Anti-government protesters storm Sri Lankan president's home

Colombo: Amid financial crisis and fuel shortages, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in the capital city was stormed by anti-government protesters on Saturday.

People carried black and national flags. They shouted "Gota go home," reported Reuters.

Security forces had escorted Rajapaksa to safety before protesters entered the compound. Troops also fired in the air to stop the angry mob from overrunning the President's Palace, reported AFP.

Anti-government protesters demanding the President's resignation have been camping in Colombo for weeks and had announced the demonstration ahead of time. In preparation for the same, thousands of armed troops were deployed in the city on Friday.

16 SLPP MPs wrote to the President requesting him to resign immediately so that a "mature leader" can take charge. New Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has requested the Speaker to summon a parliament session. He also called an emergency party leaders' meeting following the unrest in the streets.

At least 21 people including two police officials were injured in the ongoing protests. Security forces also tried using tear gas to ward off the mob.

Officials said many Sri Lankans forced railway authorities to operate trains and take them to Colombo for the rally despite the stay-home orders. Protesters backed by main opposition parties also hired private buses to reach the capital city and join the rally in front of Rajapaksa's seafront office.

At least three judges are said to have refused to outlaw the demonstrations. Police had to withdraw a curfew order issued on Friday because opposition parties, rights activists, and the bar association threatened to sue the police chief.

A top defence official told AFP that the curfew was not a deterrent, and it encouraged more people to get out on the streets in defiance.

Sri Lanka has been struggling with food and fuel shortages for months. The worst economic crisis in its independent history has caused inflation and prolonged blackouts. The island nation is unable to import vital goods as it has run out of foreign currency.

Sri Lankans blame the Rajapaksa government for mismanaging funds and the financial crisis. The country has defaulted on its $51 billion external debt. The government is also discussing bailout talks with the IMF.