AP

Protesters retreat as Sri Lankan president sends resignation

Jul 13, 2022, 9:20 AM | Updated: Jul 14, 2022, 7:47 pm

Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colom...

Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)


              Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation's economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters take a photograph as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers rest on the sidewalk of a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers stand guard as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army and police stand guard as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Two protesters greet each other as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers stand guard at prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation's economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters take a photograph as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers rest on the sidewalk of a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers stand guard as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army and police stand guard as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Two protesters greet each other as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers stand guard at prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation's economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters take a photograph as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers rest on the sidewalk of a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers stand guard as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army and police stand guard as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Two protesters greet each other as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers stand guard at prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers hold their guns as they stand guard outside prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Two protesters greet each other as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Special force soldiers patrol a road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army soldiers enjoy a lighter moment as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters take a photograph as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester displays the thumbs up as she vacates the presidential palace with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation's economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers hold their guns as they stand guard outside prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Two protesters greet each other as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Special force soldiers patrol a road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army soldiers enjoy a lighter moment as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters take a photograph as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester displays the thumbs up as she vacates the presidential palace with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation's economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers hold their guns as they stand guard outside prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Two protesters greet each other as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Special force soldiers patrol a road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army soldiers enjoy a lighter moment as protesters leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters take a photograph as they leave prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester displays the thumbs up as she vacates the presidential palace with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Empty chairs are seen on the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation's economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankans celebrate as they react to early reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Embattled Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from demonstrators furious over the island nation’s economic collapse. He finally emailed his resignation Thursday, a day later than promised, according to an official. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester holding a national flag stretches as he sits in the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office while preparing to vacate the building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lanka army officers stand guard after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police commandos prevent people from entering the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers rest on the sidewalk of a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester hugs another as they vacate the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police commando stands guard at the cabinet hall of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard as protesters leave after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters holding national flags prepare to vacate prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police commando stands guard at the cabinet hall of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester holding a national flag stretches as he sits in the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office while preparing to vacate the building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lanka army officers stand guard after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police commandos prevent people from entering the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers rest on the sidewalk of a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester hugs another as they vacate the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police commando stands guard at the cabinet hall of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard as protesters leave after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters holding national flags prepare to vacate prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police commando stands guard at the cabinet hall of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester holding a national flag stretches as he sits in the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office while preparing to vacate the building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lanka army officers stand guard after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police commandos prevent people from entering the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Army soldiers rest on the sidewalk of a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester hugs another as they vacate the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police commando stands guard at the cabinet hall of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard as protesters leave after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters cheer as they vacate the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Army soldiers arrive to secure surroundings of the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters holding national flags prepare to vacate prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police commando stands guard at the cabinet hall of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Soldiers rest on a sidewalk by a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Police commandos prevent people from entering the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester leaves the office building of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as another sleeps on a sofa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters holding national flags prepare to vacate prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester holding a national flag stretches as he sits in the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office while preparing to vacate the building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester hugs another as they vacate the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters take a photograph while preparing to vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard as protesters leave after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard after protesters vacated the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Soldiers rest on a sidewalk by a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Police commandos prevent people from entering the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester leaves the office building of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as another sleeps on a sofa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters holding national flags prepare to vacate prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester holding a national flag stretches as he sits in the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office while preparing to vacate the building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester hugs another as they vacate the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters take a photograph while preparing to vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard as protesters leave after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard after protesters vacated the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Soldiers rest on a sidewalk by a barricaded road that leads to the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters began to retreat from government buildings they had seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Police commandos prevent people from entering the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester leaves the office building of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as another sleeps on a sofa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters vacate the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters holding national flags prepare to vacate prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester holding a national flag stretches as he sits in the lawn of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office while preparing to vacate the building with other protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester hugs another as they vacate the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters take a photograph while preparing to vacate the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard as protesters leave after protesters left the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan army officers stand guard after protesters vacated the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Protest leader Devinda Kodagode told The Associated Press they were vacating official buildings after the Parliament speaker said he was seeking legal options to consider since Rajapaksa left without submitting his resignation letter as promised. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers takes photographs of the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester sleeps at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers walk inside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester stands outside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers takes photographs of the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester sleeps at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers walk inside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester stands outside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester sleeps at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers walk inside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester stands outside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers takes photographs of the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester sleeps at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers walk inside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester stands outside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police officers takes photographs of the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A police officer takes photographs at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters roll a carpet at the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. With the country sinking into political chaos, Rajapaksa and his wife fled to the Maldives on Wednesday aboard an air force jet. He made the prime minister acting president in his absence — a move that further roiled passions among a public that blames Rajapaksa for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters sit outside the office of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankans woke up to confusion on Thursday, still waiting for their embattled president to resign after he fled the country, as the island nation fumes over an economic meltdown that has sparked political chaos. On Wednesday, protesters, undeterred by multiple rounds of tear gas, scaled the walls to enter the office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters, some carrying national flags, stand on top of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters shout slogans before storming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/ Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters shout slogans before storming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/ Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters shout slogans after storming Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              A protester helps another after police fired teargas to disperse them before they stormed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              FILE- Sri Lanka's new prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe gestures during an interview with The Associated Press in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 11, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters stormed prime minister's office, Wednesday demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapakse fled amid economic crisis (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File)
            
