
The situation in Sri Lanka continue to deteriorate as the authorities have deployed armed troops in Colombo following clashes between the pro-government supporters and the protestors.
According to AFP, two people including a MP from the ruling partySri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) died while 139 people were injured in the violence.Amarakeerthi Athukorala, a SLPP lawmaker, took his own life with his revolver after firing on the protestors, a police official told AFP.
The protestors, who were present outside the residences of both the President and the Prime Minister of the country, were part of the ‘Week of Protests’ that was planned by trade unions as they ask the leaders to step down following Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis.
The protests were interrupted as supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked them on Monday and according to footages shown on local television channel Sirasa, they were carrying clubs and iron bars which were used to destroy the tents which housed the protestors.
The TV footage also showed that government lawmaker Sanath Nishantha was also among the attackers, and he took part in the destruction of property and also in the resulting attacks.
There are reports doing the rounds that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is all set to announce his resignation from the position. Newswire reported that the move is expected to be announced amidst the growing unrest but there was no update on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The report further said that the decision was most likely taken after several rounds of discussions between the SLPP and its political allies.
WATCH |Cabinet spokesperson says PM Mahinda Rajapaksa agreed to step down