Sri Lanka protest: President Rajapaksa to resign on 13th July, Speaker tells state media

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expresses grave regret over the assault on journalists who are covering the ongoing protests, by security personnel. Freedom of media is paramount to Democracy in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requests both the security forces and the protesters to act with restraint to prevent any violence and ensure the safety of the public: Sri Lankan PMO

The situation outside the former PM's residence is tense. Cops had to use force twice in 30 mins. Four among the media personnel, who were at the spot, were injured after being attacked by the cops.

1) Speaker to act as President for a maximum of 30 days 

2) Parliament will elect MP as President for the remainder term

3) Appoint interim all-party government and elections soon

"PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said he has informed the President that an All-Party Government must be formed. He added that there is fuel crisis, a food shortage and World Food Program Director is due to arrive in the country," said the Prime Minister's Office. 

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday resigned as Prime Minister of the nation and make way for an all-party government to take over. The PM earlier said that he is willing to resign and make way for an all-party government to take over the country.

During the all-party meeting, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he is willing to resign and make way for an all-party government to take over.

WATCH: Sri Lankan protesters take over President Rajapaksa's house; use his pool, bed, kitchen | READ 

Main Opposition SJP President Sajith Premadasa has refused to attend the all-party meeting called by PM Wickremesinghe

Crucial party leaders meeting begins, all leaders reportedly requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down.

At least 30 people, including two policemen, were injured in clashes between security personnel and protesters – some of them holding Sri Lankan flags and helmets - who had gathered in large numbers in the Fort area, demanding President Rajapaksa's resignation.

16 MPs from the Sri Lanka People's Front have urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign immediately.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has summoned an emergency Party Leaders meeting to discuss the situation and come to a swift resolution. He is also requesting the Speaker to summon Parliament.

There are some people on board these two ships. This group of people came out of Gajabahu and Sindurala Naval Ship. According to the Sri Lankan Harbor Manager, first the luggage was delivered to these two ships very quickly and then a group of special people boarded it. It is being speculated that in order to save his life, the President of Sri Lanka, along with his family, has fled the country aboard these 2 ships of the Sri Lankan Navy.

By T Raghvan

Tear gas shelled as protests erupt in economic crisis-laden Sri Lanka. Amid flaring protests, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reportedly fled the country

“I am a part of the protest and stand with people’s demand… this protest has been going on for over three months," said Sri Lankan former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya. 

In a viral video, SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne attacked by protesters as agitation erupts on the streets amid the ongoing economic crisis. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reportedly fled the country

Sri Lankan protesters demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign forced their way into his official residence on Saturday, a local television report said, as thousands of people took to the streets in the capital decrying the island nation’s worst economic crisis in recent memory.

Protesters blame Rajapaksa for the economic woes and have occupied the entrance to his office for three months. Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said last month that the country's economy has collapsed. The government's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund have been complex because it has now entered negotiations as a bankrupt state.

Sri Lankan police fired tear gas Saturday at protesters demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government resign over the island nation's worst economic crisis in recent memory. Thousands of protesters carrying Sri Lankan flags rode on the relatively few vehicles on the roads due to an acute fuel shortage, while others rode bicycles and many walked to protest sites in the capital, Colombo, from the suburbs after police lifted an overnight curfew.