Ranil Wickremesinghe takes over as acting president, declares state of emergency, huge protests

COLOMBO: As the acting President, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a nationwide state of emergency, hours after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country leading to more protests.

Hours after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country, thousands of protesters descended onto the streets, marching toward Parliament and the Prime Minister's house.

A large posse of military personnel have been deployed at the Prime Minister's residence in Colombo. Thousands of protesters are marching towards the prime minister's office.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the country following massive protests due to the country's economic crisis. He and his family have fled to Maldives. Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker said that Gotabaya had earlier informed to resign today but has not tendered his resignation yet. Gotabaya's brother, former finance minister, who tried to flee the country the other day, was stopped by the immigration officers at the airport. The protesters who occupied Rajapaksa's official residence and office are still continuing there. They have informed to leave after Gotabaya Rajapaksa tenders his resignation.

India has denied reports that Gotabaya Rajapakse's travel from Sri Lanka was facilitated by India.

The people are marching towards Wickremesinghe's residence following reports that he will take over as interim president. According to Sri Lanka's constitution, the Prime Minister takes over as interim president if the president resigns. The protesters do not accept Renil as Gotabaya chose him as the Prime Minister. The angry protesters had last week set his private residence on fire.

Meantime, the opposition parties have started discussions on their next president. The opposition parties meet mainly to discuss how to elect the country's next president.