Protesters storm Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence

Sri Lanka was plunged into turmoil today when protestors stormed President Rajapaksa’s residence forcing him to flee. Demonstrators from all over the country forcefully entered the Palace, defying police barricades and tear gas shells. They were seen carrying black flags, shouting anti Rajapaksa slogans and demanding the President’s resignation. #srilanka #economiccrisis #srilankacrisis #srilankaprotesttoday #gotabayarajapaksa TEXT-Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled his official residence as protesters stormed his residence. TEXT-Thousands of protesters broke through police barricades and entered the President’s residence in Colombo on Saturday. TEXT-Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called an emergency cabinet meeting in the wake of the crisis. TEXT- Amid the crisis, 16 SLPP MPs have demanded that the beleaguered President resign. TEXT-Close to 100 protesters were reportedly injured during these protests. TEXT-Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya has joined the protest at the President’s Palace. TEXT-Some military personnel have also joined the protesters. TEXT-The protesters demanded Rajapaksa’s resignation even as police used tear gas and fired gunshots in the air to try and disperse them. TEXT-The protesters were seen carrying black flags and shouting "Gota go home”. TEXT- Visuals showed SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne being manhandled by protesters as agitations erupted on the streets. TEXT- Protesters were even seen swimming in the President’s pool and lounging on beds inside the President’s residence. TEXT- Thousands of demonstrators from across Sri Lanka entered Colombo overnight for the purpose of this protest. TEXT-This protest is proving to be one of the largest anti-government marches in the crisis-hit country this year. TEXT- The island nation is struggling under a severe foreign exchange shortage that has limited imports of essentials. TEXT-Sri Lanka is facing its worst financial turmoil since independence. For more explainers, and interesting videos - https://thefederal.com/videos/  For the latest news and analysis - https://thefederal.com/  Follow The Federal News here - Facebook:   /      Twitter:   / thefederal_in   Instagram:   / thefederal_india   Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@Thefederal WhatsApp: https://wa.me/917397357788 Download The Federal App here - Android - http://bit.ly/TheFederalAndroid iPhone - http://bit.ly/TheFederalios