The president of Sri Lanka fled the country early on Wednesday, slipping away in the middle of the night only hours before he was to step down. 9News
fled the country early on Wednesday, slipping away in the middle of the night only hours before he was to step down.
The protests have all but dismantled his family's political dynasty, which ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades.A growing line of people waited to enter the residence, many of whom had travelled from outside Colombo on public transport.People arrive at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa four days after it was stormed by anti-government protesters in Colombo.
For days, people have flocked to the presidential palace almost as if it were a tourist attraction — swimming in the pool, marvelling at the paintings and lounging on the beds piled high with pillows.At dawn, the protesters took a break from chanting as the Sri Lankan national anthem blared from speakers. A few waved the flag.Malik D’Silva, a 25-year-old demonstrator occupying the president’s office, said Rajapaksa "ruined this country and stole our money".
“This is the first time people in Sri Lanka have risen like this against a president. We want some accountability.” The new president will serve the remainder of Rajapaksa’s term, which ends in 2024, and could potentially appoint a new prime minister, who would then have to be approved by Parliament.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia crumble in retro collapse to Sri LankaAustralia’s innings defeat to Sri Lanka recalled a host of past collapses, following new-age gains made last week and in Pakistan. | By danbrettig
Read more »
Sri Lanka demolish Australia by an innings to draw Test series in GalleAustralia crashed to an innings and 39-run defeat against Sri Lanka, spun out in 41 overs on day four of the final Test to leave the series drawn at 1-1
Read more »
Second Test, day four LIVE updates: Debutant Jayasuriya spins Sri Lanka to innings win over AustraliaLIVE | Sri Lanka have beaten Australia by an innings for the first time as debutant Prabath Jayasuriya starred with the ball and Dinesh Chandimal lit it up with the bat. Follow all the action in our live blog with RonnyLerner
Read more »
President of crisis-hit Sri Lanka confirms he will quit amid protestsGotabaya Rajapaksa informs PM’s office of resignation intention as brother Basil is turned away at airport and opposition leader signals plan to run for president
Read more »
Sri Lanka president’s attempts to leave country fail, US visa appeal rejected: sourcesDays after thousands of protesters forced Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to leave his residence, the leader’s exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Read more »