Protesters set fire to Sri Lankan president's house, PM to resign on Wednesday
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After the anti-government protesters in Colombo stormed the President's palace, it was set on fire. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had been evacuated ahead of the rally for safety.
The development comes shortly after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house in Colombo was set on fire. The island nation is seeing widespread protests due to an unprecedented economic crisis.
President Rajapaksa said he will resign next Wednesday after months of resisting the demand. PM Wickremesinghe is also stepping down to continue the government and the safety of all the citizens. The Speaker will become the President for 30 days during which Parliament will elect a new leader, reported NDTV.
After the PM and President announced their resignation, calm returned to Colombo on Sunday. Sri Lankan Army chief General Shavendra Silva said the country now has an opportunity to peacefully resolve the crisis. He sought people's support to maintain peace.
Wickremesinghe was appointed as Prime Minister in May. He had called a meeting yesterday and tweeted that he accepts "the best recommendation of the Party Leaders today, to make way for an All-Party Government."
On Saturday, protesters stormed the President's official residence and were seen swimming in his pool. The mob shouted slogans like "Gota go home", referring to a short version of the President's name.
Amid the chaos, videos of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing shortly before protesters entered the building surfaced. His suitcases were seen loaded on a Navy ship, claimed local media.
The Rajapaksa is being blamed for mismanagement of the funds and causing the financial crisis. In recent weeks, Colombo has run out of money to import essential goods like fuel. The discontent has worsened due to the same.