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| Protesters take pictures in different parts of the palace (Photo: AFP) |
The situation in the capital, Colombo, has calmed down the day after protesters stormed the presidential palace in Sri Lanka, but protesters have refused to leave the palace until President Raja Paksha steps down.
According to the Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also said that he will resign to form an all-party interim government, while President Rajapaksa will step down on July 13 and the presidency.
"Our struggle is not over," student leader Lehro Veraskira told reporters.
The ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka could make it more difficult for the country to emerge from its worst economic crisis, with imports of oil, food and medicine halted due to a shortage of foreign currency.
On Sunday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it was closely monitoring the situation.
It may be recalled that Sri Lanka was also in talks with the IMF for a 3 billion bailout package.
"We look forward to resolving the current situation so that we can resume our discussions on the IMF support program," the IMF said in a statement.
President Raja Paksa has not been seen in public since Friday and has not made any direct statement about his resignation, but Prime Minister Vikram Singh's office says he will also resign.
No direct contact with the President and the Prime Minister has been possible so far. Three cabinet members say they have submitted their resignations.
Protesters, on the other hand, have refused to vacate the presidential palace until the president resigns.
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| Children and adults roamed the different parts of the palace (Photo: AFP) |
"Our struggle is not over," student leader Lehro Veraskira told reporters.
We will continue our struggle until he really resigns."
Many blame President Gotabaya Raja Paksha for the country's economic crisis.
Protesters, who have been protesting peacefully since March, have been demanding his resignation.
On Sunday, the doors of the presidential palace remained open to all, with children and adults roaming the different parts of the palace.
"When leaders have such luxury, they have no idea how the common man lives," said Sri Samida, a Buddhist monk.
"It shows what people can do when they decide to use their power."
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