Riots intensifying in Sri Lanka; Protesters set fire to Mahinda Rajapaksa's ancestral home

COLOMBO: Riots have erupted in Sri Lanka following the resignation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Tensions escalated after the protesters set fire to Mahinda Rajapaksa's ancestral home in Hambantota. The clashes erupted when supporters of Rajapaksa marched on the protesters' area shouting slogans.

Meanwhile, ruling party MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala has been found dead in Sri Lanka amid mounting protests against the government. The MP was found dead in a nearby building this evening.

Earlier in the day, Amarakeerthi had fired shots at protesters for blocking his vehicle. Two protesters suffered serious injuries. Following the incident, a more violent mob tried to attack the MP. Amarakeerthi was then seen running into a nearby building. He was later found dead inside this building. Police later said that Amarakeerthi had shot himself with his own gun after protesters surrounded the building.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned over popular protests in the country. Rajapaksa loyalists launched attacks against an anti-government protest site in the commercial capital city of Colombo. Mahinda supporters also attacked the opposition leader, who was present at the site. Following this, a nationwide curfew was imposed in the island. Troops were deployed at the site of violence.