President's residence occupied - 13th July 2022

After demonstrators occupied Sri Lanka's presidential residence at the weekend, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa exited the country. He's now given in to demands that he should resign. However, protestors are staying in place to guarantee his resignation.

Sri Lanka has seen months of protests by ordinary citizens. Their anger's grown as the economy's fallen into crisis. They hold the president and his brother, former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, responsible.

Government corruption's left people suffering, says protestor Saku Richardson.

Saku Richardson: "That should be the happiest day of our life, because he has robbed us. I mean he has robbed this country. Can't you see how many people are walking? We haven't yet won because we can't get his money back, but we are the happiest people. I think if I, I speak for everybody in this country."

Demonstrators took control of the presidential residence on Saturday. They enjoyed using the expensive facilities and swimming pool, and some inspected the president's clothes. They'll remain inside until the president, prime minister and government officially resign, stated Dela Pieris.

Dela Pieris: "And the president and prime minister have agreed to step down, but they are mention certain dates but so far nothing is concluded. So the demand is very clear. The people are still asking the resignation, and full resignation in a written confirmation. So hopefully we will have this res, resignation – and from the government – including prime minister and president in the coming days."

Once a wealthy nation, Sri Lanka now carries debts of $51 billion. It's failing to repay these and is asking for International Monetary Fund support. People have been experiencing shortages of medicines, food and fuel for months.

The president's policy of making all of Sri Lanka's food production organic has added to the problems. It's caused productivity to drop significantly. This has meant no foreign exports, which has stopped any flow of foreign currency into the country.

Vishaka Jayaweera: "We have won this battle. And we are very happy that he has to step down! He will and he must step down and we will be very happy."