Security personnel stand guard after a raid on an anti-government protest camp in Colombo early on Friday, amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis. Reuters
Security personnel stand guard after a raid on an anti-government protest camp in Colombo early on Friday, amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis. Reuters
Anti-government protesters speak with members of Sri Lankan security forces. AFP
Anti-government protesters speak with members of Sri Lankan security forces. AFP
A policeman walks past slogans against the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo. AFP
A policeman walks past slogans against the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo. AFP
Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Reuters
Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Reuters
Mr Wickremesinghe, centre, arrives at his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. EPA
Mr Wickremesinghe, centre, arrives at his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. EPA
Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves a Buddhist temple in Colombo after he was named as Sri Lanka's eighth executive president. Reuters
Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves a Buddhist temple in Colombo after he was named as Sri Lanka's eighth executive president. Reuters
Sri Lankans protest after Mr Wickremesinghe defeated Dullas Alahapperuma, a member of the breakaway faction of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, by 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary vote to pick the next president. Getty
Sri Lankans protest after Mr Wickremesinghe defeated Dullas Alahapperuma, a member of the breakaway faction of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, by 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary vote to pick the next president. Getty
Dinesh Gunawardena, centre, leader of the House of Parliament, arrives at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Getty
Dinesh Gunawardena, centre, leader of the House of Parliament, arrives at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Getty
Soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat after Mr Wickremesinghe was announced as Sri Lanka's new president. Getty
Soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat after Mr Wickremesinghe was announced as Sri Lanka's new president. Getty
Protesters watch a live broadcast of the parliamentary vote to pick Sri Lanka's new president. EPA
Protesters watch a live broadcast of the parliamentary vote to pick Sri Lanka's new president. EPA
A screen grab of Mr Wickremesinghe, bottom left, during the vote count announcement in Sri Lanka's Parliament. AFP
A screen grab of Mr Wickremesinghe, bottom left, during the vote count announcement in Sri Lanka's Parliament. AFP
Mr Alahapperuma, bottom right, during the parliamentary vote in Colombo. AFP
Mr Alahapperuma, bottom right, during the parliamentary vote in Colombo. AFP
A supporter celebrates in Colombo after Mr Wickremesinghe was elected as president. Reuters
A supporter celebrates in Colombo after Mr Wickremesinghe was elected as president. Reuters
Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters celebrate in the capital after his election as Sri Lankan president. Getty
Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters celebrate in the capital after his election as Sri Lankan president. Getty
Sri Lankans protest after the announcement of Mr Wickremesinghe as president. Getty
Sri Lankans protest after the announcement of Mr Wickremesinghe as president. Getty
Demonstrators watch a public screen as voting begins in Sri Lanka's Parliament. Reuters
Demonstrators watch a public screen as voting begins in Sri Lanka's Parliament. Reuters
Protesters in Colombo demand Mr Wickremesinghe's resignation as prime minister and acting president before the parliamentary vote. AP
Protesters in Colombo demand Mr Wickremesinghe's resignation as prime minister and acting president before the parliamentary vote. AP
Demonstrators carry an effigy of Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators carry an effigy of Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators take part in a procession against Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators take part in a procession against Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators shout slogans. AFP
Demonstrators shout slogans. AFP
Sri Lankan demonstrators take part in a celebration in Colombo to mark the 100th day of protests. AFP
Sri Lankan demonstrators take part in a celebration in Colombo to mark the 100th day of protests. AFP
After months of street protests, Sri Lanka’s parliament will elect a new president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday. AFP
After months of street protests, Sri Lanka’s parliament will elect a new president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday. AFP
The country faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign reserves, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and imported goods. Getty
The country faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign reserves, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and imported goods. Getty
Soldiers lower the national flag at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Getty
Soldiers lower the national flag at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Getty
A demonstrator writes a slogan against acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe. AFP
A demonstrator writes a slogan against acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe. AFP
Mr Wickremesinghe is a top contender in the race to succeed Mr Rajapaksa. AFP
Mr Wickremesinghe is a top contender in the race to succeed Mr Rajapaksa. AFP
People light candles in the capital in memory of protesters killed or wounded since the demonstrations began. EPA
People light candles in the capital in memory of protesters killed or wounded since the demonstrations began. EPA
Police officers stand guard outside Parliament in Colombo. Reuters
Police officers stand guard outside Parliament in Colombo. Reuters
The vandalised office of the Sri Lankan president inside his official residence in the capital. Getty
The vandalised office of the Sri Lankan president inside his official residence in the capital. Getty
Police officials gather evidence at the president’s official residence after it was overrun by anti-government protesters on July 9. AFP
Police officials gather evidence at the president’s official residence after it was overrun by anti-government protesters on July 9. AFP
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, right, is sworn in as acting president by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in Colombo. EPA
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, right, is sworn in as acting president by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in Colombo. EPA
Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena addresses the media in Colombo. AFP
Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena addresses the media in Colombo. AFP
People dance in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of Mr Rajapaksa amid the country’s economic crisis. Reuters
People dance in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of Mr Rajapaksa amid the country’s economic crisis. Reuters
Demonstrators cheer after hearing news that Mr Rajapaksa had emailed his letter of resignation after fleeing months of anti-government protests. Bloomberg
Demonstrators cheer after hearing news that Mr Rajapaksa had emailed his letter of resignation after fleeing months of anti-government protests. Bloomberg
