Colombo, July 9 (BNA) Sri Lankan protesters stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence and nearby office on Saturday, as tens of thousands took to the streets of the capital, Colombo, in the largest demonstration yet to vent their anger against a leader they blame. The worst economic crisis in the island nation.
It was not clear if Rajapaksa was inside his home, but the footage showed hundreds of people inside the well-fortified house and on the ground outside, some soaking in the garden pool and others in a euphoric mood, the Associated Press (AP) reported. .
Government spokesman Mahana Samaranayake said he had no information about Rajapaksa’s whereabouts.
Sri Lanka’s economy is in shambles, faltering with help from India and other countries as its leaders try to negotiate a bailout with the International Monetary Fund. The economic collapse has led to severe shortages of basic items, leaving people struggling to buy food, fuel and other necessities.
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