The President of Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Sri Lanka, has reportedly fled his official residence over invasion by protesting citizens
Thousands of angry protesters on Saturday stormed the home as they continued their demand for his resignation.
The President was hurriedly transported to the Army headquarters hours before the invasion.
Sri Lankan military personnel joined the demonstrators who broke police barricades and entered.
Dozens, including two police officers, are injured and receiving treatment, the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) confirmed.
The citizens have been complaining about poverty, cost of living and Rajapaksa’s handling of the economic crisis.
The people are struggling to get jobs, pay rent, buy food, medicine, petroleum products, among others.
Videos and photos showing protesters breaking in and swimming in the President’s house have emerged.
Some were cooking food in the kitchen as others moved about for a tour of the presidential residence.
With a population of 22 million, the South Asian nation faces its worst financial crisis in decades.
At least 16 members of parliament from Rajapaksa’s party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna have asked him to resign.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has summoned an emergency meeting of party leaders.
Video:
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
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) July 9, 2022
