• Protests are demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
• At least 39 people including two police officers are hurt, hospital sources say.
• The president is moved to a secure location ahead of a planned rally at the weekend.

Thousands of demonstrators in Sri Lanka have assaulted; the president’s official home by smashing past police barriers. The demonstrators are calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to quit; during one of the biggest anti-government marches in the nation this year. In Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, thousands of protesters poured on the government district; yelling anti-presidential chants and tearing down multiple police barricades to get to his home.

Police opened fire in the air, but they were unable to stop the mob; from encircling the house.

The rioting has now injured at least 39 individuals, including two police officers; according to medical sources.

According to two defence ministry insiders, the president was relocated from his official premises to a guarded area; as a safety measure before a gathering scheduled for the weekend.

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On a Facebook video, hundreds of flag-waving protesters could be seen crammed; inside the seafront building and using the pool.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe; who has also been relocated to a secure location; called a meeting of political party leaders.

According to a statement from his office; he has also asked the speaker to call a special session of parliament.

Julie Chung, the US ambassador to Sri Lanka; urged protesters to do so quietly and police to allow them room; warning that “chaos and force would not restore the economy.”

Violence is not an answer. If you are going to protest, please do so peacefully. And reminding military & police to grant peaceful protesters the space and security to do so. Chaos & force will not fix the economy or bring the political stability that Sri Lankans need right now.

— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) July 8, 2022

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