Members of the media wait outside the VIP complex of Changi International Airport in Singapore for the arrival of Mr Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lanka's president left the Maldives on July 14 aboard a Saudia Airlines plane bound for Singapore. AFP
Members of the media wait outside the VIP complex of Changi International Airport in Singapore for the arrival of Mr Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lanka's president left the Maldives on July 14 aboard a Saudia Airlines plane bound for Singapore. AFP
A Saudia Airlines plane believed to be carrying Mr Rajapaksa arrives on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. EPA
A Saudia Airlines plane believed to be carrying Mr Rajapaksa arrives on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. EPA
Police officers walk outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the building, when he was named acting president. AFP
Police officers walk outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the building, when he was named acting president. AFP
A Saudia airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Singapore and carrying Sri Lanka's fleeing president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards prepares to take off at the Velana International airport, in the Maldives. AFP
A Saudia airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Singapore and carrying Sri Lanka's fleeing president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards prepares to take off at the Velana International airport, in the Maldives. AFP
Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard near the parliament building in Colombo, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister's office. AFP
Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard near the parliament building in Colombo, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister's office. AFP
A soldier walks past a demonstrator sitting in a meeting room, at the prime minister's offices. AFP
A soldier walks past a demonstrator sitting in a meeting room, at the prime minister's offices. AFP
Soldiers patrol the buildings of the prime minister's office. AFP
Soldiers patrol the buildings of the prime minister's office. AFP
Troops make their way to an anti-government protest at the prime minister's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg
Troops make their way to an anti-government protest at the prime minister's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg
Demonstrators takes pictures inside the complex housing the Sri Lankan prime minister's offices. AFP
Demonstrators takes pictures inside the complex housing the Sri Lankan prime minister's offices. AFP
An injured protester lies in an ambulance after clashes with police near parliament in Colombo. AP
An injured protester lies in an ambulance after clashes with police near parliament in Colombo. AP
People wait to enter the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP
People wait to enter the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP
Protesters in Colombo hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis. Reuters
Protesters in Colombo hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis. Reuters
Protesters demand the resignation of Mr Wickremasinghe. Bloomberg
Protesters demand the resignation of Mr Wickremasinghe. Bloomberg
Police officers stand guard in Colombo. Reuters
Police officers stand guard in Colombo. Reuters
Police fire tear gas to control the crowds. Reuters
Police fire tear gas to control the crowds. Reuters
A protester pours water on a man as tensions soar. Reuters
A protester pours water on a man as tensions soar. Reuters
Protesters throw teargas shells. AP Photo
Protesters throw teargas shells. AP Photo
Protesters storm Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and demand his resignation, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the economic and political crisis for the Maldives. AP
Protesters storm Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and demand his resignation, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the economic and political crisis for the Maldives. AP
Police use tear gas to disperse Sri Lankan protesters outside the prime minister's office. AP
Police use tear gas to disperse Sri Lankan protesters outside the prime minister's office. AP
A protester sleeps on vandalised furniture inside the presidential palace in Colombo, which has been occupied by demonstrators for days. Getty Images
A protester sleeps on vandalised furniture inside the presidential palace in Colombo, which has been occupied by demonstrators for days. Getty Images
A satellite image shows people gathered outside Sri Lanka's Parliament building in Colombo amid the country's economic and political crisis. AFP
A satellite image shows people gathered outside Sri Lanka's Parliament building in Colombo amid the country's economic and political crisis. AFP
Youths play carrom inside the Sri Lankan prime minister's official residence, which was stormed by protesters at the weekend. Reuters
Youths play carrom inside the Sri Lankan prime minister's official residence, which was stormed by protesters at the weekend. Reuters
People sit on a couch inside the prime minister's official residence. The protests against the government have simmered since May, but erupted again last Saturday. Reuters
People sit on a couch inside the prime minister's official residence. The protests against the government have simmered since May, but erupted again last Saturday. Reuters
Army cadets march past people queuing to get inside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. AFP
Army cadets march past people queuing to get inside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. AFP
People visit Mr Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. It was reported on Wednesday that he had fled the country for the Maldives. AFP
People visit Mr Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. It was reported on Wednesday that he had fled the country for the Maldives. AFP
A man takes a selfie at the presidential palace. AP
A man takes a selfie at the presidential palace. AP
Sri Lankans line up to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
Sri Lankans line up to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
Crowds flock to take in the presidential palace. EPA
Crowds flock to take in the presidential palace. EPA
A man takes a rest inside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. EPA
A man takes a rest inside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. EPA
People sing songs inside the prime minister's official residence. EPA
People sing songs inside the prime minister's official residence. EPA
Protesters erect a banner on the presidential palace three days after it was stormed by anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. AP
Protesters erect a banner on the presidential palace three days after it was stormed by anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. AP
People wait in a queue to collect gas at a distribution point in Colombo. AFP
People wait in a queue to collect gas at a distribution point in Colombo. AFP
Sri Lankans quarrel as they wait for gas at a distribution point. AFP
Sri Lankans quarrel as they wait for gas at a distribution point. AFP
A driver of an autorickshaw sleeps inside his vehicle while waiting in a queue to buy petrol at a fuel station in Colombo. AP
A driver of an autorickshaw sleeps inside his vehicle while waiting in a queue to buy petrol at a fuel station in Colombo. AP

