Thousands had descended on Colombo demanding Rajapaksa resign after months of mismanaging the crisis, a dramatic escalation of largely peaceful anti-government protests on the island.
Sri Lanka s prime minister said late last month that the island nation s debt-laden economy had “collapsed” as it runs out of money to pay for food and fuel.
Another meeting of the leaders of nine parties, including the National Freedom Front, was planned for Sunday to discuss the emerging political situation.
Embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday announced that he will resign after angry protesters stormed his official residence and set Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe s private residence on fire.