Protesters take dip in SL President's pool, others take WWE battles to PM's bed

Colombo, July 11:  Amid Sri Lanka's severe economic crisis and political turbulence as a virtually headless state, protesters who took over the President's official residence were seen taking dip in its swimming pool while others who occupied the PM's official residence, the Temple Trees, took WWE battles on to his bed, as per viral videos and photos.

Hundreds have occupied the houses of the President and PM and seen cooking and freely using the facilities there.

Since Saturday night, people from far-away areas have been visiting both the President's House and the Temple Trees. The protesters, who recovered several millions of (Sri Lanka) rupees from the President's house, have handed the cash over to police.

Protesters asserted on Sunday that they would not vacate the houses they have taken over until and unless the President and the PM step down immediately.

While President Gotobaya Rajapaksa has announced he would hand over his resignation on Wednesday while PM Ranil Wickremesinge has stated he would step down when an all-party government is formed and proves its majority in the parliament.

On Saturday, despite heavy security and use of tear gas and water cannons and finally, even open fire at protesters, protesters stormed the official houses of President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickremesinge. The clashes left more than 100 injured with one in critical condition.

As social media reports said that both President and PM's houses are to be taken over by a heavy military force on Sunday night, Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva denied the news, stating that "rumours that a large number of troops are heading to protest site at Galle Face and the President's house are false."