A group of anti-government protesters set fire to the home of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday 9th May.
According to The Cable News, Rajapaksa resigned hours earlier in response to calls for his removal due to the economic crisis.
The country is in the midst of its worst economic crisis since obtaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1948.
There have been protests over rising costs and power outages since last month.
After violent skirmishes in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, between Rajapaksa loyalists and anti-government protesters, the country was placed under curfew.
Mahinda’s attempt to appease the demonstrators by resigning failed when mobs attacked his home on Monday. He was, however, rescued and transported to safety.
Police and riot squads were reportedly deployed, as well as tear gas and water cannon.
The protesters retaliated, attacking government supporters and targeting ruling party MPs.
Seven people are said to have died and more than 190 injured since Monday.
Mahinda’s house in Kurunegala was also reportedly set on fire by the protesters.
More than 50 houses of politicians were said to have been burnt overnight.
Protesters reportedly assembled in front of the Trincomalee Naval Base in the northeast after rumors that Mahinda Rajapaksa had fled his Colombo mansion with family members.
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