Anti-government protesters and supporters of Rajapaksha reportedly went on a rampage. They blocked roads, set buses on fire, and set Rajapaksa’s home in Hambantota on fire.
New Delhi: Hours after the resignation of Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha, reports of massive protests in the form of violence and clashes were reported from various parts of the country. The anti-government protests witnessed burning of houses of the former Prime Minister, ministers and several others. Following the protests, a curfew was imposed in the country while Rajapaksa and his family were reportedly flown in a helicopter to the naval base.
Meanwhile, in the clashes between anti-government protestors and supporters of Rajapaksa family, at least five persons have been killed while nearly 200 have been injured. As per reports, Member of Parliament (MP) Amarakeerthi Athukorala fired bullets at the protesters in which two people were critically injured. Later, the MP was found dead while trying to take refuge inside a building.
Anti-government protesters and supporters of Rajapaksa reportedly went on a rampage. They blocked roads, set buses on fire and set ablaze Rajapaksa’s ancestral home in Hambantota on fire. Houses of three former ministers and two MPs were also set ablaze by the angry mob.
To disperse the protesters, the police used mild force, fired tear gas shells and water cannons. Later, a curfew was imposed in Colombo and then the rest of Sri Lanka. To restore normalcy in the region, an anti-riot squad was deployed. As per the report, the curfew will be in place till 7 am on Tuesday.
Amid growing demand for the resignation of PM Mahinda Rajapaksa due to the worst ever crisis in the island nation, he submitted his resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday. Two ministers have also stepped down. With this, the cabinet now stands dissolved clearing the way to appoint an all-party government. Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, remains in office with widespread powers and command over the security forces.
