Protestors watch Sri Lanka vs Australia Test match from the President’s official residence

The island of Sri Lanka has been going through a major economic crisis for a while now. Cricket seems to be some sign of relief for the nation facing the major issue. The anti-government protestors have now invaded the Sri Lankan President's official residence.

Protesters calling for the resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa broke over security barriers and invaded his official residence, despite tear gas and water cannons, forcing the leader to flee.

The protestors were spotted watching the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia from the President's residence. The pictures of the same have done rounds on the internet. The protest is to demand the resignation of the Prime Minister and the President in this difficult time.

Here are the protestors watching the match

First they occupied president’s official residence then they turned on the TV to follow the game 😆 #SLvAUS @IamDimuth pic.twitter.com/cRnXJFUttJ

— Saminda Kularathne (@KSSKsam) July 9, 2022

Even as the second Australia-Sri Lanka Test match was underway at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Galle, a number of local citizens attempted to enter the stadium, calling for the removal of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has departed the country.

It all started in May, when the government declared bankruptcy, displacing millions of people. Employees at prominent newspapers and national news outlets were forced to be laid off. Despite large protests in the country, the Australian cricket team decided to complete the tour. First limited-overs matches, and then the second Test, took place amid severe social upheaval and worsening economic situations.

As for the Test match, Australia scored 364 runs in the first innings, with Steve Smith (145 runs in 272 balls) and Marcus Labuschagne (104 in 156 balls) standing out. Prabath Jayasuriya led the way for Sri Lanka with a six-wicket haul in the first innings.

The hosts then followed it up with a brilliant batting display. Dimuth Karunaratne (86), Kusal Mendis (85), and Angelo Mathews (52) all scored half-centuries, while Dinesh Chandimal went on to score a century. At the time of writing this article, Sri Lanka has a score of 413-6 in 139 overs. They also have a lead of 49 runs in the first innings.