Human tide in Sri Lanka: swimming in the pool, selfies… Demonstrators storm the presidential palace

It was a real human tide that swept the palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this Saturday 9 July 2022. The protesters who invaded the official residence of the head of state not only caused him to flee, but also took advantage of the places. and “unstressed” while their country is in the midst of a crisis. Between dips in the pool, selfies, and naps on the president’s bed, Sri Lankans were amused.

Mind boggling pictures

On social media, eye-catching images have been circulated where we see crowds roaming the palace, and some protesters even diving in the pool or lounging in the entertaining atmosphere of the residence’s bedrooms.

“We are in Gotabaya’s room, here are the underwear he left behind,” a young man said, waving black panties, in a live video that was widely circulated on social media. He left his shoes behind, he joked.

A little earlier, President Rajapaksa, in the hot seat for several months, had had time to flee and avoid a few hundred protesters who had entered the presidential palace, a symbolic building usually reserved for receptions, but moved there in April after storming his private home. , to remember Telegram.

A festive atmosphere that contrasts clearly with the current context of the country. Earlier in the day, before the palace was overrun, the police had already used tear gas and water cannons to fend off the attackers. But some, by seizing a police truck, were able to force road blocks and climb high gates, he notes. TV5 world.

80% of the population is forced to skip meals

Months ago, due to repeated shortages of food, electricity, fuel and medicine, many Sri Lankans called for the resignation of the president and many members of his ruling family. So they decided to take advantage of the presidential palace kitchens…

The contrast between “fortress life” and the life of the protesters is striking. He said over the phone to France Press agency A man entered the palace.

The crisis, unprecedented since this island of 22 million people gained independence in 1948, has been exacerbated by a series of bad policy decisions with which residents have been accusing the ruling presidential clan since 2005. Not to mention the loss of tourism revenue after a jihadist attack in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic. , Confirms North Sound. The United Nations estimates that about 80% of the population have to skip meals.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said he will step down next week, according to statements made by Parliament Speaker Mahinda Abiwardana, details the scientist.