              Police use teargas as Sri Lankan protesters storm the compound of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              An injured protester reacts in pain as he is shifted to hospital in an ambulance during clashes with police near parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A Sri Lankan protester waves the national flag from the roof top of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country's economic and political collapse. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan army soldiers are caught in tear smoke with protesters storming the compound of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country early Wednesday, slipping away only hours before he promised to resign under pressure from protesters enraged by a devastating economic crisis. But the crowds quickly trained their ire on the prime minister, storming his office and demanding he also go. (AP Photo/ Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Police use tear gas as protesters storm the compound of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The speaker of the Parliament said Rajapaksa appointed his prime minister as acting president in his absence. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters use an iron barricade to break the gate as they storm the compound of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters storm the building of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country's economic and political collapse. (AP Photo/ Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              Protesters, one carrying national flag, storm the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country's economic and political collapse. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lankan protesters, some holding national flags, after storming the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country's economic and political collapse. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters arrive in a mini truck to join others during clashes with police near parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Police use tear gas to disperse the protesters who stormed the compound of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe 's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country early Wednesday, slipping away only hours before he promised to resign under pressure from protesters enraged by a devastating economic crisis. But the crowds quickly trained their ire on the prime minister, storming his office and demanding he also go. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Protesters storm the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka’s president fled the country without stepping down Wednesday, plunging a country already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. (AP Photo/ Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester sits on a chair surrounded by others after storming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country's economic and political collapse. (AP Photo/ Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              A protester, carrying national flag, stands with others on top of the building of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding he resign after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid economic crisis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Rajapaksa fled on a military jet on Wednesday after angry protesters seized his home and office, and appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president while he is overseas. Wickremesinghe quickly declared a nationwide state of emergency to counter swelling protests over the country's economic and political collapse. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
            
              Sri Lanka army officer stands guard as a protester sits on the table inside the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fourth days after it was stormed by anti government protesters in Colombo in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The president of Sri Lanka fled the country early Wednesday, days after protesters stormed his home and office and the official residence of his prime minister amid a monthslong economic crisis that triggered severe shortages of food and fuel.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
            
              People takes picture inside the official residence of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fourth days after it was stormed by anti government protesters in Colombo in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The president of Sri Lanka fled the country early Wednesday, days after protesters stormed his home and office and the official residence of his prime minister amid a monthslong economic crisis that triggered severe shortages of food and fuel. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Protesters retreated from government buildings Thursday in Sri Lanka, restoring a tenuous calm to the economically crippled country, and the embattled president at last emailed the resignation that demonstrators have sought for months.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled a day earlier under pressure from protesters enraged by the island nation’s economic collapse. He emailed his resignation a day later than promised, according to an official.

But with a fractured opposition and confusion over who is in charge, a solution to the country’s many woes seemed no closer following Rajapaksa’s departure. And the president has further angered the crowds by making his prime minister the acting leader.

Protesters have pressed for both men to leave and for a unity government to address the economic calamity that has triggered widespread shortages of food, fuel and other necessities.

