Protesters injured as Sri Lankan forces attack anti-government camp outside presidential office | World News
Several protesters were injured after Sri Lankan forces raided an anti-government camp at the president’s office.
Media footage showed soldiers dressed in riot gear and armed with assault rifles tearing through the camp set up by protesters in April.
Activists stormed the president’s home and office as well as the prime minister’s residence in Colombo out of anger at the country’s economic situation.
Corruption and mismanagement have plunged the island nation into debt, causing severe shortages of fuel, food and medicine.
Police spokesman Nalin Thalduwa said: “A joint operation involving the army, police and special police forces was deployed in the early hours to withdraw the presidential secretariat from protesters because they have no legal right to hold it.”
“Nine people, including two injured, have been arrested.”
During the protests, people flocked to the president’s residence, swam in pools, played games in the lobbies and had picnics in the garden.
In recent days, they fear an impending crackdown after a new president is sworn in.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, seen as an ally of his ousted predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa, came to power on Thursday – just a day after lawmakers chose him to end the former president’s term.
Mr. Rajapaksa fled the country with his wife and bodyguard just days after the activists took over.
Organizers of the protests said hundreds of security personnel surrounded the protest camp after midnight and then demolished part of it.
Organizers claim at least 50 activists injured
In the early hours of Friday morning, dozens of soldiers marched through the area and rows of protesters’ tents were cleared.
Organizers added that at least 50 activists were injured, some beaten by security forces.
“They beat us really badly,” said the protester.
“Mr. Wickremesinghe doesn’t know what democracy is.”
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Protesters have vowed to occupy official buildings until the top leaders step down.
Sri Lanka has been under a state of emergency since Monday and a nationwide curfew has been in place until Thursday morning.
The president is expected to appoint Rajapaksa ally Dinesh Gunewardena as prime minister along with a new cabinet later on Friday.
