Updated 20:30 GMT
11.45 PM : Situation still tense near Temple Trees pic.twitter.com/vBEQWbfLFo
— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) May 9, 2022
Protestors still continue to clash outside the Prime Minster's residence as an island-wide curfew is declared across the island.
Clashes between supporters of Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and anti-government demonstrators broke out in front of Temple Trees, the official residence of the Prime Minister, earlier this evening.
Happening now at Temple Trees… protestors are trying to break in.#ProtestLK #GoHomeRajapaksas #KnockKnock pic.twitter.com/epLDekR9vf
— Marlon Ariyasinghe (@exfrotezter) May 9, 2022
Shots have reportedly been fired outside Temple Trees alongside multiple rounds of tear gas in an attempt to disperse protesters.
Supporters of the Prime Minister have urged him not to submit his resignation whilst anti-government demonstrators continue to demand it. The houses and vehicles of several prominent Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politicians have been set alight as violence breaks out across Colombo. Sri Lanka’s military has been called in to impose a curfew till Tuesday 7 am.
Rajapaksa handed his resignation letter to his brother and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this morning.
Read more here: Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as violence erupts
Read more here: LEAD - Violence across Sri Lanka as armed troops deployed and PM resigns
Protestors attempted to ram a bus through the rear gates of Temple Trees. Tear gas was promptly fired directly into the crowds. Lost count of how many rounds were fired. Whatever this gas is, it’s brutal!
— Kalani Kumarasinghe (@KalaniWrites) May 9, 2022
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
