Sri Lankan president flees the country amid economic crisis

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The president of Sri Lanka fled the country early Wednesday, slipping away only hours before he promised to step down under pressure from protesters angry over economic chaos that has triggered severe shortages of food and fuel.

But the crisis that has gripped the island nation for months was far from over: Protesters have also demanded that prime minister go, and thousands rallied outside his office with some storming the compound. The prime minister’s office declared a nationwide state of emergency and imposed a curfew in part of the country.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife left aboard a Sri Lankan Air Force plane bound for the Maldives, the air force said in a statement.

“What Rajapaksa did — flee the country — is a timid act,” said Bhasura Wickremesinghe, a 24-year-old student of maritime electrical engineering, who came with friends. “I’m not celebrating. There’s no point celebrating. We have nothing in this country at the moment.”

While Rajapaksa agreed under pressure resign Wednesday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would leave once a new government was in place.

Groups could be seen scaling the wall and entering the prime minister's office compound as the crowds roared in support, cheering them on, waving Sri Lankan flags and tossing water bottles to those heading inside.

Police used tear gas to try to disperse the crowd but failed and more and more marched down the lane and towards the office. As helicopters flew overhead, some demonstrators held up their middle fingers.

Some protesters who appeared to be unconscious were taken to a hospital.

Protesters have already seized the president's home and office and the official residence of the prime minister following months of demonstrations that have all but...