Sri Lanka's protesters stormed the colonial-era presidential palace and turned it into the island's new symbol of "people power" after its occupant fled.
Thousands of men, women, and children rushed into the state mansion queuing to sit on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's chair on the upper floor while children and parents banged on a grand piano downstairs.
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In the imposing "Gordon Garden" park of the palace, giggling families enjoyed a picnic lunch as shaven-headed Buddhist monks in saffron robes marvelled at the marble floors and central air conditioning.
"When leaders live in such luxury, they have no idea how the commoners manage," monk Sri Sumeda told AFP after travelling 50 kilometres (30 miles) to visit the palace for the first time. "This shows what can be done when people decide to exercise their power."
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In addition, protesters stormed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's home and set it on fire during a day of mass unrest, as the country continues to struggle through its worst economic crisis since independence.
Wickremesinghe had told a meeting of party leaders that he would resign as soon as a new all-party government was formed. President Rajapaksa also agreed to resign following the massive demonstrations.
On Saturday, Rajapaksa fled as angry protesters surround his residence, calling for his resignation amidst the worst economic crisis since 1948. Wickremesinghe summoned an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation and come to a swift resolution, ANI reported.
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