Protests send president packing - 13th July 2022

The storming of President's House in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo has seen its unpopular president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, decamp to foreign soil. Despite assurances being given that he'll now step down, those occupying the official residence plan to remain until he delivers on this promise.

The shocking scenes reflect public feelings of rage against the financial collapse overwhelming the nation's economy. The president and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who held office as prime minister until two months ago, are both targets, considered accountable for the government's slide into incompetence and corruption.

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."

Breaching the residence's perimeter, demonstrators made themselves at home in the plush surroundings, plunging into the private pool and rifling through the president's drawers. They're resolute that they'll remain for as long as it takes. The wholesale replacement of the government is on the cards, as Dela Pieris sets out.

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."

A formerly prosperous nation, Sri Lanka's amassed $51 billion in sovereign debt, which it's now defaulted on, and is appealing to the International Monetary Fund for a debt restructure. Medicines, food and fuel already scarce for a considerable period have been impacted further by the conflict in Ukraine.

After Rajapaksa failed to heed impact warnings on productivity when he shifted the country's agriculture to fully organic production last year, the falls in output, exports and income from trade have compounded financial hardships. However, there's now a note of optimism on the streets.

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."