World

Asia

Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe tells police 'to do what is necessary' after office stormed

State broadcaster Rupavahini went off air after being seized by protesters in Colombo

The National

July 13, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has delivered a televised address ordering the military to “do whatever is necessary to restore order” after thousands of protesters stormed his office on Wednesday.

Mr Wickremesinghe told protesters to leave his office and other state buildings and co-operate with authorities.

“We can't tear up our constitution,” he said. “We can't allow fascists to take over. We must end this fascist threat to democracy.”

Mr Wickremesinghe's speech came on the day he was named acting president, hours after incumbent Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the bankrupt country in an air force jet.

Witnesses said protesters who stormed Mr Wickremesinghe's office had breached military defences. It was unclear on Wednesday evening whether security forces would use live ammunition on protesters, as has been the case since May when the army were given orders to use any means necessary to stop rioting. Almost 30 protesters were shot in a single incident on April 22 — one fatally — the first of several shootings since protests began.

The UN has warned Sri Lankan authorities to refrain from deadly force, while the police say they have tried to use water canons and tear gas to protect property.

But on Wednesday evening, Sri Lanka's defence chief, General Shavendra Silva, said the armed forces and police would respect the constitution, and called for calm.

“We have requested political leaders to decide the way forward till a new president is sworn in and notify us and the public by this evening,” he said.

People stood on chairs and desks waving Sri Lankan flags, chanting “that's what we said, don’t mess with us”, the BBC reported from inside Mr Wickremesinghe's office.

Police and troops had failed to hold back crowds despite firing tear gas and water cannon, AFP reported.

