving the conflict.Image source, Getty ImagesBy Jeremy BowenBBC International editor, JerusalemJust...

Royals attend Top Gun: Maverick premiere in Londonon May 19, 2022 at 11:16 pm

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the premiere of the long awaited Top Gun sequel.

Jurgen Klopp: ‘A brilliant heart-on-sleeve boss who has taken Liverpool on thrill ride’on January 26, 2024 at 1:34 pm

Jurgen Klopp has won all the major honours during his time as Liverpool boss - BBC Sport's Phil McNulty looks at his impact on...