Sri Lankan protesters have forced their way into their president’s official residence, demanding his resignation amid an economic crisis that has engulfed the country for months, APA reports citing ITV News.
A spokesman said the group had set the building on fire as unrest between police and the crowd intensified on Saturday night.
The whereabouts of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are unknown, with a government spokesperson saying he had no information as to whether the politician was inside the building.
Mobile phone footage showed crowds inside the well-fortified house in Colombo, swimming in the pool, and on the grounds outside.
Police had earlier fired tear gas at protesters who surrounded the premises as they moved toward the main gates.
At least 34 people including two police officers were wounded in scuffles as protesters tried to enter the residence. Two of the injured are in critical condition while others sustained minor injuries, an official at the Colombo National Hospital told the media anonymously.
The protesters eventually broke the barricades and entered the house.
Those taking to the streets blame Mr Rajapaksa for the economic woes in the country and have occupied the entrance to his office for three months.
On Saturday the country's prime minister agreed to resign after party leaders in Parliament demanded both he and Mr Rajapaksa do so.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a voice statement that he will resign when all parties have agreed on a new government.
“Today in this country we have a fuel crisis, a food shortage, we have the head of the World Food Program coming here and we have several matters to discuss with the IMF. Therefore, if this government leaves there should be another government,” he said.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
