The whereabouts of Sri Lanka's president are unknown, but protesters remain at his residence
Anti-government protesters in Sri Lanka continued to occupy the homes of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday, a day after barging into the premises and torching one of the buildings in protest of the country's severe economic crisis, even as the island nation remains in the dark about the embattled President's whereabouts. Since the protesters arrived in the city, Rajapaksa's only communication has been with Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, who declared late Saturday that the President would resign on Wednesday. After Abeywardena wrote to him seeking his abdication following the all-party leaders' meeting on Saturday evening, President Rajapaksa informed the Speaker of his decision to resign. In the absence of both the President and the Prime Minister, the Speaker would take over as President. Later, a vote among MPs will be held to select a new President. Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister, has also offered to resign. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, whose private residence was extensively arson-attacked last night, remains in office despite calls to resign. Wickremesinghe, who has conveyed his willingness to resign, said in a statement Saturday night "This country is experiencing fuel and food shortages. The World Food Programme will make an important visit next week, while crucial talks with the IMF must continue. So, if the current government steps down, the next must take its place. Read the full article