Colombo: Protesters occupy presidential residence, Rajapaksa flees

The president fled the palace after a crowd stormed the grounds, after protesting the economic crisis for months. Yesterday the police had imposed a curfew. At least 21 people were injured.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Thousands of protesters in the capital Colombo broke through police barricades and stormed the president's official residence in one of the largest anti-government protests the country has experienced since the start of the economic crisis. According to defence sources, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled after protesters stormed the presidential residence.

At least 21 people, including two policemen, were injured in the clashes and taken to hospital. Yesterday the police, in anticipation of the weekend demonstrations, had imposed a curfew in the capital.

For months, the population has been protesting against the high cost of living and the unsustainable economic situation. In April, the island had declared bankruptcy. Due to the shortage of foreign currency, Sri Lanka is unable to import fuel and basic necessities. Many blame President Rajapaksa for the country's decline.

• sri lanka
• protests
• demonstrations
• president
• presidential residence
• economic crisis