President of Sri Lanka "evacuated to safety" as protesters storm his residence; 7 injured in the clash

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jul 9, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police and broke through barricades to attack the president's official home in Colombo. 

Digital Desk: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled away from his home after demonstrators surrounded and attacked his residence on Saturday. As protesters and police clashed, at least seven people, including two officers, were injured.

Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police and broke through barricades to attack the president's official home in Colombo. Reportedly, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was evacuated from the workplace on Friday to ensure his safety ahead of the rally scheduled for the following day.

On Facebook, protesters live-streamed the video. People were heard yelling anti-Rajapaksha slogans as they marched through the palatial building's rooms and corridors. As many people walked around the grounds outside the colonial-era building, no security personnel were visible.

Official sources stated that at least 21 people, including two police officers, have been hurt and hospitalized due to the ongoing protests.

As per a Reuters report, demonstrators were seen in video from the local TV news NewsFirst channel breaking into the president's mansion while carrying helmets and Sri Lankan flags.

As per reports, police opened fire in the air but could not stop the angry mob from encircling the presidential home.

"After erecting many layers of barricades, thousands of protesters have reached the President's House in Fort, and the police have been seen leaving the area. Tear gas rounds are being fired continuously, and shots were heard being fired into the air," the source quoted.

Since March, when it became clear that Sri Lanka was going through a serious economic crisis, protesters have demanded Rajapaksa's resignation. Since then, the country's fuel prices have skyrocketed due to the country's inability to receive shipments. As the situation deteriorated, schools were closed and gasoline, diesel, and cooking fuels were restricted.