Photos: In crisis-hit Sri Lanka, protesters storm President’s home

By | Written by , New Delhi
Published on Jul 09, 2022 04:06 pm IST

A massive protest broke out in crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Saturday, demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Rajapaksa fled his official residence shortly before hundreds of protesters stormed and overran the compound. A top defence source told news agency AFP that as protesters surged at the gates of the President's Palace, troops guarding the compound fired in the air to hold back the tide until Rajapaksa was safely removed. The protesters have blamed the President for the economic woes and have occupied the entrance to his office for three months. Following the unrest, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned an emergency meeting of political leaders and also requested the speaker to summon parliament.

1 / 5
Demonstrators protest inside the President's House, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled, amid the country's economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka,(via Reuters) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jul 09, 2022 04:06 pm IST

Demonstrators protest inside the President's House, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled, amid the country's economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka,(via Reuters)

2 / 5
Protesters try to remove a tear gas shell after it was fired by police to disperse them in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday. (AP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jul 09, 2022 04:06 pm IST

Protesters try to remove a tear gas shell after it was fired by police to disperse them in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday. (AP)

3 / 5
A demonstrator throws back a tear gas grenade towards police members as police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators during a protest demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (via Reuters) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jul 09, 2022 04:06 pm IST

A demonstrator throws back a tear gas grenade towards police members as police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators during a protest demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (via Reuters)

4 / 5
Police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators near President's residence during a protest demanding the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, amid the economic crisis, in Colombo.(Reuters) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jul 09, 2022 04:06 pm IST

Police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators near President's residence during a protest demanding the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, amid the economic crisis, in Colombo.(Reuters)

5 / 5
A demonstrator reacts to tear gas used by police during a protest demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, amid the country's economic crisis, near the president's residence in Colombo.(Reuters) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jul 09, 2022 04:06 pm IST

A demonstrator reacts to tear gas used by police during a protest demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, amid the country's economic crisis, near the president's residence in Colombo.(Reuters)

  • author-default-90x90
    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.

SHARE
Story Saved
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App
crown-icon
Subscribe Now!