Colombo: As Sri Lanka struggles with its worst economic crisis, thousands of people protested near the private residence of the country’s President on Thursday.
Sri Lankan police resorted to using tear gas and water canon to disperse several hundred people protesting near the President, demanding his resignation. Police later enforced a curfew in several suburban areas of the capital Colombo as the protests wouldn’t subside.
As per several media reports, bricks were hurled at police officers and troops.
In response to this protest, security has been tightened around the Rajapaksa’s residence and army personnel have also been deployed.
“Police curfew imposed until further notice with immediate effect within Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central and Nugegoda Police Division,” said Inspector General of Police, reported Daily Mirror.
Sri Lanka is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a fuel, power and gas shortage. The island nation has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance.
