Large crowds protest in front of President’s residence near Mirihana demanding to resign

A large number of protesters gathered at the President’s House, Mirihana Pangriwatta road a while ago demanding the President resign from his post due as he failed to resolve the economic crisis in the country. 

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Jubilee post in the evening and then moved toward the Pangriwatta road which connects to the residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The protest has been underway for over an hour. 

Security around the area is beefed up with both police and military personnel deployed near the residence. Police put up barriers infront of the main gate to prevent protesters from advancing toward the residence. 

In recent weeks, public led protests were staged across Colombo against the government's inefficiency to resolve difficulties faced by the public as the country’s masses are experiencing routine power outages, acute shortage of essential items and fuel due to forex shortages to import them into the country. 

Protesters were heard chanting slogans of “Gota go home, Resign now, shame on you President” etc demanding that President should step down immediately. (Pix by Namini Wijedasa)

Update:  The protest turned violent after police used tear gas to disperse the agitating crowds in front of the President's residence. Some protesters hurled stones and other objects at the police vehicles chanting slogans against the government and President. 

More Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed to the protesting site to remove protesters.