Security personnel stand guard after a raid on an anti-government protest camp in Colombo early on Friday, amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis. Reuters
Security personnel stand guard after a raid on an anti-government protest camp in Colombo early on Friday, amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis. Reuters
Anti-government protesters speak with members of Sri Lankan security forces. AFP
Anti-government protesters speak with members of Sri Lankan security forces. AFP
A policeman walks past slogans against the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo. AFP
A policeman walks past slogans against the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo. AFP
Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Reuters
Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Reuters
Mr Wickremesinghe, centre, arrives at his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. EPA
Mr Wickremesinghe, centre, arrives at his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. EPA
Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves a Buddhist temple in Colombo after he was named as Sri Lanka's eighth executive president. Reuters
Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves a Buddhist temple in Colombo after he was named as Sri Lanka's eighth executive president. Reuters
Sri Lankans protest after Mr Wickremesinghe defeated Dullas Alahapperuma, a member of the breakaway faction of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, by 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary vote to pick the next president. Getty
Sri Lankans protest after Mr Wickremesinghe defeated Dullas Alahapperuma, a member of the breakaway faction of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, by 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary vote to pick the next president. Getty
Dinesh Gunawardena, centre, leader of the House of Parliament, arrives at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Getty
Dinesh Gunawardena, centre, leader of the House of Parliament, arrives at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Getty
Soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat after Mr Wickremesinghe was announced as Sri Lanka's new president. Getty
Soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat after Mr Wickremesinghe was announced as Sri Lanka's new president. Getty
Protesters watch a live broadcast of the parliamentary vote to pick Sri Lanka's new president. EPA
Protesters watch a live broadcast of the parliamentary vote to pick Sri Lanka's new president. EPA
A screen grab of Mr Wickremesinghe, bottom left, during the vote count announcement in Sri Lanka's Parliament. AFP
A screen grab of Mr Wickremesinghe, bottom left, during the vote count announcement in Sri Lanka's Parliament. AFP
Mr Alahapperuma, bottom right, during the parliamentary vote in Colombo. AFP
Mr Alahapperuma, bottom right, during the parliamentary vote in Colombo. AFP
A supporter celebrates in Colombo after Mr Wickremesinghe was elected as president. Reuters
A supporter celebrates in Colombo after Mr Wickremesinghe was elected as president. Reuters
Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters celebrate in the capital after his election as Sri Lankan president. Getty
Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters celebrate in the capital after his election as Sri Lankan president. Getty
Sri Lankans protest after the announcement of Mr Wickremesinghe as president. Getty
Sri Lankans protest after the announcement of Mr Wickremesinghe as president. Getty
Demonstrators watch a public screen as voting begins in Sri Lanka's Parliament. Reuters
Demonstrators watch a public screen as voting begins in Sri Lanka's Parliament. Reuters
Protesters in Colombo demand Mr Wickremesinghe's resignation as prime minister and acting president before the parliamentary vote. AP
Protesters in Colombo demand Mr Wickremesinghe's resignation as prime minister and acting president before the parliamentary vote. AP
Demonstrators carry an effigy of Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators carry an effigy of Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators take part in a procession against Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators take part in a procession against Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
Demonstrators shout slogans. AFP
Demonstrators shout slogans. AFP
Sri Lankan demonstrators take part in a celebration in Colombo to mark the 100th day of protests. AFP
Sri Lankan demonstrators take part in a celebration in Colombo to mark the 100th day of protests. AFP
After months of street protests, Sri Lanka’s parliament will elect a new president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday. AFP
After months of street protests, Sri Lanka’s parliament will elect a new president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday. AFP
The country faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign reserves, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and imported goods. Getty
The country faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign reserves, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and imported goods. Getty
Soldiers lower the national flag at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Getty
Soldiers lower the national flag at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Getty
A demonstrator writes a slogan against acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe. AFP
A demonstrator writes a slogan against acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe. AFP
Mr Wickremesinghe is a top contender in the race to succeed Mr Rajapaksa. AFP
Mr Wickremesinghe is a top contender in the race to succeed Mr Rajapaksa. AFP
People light candles in the capital in memory of protesters killed or wounded since the demonstrations began. EPA
People light candles in the capital in memory of protesters killed or wounded since the demonstrations began. EPA
Police officers stand guard outside Parliament in Colombo. Reuters
Police officers stand guard outside Parliament in Colombo. Reuters
The vandalised office of the Sri Lankan president inside his official residence in the capital. Getty
The vandalised office of the Sri Lankan president inside his official residence in the capital. Getty
Police officials gather evidence at the president’s official residence after it was overrun by anti-government protesters on July 9. AFP
Police officials gather evidence at the president’s official residence after it was overrun by anti-government protesters on July 9. AFP
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, right, is sworn in as acting president by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in Colombo. EPA
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, right, is sworn in as acting president by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in Colombo. EPA
Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena addresses the media in Colombo. AFP
Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena addresses the media in Colombo. AFP
People dance in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of Mr Rajapaksa amid the country’s economic crisis. Reuters
People dance in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of Mr Rajapaksa amid the country’s economic crisis. Reuters
Demonstrators cheer after hearing news that Mr Rajapaksa had emailed his letter of resignation after fleeing months of anti-government protests. Bloomberg
Demonstrators cheer after hearing news that Mr Rajapaksa had emailed his letter of resignation after fleeing months of anti-government protests. Bloomberg
