“I will resign as Prime Minister.” says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
“To ensure the continuation of the Government including the safety of all citizens I accept the best recommendation of the Party Leaders today, to make way for an All-Party Government. To facilitate this I will resign as Prime Minister.” tweet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Sudewa Hettiarrachchi has resigned from his post as the Director General of the Presidents Media Unit.
Prime Ministe Ranil Wickremesinghe has told the Party Leaders that he is willing to resign as Prime Minister and make way for an all-Party Government to take over – PMs Office.
“The president was escorted to safety,” the source added. “He is still the president, he is being protected by a military unit.” -AFP / a top defence source to AFP on condition of anonymity.
“We are awaiting instructions, “We still don’t know where he is, but we know he is with the Sri Lanka navy and is safe.” a top civil servant to AFP.
All party leaders requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down.
Party leaders meeting commenced, JVP not participating. Sources say Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will participate.
Party leaders meeting to commence
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa tells Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that he will respect any decision taken at Party Leaders’ meeting.
All liquor shop and wine stores will be closed from 5pm today
So far 43 persons injured during the ongoing protests & admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo.
2 persons are in critical condition.
Urgent Party Leaders meeting at 4 pm this evening.
Navy Vessel departs from Port of Colombo with group of people.
16 SLPP MPS including Dullas Alahaperuma, Channa Jayasumana & Nalaka Godahewa in a letter request the president to resign immediately and to provide the opportunity for a mature leader without allegations of corruption and who can win a clear parliamentary majorit.
PM Ranil Wickremesinghe requests Speaker to summon Parliament.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has summoned an emergency party leaders meeting to discuss the present situation.
MP Rajitha Senaratne has been attacked by the protestors.
“Refrain from damaging government and private property” Inspector General of Police request the public
AFP reports that Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees as protesters surround residence: defence source
Protestors enter the President’s House at Janadhipathi Mawatha in Colombo.
People break through gates and enter President’s House.
Tear gas fired at Galle Face Green.
Massive crowd is flocking towards Colombo to join the July 9th protest.
Update – Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees as protesters surround residence: defence source AFP.
According to hospital sources so far 23 persons including 2 policemen admitted to Colombo National Hospital. Protestors reached the main gate of President’s House and entered in to it. Tense situation reports.
Protestors captured a water cannon truck in Colombo.
7 persons including 2 policemen who were injured during the protest admitted to Colombo National Hospital. Meanwhile Police use tear gas to disperse protestors at Galle Face.
Protestors captured a water cannon truck in Colombo.
Police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse protestors at Chatham Street in Colombo.
Large crowds gathering in Colombo.
Magistrate’s court refuses a request made by the Police to issue a restraining order against the protest marches planned for July 8 and the July 9 in Fort and Pettah.
According to social media posts and Chat Groups, citizens are planning to launch massive protest march in Colombo on July 9 demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down. There are daily scattered protests in major towns.
Meanwhile students and young people have been protesting in front of the president’s office in the capital Colombo since 9 April.
Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst economic crisis and the country is facing a far more serious situation beyond the shortages of fuel, gas, electricity and food. Sri Lanka’s inflation hit a record high of 45.3% in May. Food inflation has increased to 58%. In May, Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt for the first time in its history and suspended repayment of US$51 billion in foreign debt.
From 20 June, Sri Lankan authorities announced a two-week shutdown of government offices as public transport was crippled due to fuel shortages and lack of dollars to pay for new fuel orders. Only 9,000 private buses are operating out of a fleet of 18,000. Trains are still running but are heavily overcrowded, while limited fuel supplies are issued only for essential services as scheduled fuel shipments are delayed. Kilometres-long fuel queues have been seen as motorists and riders wait for days to refuel vehicles.
