Following mass protests and Saturday's storming of the presidential palace and several other government buildings, Sri Lanka's government - critical protesters have promised to end their occupation of the official buildings.

"We are withdrawing peacefully from the Presidential Palace, the President's Office and the Prime Minister's Office with immediate effect, but will continue our struggle," a spokesman for activists said on Thursday.

At the same time, there are reports that the president, who previously promised to resign and already left the country on Wednesday, is now on his way to Singapore.

Curfew and emergency

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes, who has been appointed acting president in Rajapaksa's absence, has called for the evacuation of government buildings and instructed security forces to do "what is necessary to restore order."

"Those who come to my office want to stop me from taking my responsibility as acting president," said the Prime Minister in a televised speech.

- We can not let fascists take over.

On Wednesday, the occupants took pictures at the Prime Minister's desk and waved the country's flag on the roof terrace.

According to them, Rajapaksa and his powerful family have led the country into the difficult economic crisis, but anger is also directed at Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Looking for a solution

The government-critical protesters in Sri Lanka promise to peacefully withdraw from official buildings, but stress that they will continue their struggle and demand change.

At the same time, they are critical of Ranil Wickremesinghe taking over as interim president.

- Ranil could not keep what he promised during his two months so he should stop.

All Ranil did was try to protect Rajapaksa, says Supun Eranga, one of the activists on the ground.

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Hear peace researcher Camilla Orjuela's analysis of the turbulent situation in Sri Lanka.

Photo: TT / AP / SVT