A state of chaos engulfed the presidential palace in Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled it, after being stormed by thousands of demonstrators, against the backdrop of the economic crisis afflicting the country.
The circulating videos showed large crowds of citizens outside the presidential palace surrounded from all sides.
Other footage also showed the protesters inside the palace in one of the bedrooms tampering with some of the president’s personal belongings.
Demonstrators also tried to steal cars belonging to the Sri Lankan President from his residence.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called an urgent meeting to discuss a “quick solution” to a potential power vacuum after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled his official residence.
The country is witnessing the worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948, as the Corona pandemic hit the tourism sector, a major source of foreign exchange, leaving Sri Lanka unable to buy enough fuel.
Sri Lanka suffers from shortages of food, basic necessities, medicine and gas in the country, and many parts of Sri Lanka are facing constant power cuts due to fuel shortages.
Protesters attempt to steal Sri Lankan President’s cars from his residence
