Former Sri Lankan PM evacuated from besieged residence

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who had recently resigned has been evacuated by the army from his Temple Trees Colombo residence after thousands of protesters breached the main gate amid worst violence over an unprecedented economic crisis. Ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota was also set on fire.

PM's resignation marked a sudden fall from grace for the patriarch of powerful Rajapaksa clan that dominated Sri Lankan politics nearly 20 years.

Former PM's evacuation followed violent protests killing 5 people and wounding 200. Surge in violence came despite curfew and state of emergency. Homes of more than 40 pro-Rajapaksa politicians were also set on fire. Sri Lankan government stands dissolved.