Sri Lanka protests see thousands storm president’s palace and swim in pool

THOUSANDS of protesters in Sri Lanka have stormed the President's palace and were even spotted swimming in the pool amid the country's economic crisis.

Demonstrators stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's home and nearby office in Colombo as the country is battling its worst crisis in years.

Dramatic footage showed hundreds of protesters inside and outside his home, chanting and carrying national flags with some even dipping in the garden pool for a swim.

Others were seen walking around the house and watching TV while outside the building barricades were overturned and a black flag was hoisted on a pole.

Security staff tried to stop demonstrators who pushed through fences to run across the lawns and inside the building.

At least 34 people including two police officers were wounded in scuffles as protesters tried to enter the residence.