Sri Lanka: Thousands of protesters broke into the president's residence
Reuters
09/07/2022
Saturday, 09 July 2022, 11:44 Updated: 11:54
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In the video: Protest against the government in Sri Lanka following the economic situation (Photo: Reuters)
Thousands of protesters stormed the residence of Sri Lankan President Gutbaya Rajapaxa in the capital, Colombo, today (Saturday).
This, as part of a protest against the severe economic crisis prevailing in the country.
In the television broadcasts, the demonstrators were seen rushing towards the residence, with the security forces trying to fend them off.
The country's economic crisis is the worst since it gained independence in 1948 and was caused by a combination of corona repercussions, rising oil prices and populist tax cuts by the Rajapaxa family.
The shortage of foreign exchange reserves has led to rising inflation and a shortage of drugs, fuel and other vital products - and has taken thousands to the streets in protest in a country where China and India are fighting for influence.
Demonstrations in Sri Lanka, today (Photo: Reuters)
After more than a month of peaceful demonstrations against the management of the economy by the government, protests turned violent last week when supporters of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaxa stormed protesters protesting against the government in the capital Colombo.
In subsequent clashes between protesters and police, nine people were killed and 300 were injured.
Rajapaxa resigned, leaving his younger brother to rule as president.
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