On July 9, thousands of protestors stormed the residence of Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in what appeared to be the climax of months of protest over the economic crisis on the island. Photos and videos that quickly made headlines around the world showed demonstrators rummaging through his wardrobe, working out in his personal gym, and splashing around in his private pool. Less than three years after Rajapaksa won a commanding majority among the island’s Sinhalese, the unimaginable had happened - the Sinhala Buddhist strongman, whose war crimes aided rather than impeded his rise to power, was being forced out of office.

According to Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be stepping down on 13 July.

The announcement comes amidst escalating protests in which protesters set Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's home ablaze and stormed the President's property. Rajapaksa has since fled his home and his location remains unknown.

Rajapaksa has informed the speaker of his plans to step down as president this coming Wednesday, the speaker stated that "the decision to step down on 13 July was taken to ensure a peaceful handover of power"

Earlier today Prime Minister Wickremesinghe agreed to resign and make way for an all-party government.

In what has been the largest protest amidst the island's crippling economic crisis, anti-government protestors set fire to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe's private residence in Cambridge Terrace in response to violence unleashed by police para-military on protestors and media personnel. 

Former Sri Lankan President and war criminal, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has issued a statement condemning the burning of the Prime Minister’s house amidst widespread protests across Colombo.

Responding to the storming of Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house, by anti-government demonstrators, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has stressed the need for all parties to work with the international community to form a new government that meets the “democratic and economic aspirations and upholds human rights”.

The Speaker of the Parliament convened an emergency meeting between the leaders of the parties, which called for the joint resignation of the President and Prime minister. 

During the meeting, the party leaders agreed on four actions 

1. President and Prime Minister to resign immediately 

2. Speaker to act for President for a maximum of 30 days

3. Parliament will elect an MP  as President for remained term

4. Appointment of an interim all-party government and elections to be held soon. 

As protests continue to rage in Colombo the exact location of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains unclear.

Since fleeing his residence his property has been taken over by protesters demanding his resignation. Speaking to AFP news agency, a defence source stated that the President was escorted to safety ahead of the protests. But questions remain as to whether the besieged president has left the capital or even the island, by plane or sea.

Activity at Colombo Port

Following a wave of protests in Sri Lanka's capital earlier today, the recently appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has agreed to resign.

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.

As demonstrators stormed the residence of Sri Lanka’s President, reports emerge that two people have been shot close to the President’s house.

They have since been admitted to Colombo National Hospital.