COLOMBO : The Sri Lankan Police on Wednesday used tear gas to disperse a crowd of demonstrators in the vicinity of the Prime Minister's Office on Flower Road in the nation's capital Colombo.
According to the BBC, Wednesday's demonstrations in and around the state capital had been mainly peaceful, with protesters chanting and making speeches.
Early on Wednesday morning, an enthusiastic gathering assembled in Galle Face Green. There are flags being waved high in the air and shouts of the traditional Sinhalese phrase "Aragalayata Jayawewa," which means "Victory to the struggle," can be heard.
Others are taking in scathing addresses from fellow residents who are accompanied onstage by posters that read "Go home Gota," a reference to the deposed president of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, according to the BBC. In the midst of widespread protests over the country's economic woes, President Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka on a military jet.
The 73-year-old, together with his wife and two security personnel, took a flight to the Maldives, according to the country's air force. They landed in Male at around three in the morning on Wednesday.
A family dynasty that had dominated Sri Lanka for many years comes to an end with Rajapaksa's departure. After large protesters invaded his home on Saturday, the President fled and announced his intention to step down on July 13.
Battle in three directions for the next president of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Prez Rajapaksa flees to Maldives ahead of expected resignation
President's brother cannot leave Sri Lanka due to rising resentment