Colombo: Protests are intensifying in Sri Lanka, where civil unrest is raging. The protesters have set fire to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence. Also, there is doubt whether President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left the country or not.
Gotabaya moved out on Friday before thousands of protesters stormed the presidential residence. Gotabaya’s move was due to secret information that the protest would be strong. Rumors are rife that Gotabaya Rajapakse has left the country on a naval ship and is still at the military headquarters.
Newsfirst, a Sri Lankan media outlet that published a video obtained from a Colombo port employee, reported that unnamed VIPs had disembarked aboard the Lankan Navy ship Gajabahu. Videos of VIP vehicles going to Colombo’s Bandaranaike Airport were also circulated.
There were also videos of suitcases being loaded onto the ship. However, the president’s office and the Sri Lankan military say they only moved him to safety. Sources close to Gotabaya are not ready to respond to reports that he has left the country. It is also suspected that Gotabaya Rajapakse may have left the country by ship or air and is staying in some military base.
Protesters who occupied the President’s residence were seen swimming in the residence’s pool and eating food. After the seizure of the President’s residence, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called an all-party meeting at the Speaker’s residence.
Later, Ranil Wickramasinghe resigned. Gotabaya Rajapakse also resigned yesterday. According to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has taken over as interim President.
News agencies reported that protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s house in the evening and set the house on fire. Wickramasinghe’s private residence was set on fire by the protesters.
