Thousands Protest Against Sri Lanka’s New Acting President

Thousands Protest Against Sri Lanka’s New Acting President
Sri Lankan protesters storm the compound of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid an economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 13, 2022. Eranga Jayawardena/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country’s economic and political collapse.

Rajapaksa had earlier pledged to resign Wednesday, and Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said the president assured him he would still do so. If he does, a new president is to be elected by Parliament on July 20. Wickremesinghe has also promised to resign, but not until a new government is formed.