They performed flips into the water. They reclined on beds with canopies. They also viewed news footage of their fellow protesters who had gathered in Sri Lanka’s capital and joined them in storming the presidential residence and secretariat while watching cricket on large-screen televisions.
Live footage from Colombo revealed a rare moment of humor as protesters who had literally taken over the executive branch of government took a moment to enjoy the luxuries after months of increasing economic hardship, fuel and food shortages, and desperate protests.
The protesters swam in a clear blue outdoor pool at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence while others gathered around the edges. The president had fled the day before to an unidentified location. Some went to a gym, where they observed a man performing curls on a bench. Others lounged in well-kept gardens on the grass.
In the expansive foyers of the residence, which served as the official residence for British governors during the colonial era, the protesters crammed onto stairways and took selfies. While others showered in the restrooms or posed for pictures at desks, a few people prepared curries and snacks for the protesters.
The Daily Mirror, a Sri Lankan news outlet, posted video that appeared to show protesters looking into hidden passages leading to locked rooms beneath the structure.
They gathered on beds and couches, waving Sri Lankan flags and chanting criticisms of Mr. Rajapaksa and his wealthy family as they rejoiced the president had been asked to resign and wondered what might come next for their nation.
