Thousands of people gathered near the Mirihana entrance to Nugegoda, the private residence of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, yesterday (31) to protest against the current economic crisis.
There, the people loudly protested, demanding the resignation of the President.
irst, people protested near the Jubilee Post Junction yesterday afternoon, then blocked the entrance to the President’s official residence in Mirihana Pangiriwatte.
The protesters were attempted to go to the President’s home and the police and the army were seen to prevent it.
As a result of this protest, the Nugegoda-Maharagama 119 road was completely blocked and heavy police guards were seen near the entrance to the President’s residence.
However, it is reported that the President was not at home at the time of the incident.
As the protest near the president’s house intensified, tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd. However, the people pelted stones at the President’s house amid tear gas.
A group of protesters near the President’s residence reportedly set fire to an army bus and several other vehicles.
The Army and Police Special Task Force were also called in to provide security in the area.
The Police Media Spokesman’s Office stated that 45 persons have been arrested for allegedly setting fire to several buses and vehicles. One woman was also among those arrested, police said.
However, about 10 injured have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital and four to the Kalubowila Hospital, hospital sources said.