Sri Lankans defy curfew after 8 killed in deadly unrest

Mahinda Rajapaksa had to be rescued in a predawn operation by the military on Tuesday as thousands of protesters stormed his residence after his resignation

Troops ordered to shoot on sight people involved in looting or damaging property after mobs targeted the homes of ruling party politicians

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Sri Lankan soldiers stop a motorcyclist at a checkpoint in Colombo on Tuesday amid a nationwide curfew following Monday’s unrest. Photo: AP

Published: 3:02pm, 10 May 2022Updated: 10:55pm, 10 May 2022

Fresh protests erupted in Sri Lanka’s capital on Tuesday, defying a government curfew after eight people died in the worst violence in weeks of demonstrations over a dire economic crisis.

Demonstrators showed no sign they would back down, even after more than 200 people were injured when government supporters were bussed into Colombo on Monday, and attacked protesters with sticks and clubs.

As outrage over the incident soared, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned – but even that has failed to calm public anger, with his brother Gotabaya still president with widespread powers and command over the security forces.

Thousands of angry protesters stormed Mahinda’s official residence overnight, and the former premier had to be rescued in a predawn military operation on Tuesday, firing tear gas and warning shots.

“At least 10 petrol bombs were thrown into the compound,” a top security official said.

Security forces stand guard outside the president’s office in Colombo as his supporters and anti-government protesters clash on Monday. Photo: AFP

The defence ministry on Tuesday ordered troops to shoot on sight people involved in looting or damaging property, a day after mobs targeted the homes of ruling party politicians.

Sri Lankans defy curfew after 8 killed in deadly unrest

Mahinda Rajapaksa had to be rescued in a predawn operation by the military on Tuesday as thousands of protesters stormed his residence after his resignation Troops ordered to shoot on sight people involved in looting or damaging property after mobs targeted the homes of ruling party politicians

Mahinda Rajapaksa had to be rescued in a predawn operation by the military on Tuesday as thousands of protesters stormed his residence after his resignation

Troops ordered to shoot on sight people involved in looting or damaging property after mobs targeted the homes of ruling party politicians