The tentative way the resignation unfolded only added to turmoil. An aide to the speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament issued a statement that said the speaker had received the president’s resignation through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Singapore, but there was no immediate official announcement.

An announcement was planned for Friday after the authenticity and legality of the letter are verified, the statement said.

As word of the resignation spread, jubilant crowds gathered near the president’s office to celebrate. Dozens of people danced and cheered and waved the Sri Lankan flag, and two men sang in Sinhalese on a small stage.

The mood was festive, with people hooting and swaying to music while others chanted into a microphone that they wanted better governance.

“To be validated like this is massive,” said Viraga Perera, an engineer who has been protesting since April. “On a global scale, we have led a movement that toppled a president with minimal force and violence. It’s a mix of victory and relief.”

The protesters accuse Rajapaksa and his powerful political family of siphoning money from government coffers for years and his administration of hastening the country’s collapse by mismanaging the economy. The family has denied the corruption allegations, but Rajapaksa acknowledged that some of his policies contributed to the meltdown.

Months of protests reached a frenzied peak over the weekend when demonstrators stormed the president’s home and office and the official residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. On Wednesday, they seized Wickremesinghe’s office.

Images of protesters inside the buildings — lounging on elegant sofas and beds, posing at officials’ desks and touring the opulent settings — captured the world’s attention.

They initially vowed to hold those places until a new government was in place, but the movement shifted tactics Thursday, apparently concerned that any escalation in violence could undermine their message following clashes the previous night outside the Parliament that left dozens injured.

“The fear was that there could be a crack in the trust they held for the struggle,” said Nuzly, a protest leader who goes by only one name. “We’ve shown what power of the people can do, but it doesn’t mean we have to occupy these places.”

Devinda Kodagode, another protest leader, told The Associated Press they planned to vacate official buildings after Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said he was exploring legal options for the country in the wake of Rajapaksa’s departure.

Visaka Jayaweer, a performing artist, described the bittersweet moment of closing the gate to the presidential palace after the crowds cleared out.

“Taking over his residence was a great moment. It showed just how much we wanted him to step down. But it is also a great relief” to leave, she said. “We were worried if people would act out — many were angry to see the luxury he had been living in when they were outside, struggling to buy milk for their children.”

The country remains a powder keg, and the military warned Thursday that it had powers to respond in case of chaos — a message some found concerning.

Troops in green uniforms and camouflage vests arrived in armored vehicles to reinforce barricades around the Parliament, while protesters vowed to continue holding rallies outside the president’s office until a new government was in place.

The government announced another curfew in the capital of Colombo and its suburbs until early Friday. Some people ignored a previous curfew, but many others rarely leave their homes anyway because of fuel shortages.

Rajapaksa and his wife fled Sri Lanka early Wednesday for the Maldives, slipping away in the night aboard a military plane. On Thursday, he went to Singapore, according to the city-state’s Foreign Ministry. It said he had not requested asylum.

Since Sri Lankan presidents are protected from arrest while in power it’s likely Rajapaksa wanted to plan his departure while he still had constitutional immunity and access to the plane.

The protests underscored the dramatic fall of the Rajapaksa political clan that has ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades.

As a military strategist whose brutal campaign helped end the country’s 26-year civil war, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother, who was president at the time, were hailed by the island’s Buddhist Sinhalese majority. Despite accusations of wartime atrocities, including ordering military attacks on ethnic Tamil civilians and abducting journalists, Rajapaksa remained popular among many Sri Lankans. He has continually denied the allegations.

The shortages of basic necessities have sown despair among Sri Lanka’s 22 million people. The country’s rapid decline was all the more shocking because, before the recent crisis, the economy had been expanding, with a growing, comfortable middle class.

It was not immediately clear if Singapore would be Rajapaksa’s final destination, but he has previously sought medical care there, including undergoing heart surgery.

Sri Lankan lawmakers have agreed to elect a new president from their ranks on July 20 who will serve the remainder of Rajapaksa’s term, which ends in 2024. That person could potentially appoint a new prime minister, who would then have to be approved by Parliament.

___

Associated Press writer Bharatha Mallawarachi contributed to this report.

___

Find more of AP’s Sri Lanka coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/sri-lanka

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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