The president of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was forced to tender his resignation hours after he survived one of the most frightening encounters of his life.
Sri Lanka rioters wreak havoc inside president’s palace
Months of unrest prompted by the South Asian country’s economic crisis culminated in the shocking scenes that unravelled at the presidential palace in Colombo.
As reported by AFP, enormous crowds, believed to be in the hundreds of thousands, stormed Rajapaksa’s palace on Saturday with the intention of booting the president who, for months, had skirted accountability for mismanaging finances and his inaction in dealing with soaring food and petrol prices.
Video footage of Sri Lankan protesters taking over President's office in Colombo
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) July 9, 2022
📸 Buddi U Chandrasiri pic.twitter.com/FINwaaqUat
Video footage and photos of Sri Lankans enjoying the amenities of the palace surfaced on social media, showing rioters walking through rooms, taking showers and having a blast at the swimming pool.
Rajapaksa’s escape from the invasion, assisted by Sri Lankan military forces, was caught on camera.
Footage of Sri Lanka's President fleeing on military ship from Colombo harbor.
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) July 9, 2022
🔊 pic.twitter.com/8WAQ2TjBX5
“To ensure a peaceful transition, the president said he will step down on [Wednesday, 13 July 2022],” a statement from Sri Lanka’s parliament read.
Sri Lanka citizens chilling in their president’s residence. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/lwWDpyXdSG
— Dr. George 💊 (@GeorgeAnagli) July 9, 2022
Photo of the day – An old lady protestor sitting on Sri Lanka’s Strongman’s Chair inside Sri Lanka’s Presidential Palace! pic.twitter.com/P3eCbb8kzp
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) July 9, 2022
Sri Lanka.
— Okky Madasari (@okkymadasari) July 9, 2022
At the end of the day, people take back the power. pic.twitter.com/IPUw92bW9G
The president's palace in Sri Lanka now belongs to the people. pic.twitter.com/oscI7mRPta
— RadioGenova (@RadioGenova) July 9, 2022
The president's palace in Sri Lanka has become a fitness room. pic.twitter.com/rootMhtzKr
— RadioGenova (@RadioGenova) July 9, 2022
Despite the president’s decision to resign, rioters were still dissatisfied, and when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the man believed to be first in line to succeed Rajapaksa, surfaced with a suggestion of a unity government, his office was invaded and torched.
Angry and hungry crowd burns the private home of the Prime Minister in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/ucnrYAPyxF
— RadioGenova (@RadioGenova) July 9, 2022
Consequently, Wickremesinghe also confirmed his resignation in a tweet.
“To ensure the continuation of the Government including the safety of all citizens I accept the best recommendation of the Party Leaders today, to make way for an All-Party Government. To facilitate this I will resign as Prime Minister,” he wrote.
To ensure the continuation of the Government including the safety of all citizens I accept the best recommendation of the Party Leaders today, to make way for an All-Party Government.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) July 9, 2022
To facilitate this I will resign as Prime Minister.
A fiery encounter between public order authorities and rioters has, thus far, not claimed any lives. However, at least three victims have been treated for gunshot wounds, and 36 others for breathing difficulties.
Sri Lanka’s system of governance remains collapsed a day later. As reported by BBC News, political leaders are set to hold meetings to discuss a smooth transition of power