Colombo: In the midst of the ongoing economic crisis in Lanka, the anger of the public has not calmed down yet. Amidst the shortage of oil and other essential items across the country, people are once again on the streets. On Saturday, a mob of protesters surrounded the residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, demanding his resignation. According to the news agency AFP, these protesters tried to enter the President’s house, after which Rajapaksa fled from his residence.
It is reported that some protesters had entered the premises of the Presidential residence. After this, the security forces took the President out of the house and took him to a safe place. In the footage released by Sirasa TV, a TV channel in Sri Lanka, the crowd can also be seen entering the presidential residence. However, the security forces tried to disperse the crowd by using water cannons and tear gas shells. More than 30 people were injured during the demonstration.
Significantly, Sri Lanka has been battling an economic crisis for the last several months. From food to fuel, there has been a shortage in the entire country. Even electricity is coming in homes for only a few hours. Due to the ever-decreasing foreign exchange reserves of Sri Lanka, it is not able to import even the essential goods related to medical.
PM calls emergency meeting
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called an emergency meeting with the participation of party leaders to discuss the current situation and find an immediate solution. Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror has reported quoting the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
A naval official from Sri Lanka on Saturday said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was on board SLNS Gajabahu, and will stay out in the sea until its safe for him to return to the mainland. This was the contingency plan that had to be activated earlier than anticipated, the official added.
Former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya also landed
At the same time, former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya told news agency ANI on the recent protests in Colombo that I was part of the protest and stand with the demand of the people. This protest has been going on for more than three months.
