Sri Lanka defaults on debt for first time in its history

[Gordon_R]

Economic difficulties lead to political consequences:

Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa to resign after palace stormed

Thousands of protesters have been demanding the PM and president quit over the country's economic crisis.

www.bbc.com

Just hours earlier, Mr Wickremesinghe's home was on fire after protesters broke in and set it alight. Videos circulating on social media show flames lighting up the night sky.

Crowds had earlier overrun the official residence of Mr Rajapaksa, lounging in its stately rooms and jumping in his pool.