Sri Lanka protesters storm president’s residence in Colombo

Sri Lankan protesters have stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence and taken over his administrative offices amid the country's worst economic crisis since independence.

On Saturday, tens of thousands of Sri Lankan protesters gathered in Colombo, demanding the resignation of the president. 

Police used teargas and water cannon to disperse the crowds in some places and shots were fired into the air. However, as the crowds persistently moved towards the president’s official residence, they broke down barricades and stormed into the palatial property.

President Rajapaksa was already removed from the official premises on Friday for his safety ahead of the planned rally over the weekend.

At least 14 people were injured in the clashes between the protesters and the security forces, all of whom have been taken to the hospital.

Trains are still arriving at the Colombo Fort railway station carrying more protesters, as crowds continue to swell in Colombo.

Meanwhile, the police in Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo used tear gas to disperse students who had gathered to protest the inflation and economic situation on Friday. Also, curfew was imposed in the area until further notice.

Many consider Rajapaksa to be the main cause of the poor economic situation in the country.

Sri Lankans have long been protesting the chaotic economic situation, rising inflation, food shortages and high fuel prices.

The economic collapse began to be felt earlier this year after the coronavirus pandemic torpedoed vital revenue from tourism and remittances.

The country is dealing with its worst economic downturn since independence in 1948.

Fuel prices have risen by 76 percent since the beginning of the year, sparking protests across the country.

MG