Prime Minister resigns amidst political crisis

 PIX BY Kushan Pathiraja and Pradeep Dilrukshana

• Violence spread to many parts of the country
• Some SLPP supporters were tied to poles
• Nation plunges into chaos
• 150 protesters injured, admitted to hospital

By Yohan Perera, Ajith Siriwardana and Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from office amidst political violence instigated by the attack on protesters at the Galle Face Green.   

The nation was plunged into utter chaos yesterday with a group of government supporters who came in buses, attacking the protesters at Galle Face and in front of Temple Trees. After the incident, counter attacks by anti-government protesters flared up in many parts of the country.   

Around 150 persons were injured and admitted to the National Hospital Colombo.   

The group who attacked the protesters in front of Temple Trees came rushing in to Galle Face and started attacking the protesters who were residing in front of the Presidential Secretariat. The protesters at GotaGoGama were also provoked into behaving in an aggressive manner. Chaos broke out when the police fired tear gas and water canon at them.   

An Anglican priest was also among the injured. The chaos spread elsewhere as pro-government protesters were attacked by anti-government protesters. Some of them had to jump into the Beira Lake. They were rescued by a boat later. The angry protesters attacked buses in which pro- government protesters arrived at Temple trees. A bus and a cab were pushed into the lake by the crowds. Around three buses were attacked and damaged along Perahera Mawatha.   
Meanwhile, island-wide curfew was imposed to put the situation under control.   

Despite the curfew, a large number of people including the IUSF students were out on the roads in various parts of the country including in Colombo and voicing their strong protest against the Rajapaksas and government.   
Police said buses carrying supporters of the SLPP have been damaged in various parts of the country while some SLPP supporters have been tied to poles.   
The military has been deployed on the roads to maintain calm despite the curfew.   
At the Galle Face site, those employed in nearby offices and buildings have also rushed to the scene to voice their strong protest against the government.   

Houses and offices of the politicians including the house of former minister Johnston Fernando, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando and State Minister Sanath Nishantha were torched by the angry crowds.   

The Police Headquarters announced that leave for all ranks of police officers have been cancelled with immediate effect due to the prevailing situation in the country.   

Police said the decision was taken to ensure public security in the country.   
Accordingly, all officers who are on leave have been called to report for duty.   
The Excise Department announced that all liquor shops in the island would be closed until further notice.     

PIX BY Pradeep Pathirana, Kushan Pathiraja and Pradeep Dilrukshana