Island country Sri Lanka is currently facing the wrath of thousands of angry citizens that forced its President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee from his official residence in Colombo before they broke into his house, a report by The Times Of India suggested.
Palace protest.@AFP's Arun Sankar photographs crowds inside Sri Lanka's presidential palace in Colombo, a day after it was overrun by anti-government protestors.
The presidential palace has embodied state authority for over 200 years, but is now a symbol of "people power" pic.twitter.com/1QsnWkHRaf
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 11, 2022
Not just him, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also moved to a safer abode before fierce protestors barged into their government residents claiming that the leaders weren’t able to handle the country’s deteriorating economic health which today might lead to a collapse.
Video footage of Sri Lankan protesters taking over President's office in Colombo
📸 Buddi U Chandrasiri pic.twitter.com/FINwaaqUat
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) July 9, 2022
Following the aggressive protest in the country, the President has announced that he will resign on July 13. Until then, the countrymen have taken over his property and will move out only after he has resigned from his post. PM Wickremesinghe also said that he will quit once a new government is formed.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has officially informed PM Ranil Wickremesinghe that he will be resigning as previously announced: Sri Lanka PM's office
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2022
Situations in the country went South when the Sri Lankan President declared an economic emergency in the country on September 1, 2021, under the Public Security Ordinance to contain the worst economic crisis in history it is faced with today, reported The Financial Express. It was also announced to prevent hoarding of food and other essentials.
The coronavirus-induced pandemic put a stop to tourism in Sri Lanka which compounded to 10% of its GDP and was a major source of its foreign exchange. The rapidly depleting forex reserves, depreciating currency, rising food prices in the country, and the political turmoil are also the reason why the country is in crisis today.
Today is the independence day for me —Sri lanka protestor pic.twitter.com/jsZsOfoOqG
— Emeka Gift Official (@EmekaGift100) July 10, 2022
Moreover, the ban on the use of chemical fertilizers in farming has also reportedly led to a reduction in agricultural production. There is close to no fuel in the country forcing people to stay in the queue for 4-5 days to procure it.
Long queues at fuel stations in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Locals claim they wait for 4-5 days in queues to get fuel
"I came here on Thursday, we wait in queue for 4-5 days. But they've set limit of Rs 1500 for bikes – just 3 litres isn't enough, we're in courier service," says a local pic.twitter.com/CCcDbeodjN
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2022
As the Sri Lankan protestors take over the President’s home, this is what they are up to:
These Sri Lanka protestors really had some Fun 😂😂😂😂😂🔥pic.twitter.com/TcieIKNbat
— Heisenberg (@DrJuma_M) July 10, 2022
Sri Lanka protestors watching the Sri Lanka protest inside the Presidential Palace might be the most badass thing you will see today. pic.twitter.com/VcgEZWZI2A
— bu/ac (@buperac) July 10, 2022
Protesters swim in Sri Lanka president's pool – and warn they're staying until he leaves office https://t.co/q7wyGdSfFQ
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 11, 2022
The Good People Of Sri Lanka Are Enjoying Themselves In Their President’s Residence😂😂. Some Are Even Strengthening Diplomatic Relations Lol. What Endsars Nigeria Lazy Youths Couldn't Do. pic.twitter.com/cMN4ULypNM
— The Mouthpiece (@Real_AmakaIke) July 10, 2022
NEWS | "Sri Lanka protesters find 17 Million rupees cash in President's Palace, reported to it to law authorities" – Sri Lanka Media pic.twitter.com/v3FAQFNyXC
— Sphithiphithi Evaluator (@_AfricanSoil) July 11, 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
As far as India is concerned, it has denied all rumors that suggest we have sent additional troops to Sri Lanka. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India also stated that India stands with the people of Sri Lanka.
The Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs of India clearly stated today that India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity&progress through democratic means&values, established institutions&constitutional framework.(2/2)
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) July 10, 2022
According to DNA, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor and our two countries share deep civilizational bonds. We are aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka and its people have been facing, and we have stood with the Sri Lankan people as they have tried to overcome this difficult period.”
As of now, the situation is tense in the island nation. We stand in solidarity with the country. This is surely a lesson for all governments.