There is relative calm in Jaffna compared to the capital city of Colombo where mass demonstrations have led to protesters storming the President’s house.
In Jaffna, a bicycle parade calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, President and cabinet is taking place. Cyclists will travel from the University of Jaffna to the central bus stand in the town centre.
This protest comes as news breaks of Sri Lanka’s President reportedly attempting to flee the country. According to the defence ministry, Rajapaksa had been relocated from the house on Friday and taken into military protection over concerns that the planned protest could escalate.
Whilst protestors are raiding the presidential residence in Colombo, one set of firecrackers has been set off in Jaffna in celebration of news that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled. pic.twitter.com/VGddg6ZCaW
— Tamil Guardian (@TamilGuardian) July 9, 2022