A nationwide state of emergency has been declared by the prime minister's office and a curfew has been imposed in the Western Province in Sri Lanka
Protesters have now taken over the country's national TV broadcaster, Rupavahini.
Mr Rajapaksa left the country in a military jet bound for the Maldives with his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lankan lawmakers agreed to elect a new president next week but have struggled to decide on the makeup of a new government to lift the bankrupt country out of economic and political collapse.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Protesters 'close to ridding Sri Lanka of the Rajapaksas' as president's house becomes people's palaceWith its soaring ceilings and four-poster bed, the presidential residence stands as a symbol of the extreme chasm between the rich and powerful and the poor.
Weiterlesen »
Sri Lanka: Opposition leader ready to run for presidencySajith Premadasa tells the BBC he plans to run for the presidency, after urgent talks with allies.
Weiterlesen »
Sri Lanka crisis: Six-mile daily walk for food as demand for free meals soars and people struggle to surviveFood shortages in Sri Lanka are so acute the United Nations estimates 70% of people are missing a meal every day and one in five are hungry.
Weiterlesen »
Sri Lankan president flees country on military jet after protesters storm palaceSri Lanka’s leader has run away to the Maldives after months of demonstrations against his government.
Weiterlesen »