Colombo ∙ Sri Lanka’s biggest ‘tourist centre’ was yesterday the President’s Palace at Fort. As Sunday was a public holiday, common people gathered to see the bungalow occupied by the militants. The security personnel guarding outside did not stop anyone. The swimming pool of the palace was full of people yesterday. The blue waves of the people’s revolution…
“I have never seen such a big and luxurious house in my life. When we were living with hunger and poverty, all these people lived in such pomp” – B.M. Chandravati, who sells handkerchiefs on the street, the views of the palace were unbelievable. Chandravati came to see the President’s residence with her children and grandchildren.
Every room was crowded with visitors. The busyness of taking pictures sitting and lying on the sofa. The attraction of some people was the mowed lawn outside. This was the residence of the British Governor General until Sri Lanka got independence. But not all the presidents have stayed here. Some presidents used this residence to receive foreign heads of state.
Aid should continue: Congress
New Delhi – Congress expressed solidarity with the Sri Lankan people. Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that she hoped that India would continue to provide assistance to its people. May Sri Lanka overcome this crisis. Sonia also requested the international community to provide all possible support and assistance to Sri Lanka.
Not a threat: Jaishankar
Thiruvananthapuram – Union External Affairs Minister S. Jayashankar said that the internal situation in Sri Lanka is not a threat to India in any way. He said that he does not think that there will be a flow of refugees to India. India has always helped Sri Lanka. All assistance including food items, medicine and fuel will continue. 3800 crores of aid has been disbursed so far.
No special security measures have been issued on the southern coasts. Jayashankar also said that other world powers will not give an opportunity to interfere in Lanka.
Ranil’s house burnt; The army was shocked
COLOMBO – The security agencies were shocked when the private residence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was invaded and set on fire by the assailants while the peaceful protest was taking place on one side. A car lying on the grounds of Prime Minister Ranil’s private residence in Cambridge Place was vandalized and Buddha statues and paintings kept in the house were vandalized. This is the house where Ranil lives with his wife Maithri.
The attack on the Prime Minister’s private residence even after announcing that he was resigning, also shocked the army. It is also mysterious that there was an unexpected power cut during the attack. The lathicharge by the police in connection with the developments on Saturday is being pointed out as the reason why the people are angry.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took the lead in the IMF talks, and the public’s displeasure created a leadership crisis. Army asked for people’s cooperation to maintain peace. Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka that the tears of the desperate people should not be ignored.
Ruanti as the voice of struggle
Sri Lankan politicians were waiting for a new voice yesterday. It was the Sri Lankan playwright and writer Ruwanthi Chikera who spoke to the people and the media on behalf of the protesters who occupied the President’s palace. It was Ruwanthi who stated in firm language that the people will not leave the palace without Gotabaya and Ranil resigning. Rwanthi is a familiar face in Sri Lankan theaters and has performed in many foreign theaters.
English Summary: Sri Lanka crisis: Presidential palace turns to ‘tourist spot’ for protesters