Members of the media wait outside the VIP complex of Changi International Airport in Singapore for the arrival of Mr Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lanka's president left the Maldives on July 14 aboard a Saudia Airlines plane bound for Singapore. AFP
Members of the media wait outside the VIP complex of Changi International Airport in Singapore for the arrival of Mr Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lanka's president left the Maldives on July 14 aboard a Saudia Airlines plane bound for Singapore. AFP
A Saudia Airlines plane believed to be carrying Mr Rajapaksa arrives on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. EPA
A Saudia Airlines plane believed to be carrying Mr Rajapaksa arrives on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. EPA
Police officers walk outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the building, when he was named acting president. AFP
Police officers walk outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the building, when he was named acting president. AFP
A Saudia airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Singapore and carrying Sri Lanka's fleeing president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards prepares to take off at the Velana International airport, in the Maldives. AFP
A Saudia airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Singapore and carrying Sri Lanka's fleeing president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards prepares to take off at the Velana International airport, in the Maldives. AFP
Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard near the parliament building in Colombo, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister's office. AFP
Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard near the parliament building in Colombo, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister's office. AFP
A soldier walks past a demonstrator sitting in a meeting room, at the prime minister's offices. AFP
A soldier walks past a demonstrator sitting in a meeting room, at the prime minister's offices. AFP
Soldiers patrol the buildings of the prime minister's office. AFP
Soldiers patrol the buildings of the prime minister's office. AFP
Troops make their way to an anti-government protest at the prime minister's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg
Troops make their way to an anti-government protest at the prime minister's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg
Demonstrators takes pictures inside the complex housing the Sri Lankan prime minister's offices. AFP
Demonstrators takes pictures inside the complex housing the Sri Lankan prime minister's offices. AFP
An injured protester lies in an ambulance after clashes with police near parliament in Colombo. AP
An injured protester lies in an ambulance after clashes with police near parliament in Colombo. AP
People wait to enter the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP
People wait to enter the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP
Protesters in Colombo hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis. Reuters
Protesters in Colombo hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis. Reuters
Protesters demand the resignation of Mr Wickremasinghe. Bloomberg
Protesters demand the resignation of Mr Wickremasinghe. Bloomberg
Police officers stand guard in Colombo. Reuters
Police officers stand guard in Colombo. Reuters
Police fire tear gas to control the crowds. Reuters
Police fire tear gas to control the crowds. Reuters
A protester pours water on a man as tensions soar. Reuters
A protester pours water on a man as tensions soar. Reuters
Protesters throw teargas shells. AP Photo
Protesters throw teargas shells. AP Photo
Protesters storm Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and demand his resignation, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the economic and political crisis for the Maldives. AP
Protesters storm Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and demand his resignation, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the economic and political crisis for the Maldives. AP
Police use tear gas to disperse Sri Lankan protesters outside the prime minister's office. AP
Police use tear gas to disperse Sri Lankan protesters outside the prime minister's office. AP
A protester sleeps on vandalised furniture inside the presidential palace in Colombo, which has been occupied by demonstrators for days. Getty Images
A protester sleeps on vandalised furniture inside the presidential palace in Colombo, which has been occupied by demonstrators for days. Getty Images
A satellite image shows people gathered outside Sri Lanka's Parliament building in Colombo amid the country's economic and political crisis. AFP
A satellite image shows people gathered outside Sri Lanka's Parliament building in Colombo amid the country's economic and political crisis. AFP
Youths play carrom inside the Sri Lankan prime minister's official residence, which was stormed by protesters at the weekend. Reuters
Youths play carrom inside the Sri Lankan prime minister's official residence, which was stormed by protesters at the weekend. Reuters
People sit on a couch inside the prime minister's official residence. The protests against the government have simmered since May, but erupted again last Saturday. Reuters
People sit on a couch inside the prime minister's official residence. The protests against the government have simmered since May, but erupted again last Saturday. Reuters
Army cadets march past people queuing to get inside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. AFP
Army cadets march past people queuing to get inside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. AFP
People visit Mr Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. It was reported on Wednesday that he had fled the country for the Maldives. AFP
People visit Mr Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. It was reported on Wednesday that he had fled the country for the Maldives. AFP
A man takes a selfie at the presidential palace. AP
A man takes a selfie at the presidential palace. AP
Sri Lankans line up to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
Sri Lankans line up to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
Crowds flock to take in the presidential palace. EPA
Crowds flock to take in the presidential palace. EPA
A man takes a rest inside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. EPA
A man takes a rest inside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. EPA
People sing songs inside the prime minister's official residence. EPA
People sing songs inside the prime minister's official residence. EPA
Protesters erect a banner on the presidential palace three days after it was stormed by anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. AP
Protesters erect a banner on the presidential palace three days after it was stormed by anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. AP
People wait in a queue to collect gas at a distribution point in Colombo. AFP
People wait in a queue to collect gas at a distribution point in Colombo. AFP
Sri Lankans quarrel as they wait for gas at a distribution point. AFP
Sri Lankans quarrel as they wait for gas at a distribution point. AFP
A driver of an autorickshaw sleeps inside his vehicle while waiting in a queue to buy petrol at a fuel station in Colombo. AP
A driver of an autorickshaw sleeps inside his vehicle while waiting in a queue to buy petrol at a fuel station in Colombo. AP

