Curfew in Sri Lanka after bloody riots

After bloody unrest in Sri Lanka, the government of the South Asian country imposed a curfew. Thousands of police and military personnel were deployed across the country yesterday to implement this measure.

Overnight, protesters critical of the government stormed the residence of outgoing Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in the capital, Colombo. Today, the army had to transport him and his family to safety.

Yesterday, weeks of protests escalated in Sri Lanka, shaken by a severe economic crisis. The Rajapaksa supporters, who were driven to Colombo by bus, attacked the anti-government protesters with sticks and batons, and the police used tear gas and water cannons.

At least five people were killed

Police imposed a curfew in the capital, Colombo, which was later extended to the entire country and is expected to last until Wednesday. Despite the curfew, protests continued. At least five people were killed and nearly 200 others were injured.

In response to the serious riots, Rajapaksa and his entire government resigned. On the other hand, the brother of the former Prime Minister, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is still in office.