Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has confirmed his resignation, according to the prime minister's office, after tens of thousands of protesters stormed both men's official residences. Sri Lanka is in a deep financial crisis, and the crowds say they will not leave until both men resign. The Parliament Speaker had previously stated that the president would resign on July 13.
Mr. Rajapaksa, whose whereabouts are unknown, has not made any public statements since his home was raided on Saturday. According to sources, he is on a navy vessel in Sri Lankan waters. Before protesters entered the presidential palace, he was moved to safety.
The president has been blamed for the country's economic mismanagement, which has resulted in months of severe food, fuel, and medicine shortages. The parliament Speaker first announced his resignation on Saturday, but many Sri Lankans were sceptical that he would relinquish power.
On Monday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said in a statement that Mr. Rajapaksa had informed them that he would step down on Wednesday. However, under Sri Lanka's constitution, his resignation can only be formally accepted if he resigns in writing to the Speaker, which has yet to occur. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had previously stated that he would resign. During Saturday's unrest, his house was set on fire.