Sri Lanka’s state broadcaster Rupavahini went off air after being seized by protesters in Colombo, Bloomberg reported.

At about 1.02pm local time, shortly after the protester-imposed deadline lapsed for Mr Rajapaksa to submit his resignation, Rupavahini showed images of one of its presenters introducing two protesters.

Shortly afterwards, the channel played the national anthem and went off air.

“We have not cast a stone at Rupavahini,” one protester said.

“We only ask that you join the people in our struggle rather than taking the side of the government in power. We thank the staff of Rupavahini for assisting us.”

Ranil Wickremesinghe's office was stormed on Wednesday, hours after he was named acting president. AP
Ranil Wickremesinghe's office was stormed on Wednesday, hours after he was named acting president. AP

Protesters captured the broadcaster after an announcement that Mr Wickremesinghe, who is also being asked to resign, will be acting president after Mr Rajapaksa fled.

Some local media reports cited unnamed Rupavahini officials as saying engineers shut down the broadcast after protesters stormed the building.

Sri Lanka's Information Ministry has not responded to requests for comment, Bloomberg reported.

Protests were widespread in Colombo on Wednesday. Tear gas was fired and barricades were set up in parts of the capital.

The country’s economy has been wrecked by a combination of mismanagement, a slump in tourism due to the pandemic and a surge in import costs related to the war in Ukraine.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
World Mental Health Day
While you're here
While you're here
'The%20Alchemist's%20Euphoria'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kasabian%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EColumbia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis
Whiile you're here
The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.

World Cup final

Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-cylinder%202.0L%20TSI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20clutch%207-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320HP%20%2F%20235kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20400Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20%2449%2C709%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day

'Project Power'

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback

Director: ​Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman

Rating: 3.5/5

While you're here
On Women's Day
Bundesliga fixtures

Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)

Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm) 

RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm) 

Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm) 

Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn  (4.30pm) 

Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm) 

Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)

Sunday, May 17

Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),

Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)

Monday, May 18

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)

Earth under attack: Cosmic impacts throughout history

- 4.5 billion years ago: Mars-sized object smashes into the newly-formed Earth, creating debris that coalesces to form the Moon

- 66 million years ago: 10km-wide asteroid crashes into the Gulf of Mexico, wiping out over 70 per cent of living species – including the dinosaurs.

- 50,000 years ago: 50m-wide iron meteor crashes in Arizona with the violence of 10 megatonne hydrogen bomb, creating the famous 1.2km-wide Barringer Crater

- 1490: Meteor storm over Shansi Province, north-east China when large stones “fell like rain”, reportedly leading to thousands of deaths.  

- 1908: 100-metre meteor from the Taurid Complex explodes near the Tunguska river in Siberia with the force of 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs, devastating 2,000 square kilometres of forest.

- 1998: Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 breaks apart and crashes into Jupiter in series of impacts that would have annihilated life on Earth.

-2013: 10,000-tonne meteor burns up over the southern Urals region of Russia, releasing a pressure blast and flash that left over 1600 people injured.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

THE%C2%A0SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%20four-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Starting%20from%20Dh89%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tomb%20Raider%20I%E2%80%93III%20Remastered
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: July 14, 2022, 11:12 AM`
Sri LankaAsia