The abrupt departure of Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa early Wednesday failed to quell the anger of protesters who have flooded the streets of the capital Colombo for months demanding his resignation.
Undaunted by tear gas, the scorching sun and a military helicopter hovering overhead, crowds continued to swell on Wednesday, reinforced by people arriving from across the country. Protesters marched from the presidential office and later in the day stormed the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Riot police officers carrying rifles and wearing gas masks stood guard but did not engage with crowds of protesters, including families with young children.
Many Sri Lankans upon learning that the president had fled to the Maldives seemed delighted to witness a day of great history for the country, culminating in months-long protests over the leaders’ of the country pushed their economy into a terrible crisis.
Protesters also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, chanting: “We don’t want the robber Ranil, the bank thief, the deal thief!” His office announced that he would act as acting chairman in Rajapaksa’s absence.
Wednesday, July 13
Police fired tear gas at protesters before they stormed into the prime minister’s office.
Protesters help each other release tear gas.
Protesters celebrate inside the prime minister’s office after taking over it.
Members of the military guard a room inside the prime minister’s office.
Protesters cheer inside the prime minister’s office.
Tuesday, July 12
People taking pictures outside the Presidential Secretariat.
Graffiti on the wall near the president’s house shows messages from the protest movement demanding reform.
People stand in line to enter the prime minister’s palace after protesters occupied it.
Graffiti with the words “Open to all” on the wall of the Prime Minister’s Palace.
People take selfies inside the prime minister’s palace.
A man plays the piano in the prime minister’s palace.
People taking photos inside the prime minister’s palace.
People line up to enter the president’s home after protesters protested against it.
