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Gotabaya flees as Sri Lankan protesters break into president's house, old parliament building

Police used tear gas and water cannons and opened fire to disperse protesters

SRI LANKA-CRISIS/ Representational image

Sri Lankan protesters demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday entered his official residence after putting down the barricades. Multiple reports claimed that Gotabaya was moved away, reportedly to the army headquarters, following intelligence reports that the situation "would go out of control". The old parliament house was also breached by protesters. It is currently unclear as to whether Gotabaya is still in the country. 

Police used tear gas and water cannons and opened fire to disperse protesters this morning to prevent protesters from entering.  

However, the protesters entered the president's house after putting down the barricades.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was facing calls for resignation since March was using the President's House as his residence and office since protesters came to occupy the entrance to his office early April.

President Gotabaya had already vacated the premises before the protests began in Colombo.

Meanwhile, at least 30 persons including two police officers were injured during ongoing protests and were admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo. 

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