Protesters take over Sri Lanka's state broadcaster

In dramatic scenes today, protesters in Sri Lanka stormed the state-run TV Rupavahini and took over the broadcast.

The channel was taken off air soon after.

Earlier today, it was reported that security had been beefed up outside the TV network's office to "protect it from being stormed" after protesters demanded a "live broadcast".

Anger has spiralled in Sri Lanka after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had promised to resign, fled the country days after his residence was stormed by protesters. This was after Sri Lanka faced months of fuel shortages and an economic crisis.

According to the Hindu, Rajapaksa, who fled to the Maldives, authorised prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to carry out presidential duties. Rajapaksa is believed to have fled ahead of his resignation because, as president, he enjoys immunity from arrest.

Wickremesinghe accordingly declared a state of emergency across the island nation. Protesters were teargassed outside his house amid massive street protests. NDTV's crew in Sri Lanka was allegedly teargassed as well.

To know more about how local journalists have been handling the crisis in Sri Lanka, read this Newslaundry piece.