In Photos: Sri Lanka crisis intensifies, protesters storm PM’s office

The anti-government agitation in crisis-hit Sri Lanka intensified on Wednesday with thousands of protesters storming into Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, hours after he was named as the acting President. After the breach, Wickremesinghe instructed the military and police “to do what is necessary to restore order.”President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to resign later in the day. He fled to Maldives on Wednesday morning amid intensified protests that have been going on in the country for months against his government's economic mismanagement leading to severe shortages of food, fuel and other essentials.

By | Written by , New Delhi
Published on Jul 13, 2022 05:12 pm IST 5 Photos
1/5

Demonstrators amid tear gas take part in an anti-government protest outside the office of Sri Lanka's prime minister in Colombo.(AFP)

2/5

Protestors hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in Colombo. (Reuters)

3/5

Security personnel stand guard as demonstrators enter the building of the office of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis, in Colombo. (Reuters)

RECOMMENDED PHOTOS
4/5

A demonstrator pours water on a man during a protest outside the office of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.(Reuters)

5/5

Army soldiers stand guard during an anti-government protest by demonstrators outside the office of Sri Lanka's prime minister in Colombo.(AFP)

RELATED PHOTOS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

OTHER GALLERIES

IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Joe Root helps ENG level series 1-1 - Action in Images

9
Joe Root held England's chase together with a composed unbeaten 99 from 133 deliveries as the hosts beat India by four wickets in the second ODI to level the series.
Published on Jul 17, 2026 01:57 am IST

Jagannath Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees gather for annual chariot festival

14
Devotees play traditional Odia gong (Ghanta) during the Mahaprabhu Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri Jagannath temple, in Puri on Thursday. 
Published on Jul 16, 2026 07:16 pm IST

England vs Argentina: Messi rescues ARG to take them to final - Action in Images

8
Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates celebrated the big win over England after a hard-fought match.
Published on Jul 16, 2026 04:52 am IST

Sonam Wangchuk's fresh visuals emerge amid calls for him to end hunger strike

7
Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike comes in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demands -- the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following unprecedented paper leak irregularities during the national NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance examination.
Published on Jul 15, 2026 12:33 pm IST

The Odyssey New York premiere: Anne Hathaway to Zendaya, what the cast wore

10
Christopher Nolan's epic action drama The Odyssey is all set to hit the screens on July 17. On Tuesday, the cast and crew of the film arrived in New York for the film's grand premiere, dressed in elaborate designer ensembles. Here's a look at who wore what. 
Published on Jul 15, 2026 11:07 am IST

France vs Spain: ESP holds off Mbappe's FRA to earn a spot in final - In Photos

7
Mikel Oyarzabal scored the opening goal for Spain from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box.
Published on Jul 15, 2026 04:01 am IST