Sri Lankan protesters storm president's residence

Sri Lanka's president has left the country after protestors took over the presidential residence. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's agreed to resign from his position. But protestors aren't leaving until he's officially resigned.

They're furious at him for causing Sri Lanka's financial problems. The economy's in serious trouble and there are problems with corruption. There have been protests for months. People blame the president.

He's a thief, says demonstrator Saku Richardson.

Saku Richardson: "That should be the happiest day of our life, because he has robbed us. I mean he has robbed this country. Can't you see how many people are walking? We haven't yet won because we can't get his money back, but we are the happiest people. I think if I, I speak for everybody in this country."

Protestors broke into the presidential residence at the weekend. They relaxed in the luxurious rooms and pool. Some people searched through the president's clothes. They won't leave until they have a new government, explains protestor Dela Pieris.

Dela Pieris: "And the president and prime minister have agreed to step down, but they are mention certain dates but so far nothing is concluded. So the demand is very clear. The people are still asking the resignation, and full resignation in a written confirmation. So hopefully we will have this res, resignation – and from the government – including prime minister and president in the coming days."

This South Asian country used to be wealthy. Now, it has $51 billion in foreign debts, which it can't repay.

People have had problems getting medicines and food for months. There isn't enough petrol either.

Rajapaksa banned pesticides last year, in a move to make all Sri Lankan farming organic. But production fell and now there's nothing to export. This means there's no income in foreign currency from exports.

Vishaka Jayaweera: "We have won this battle. And we are very happy that he has to step down! He will and he must step down and we will be very happy." Weniger anzeigen