It was once the palatial home of the colonial era, frequented only by Sri Lanka’s political elite. But by Sunday morning, Temple Trees, the official residence of the country’s prime minister, was “open to the public,” according to a large sign emblazoned at the entrance.
After Saturday’s dramatic events, when tens of thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the state residences of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Temple Trees were among the political properties now defiantly occupied by ordinary Sri Lankans.
Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe pledged to resign on Saturday night amid mounting political pressure. Protesters, however, said they would continue to occupy their homes and offices until both leaders officially leave office. The president’s whereabouts remained unknown on Sunday and he did not formally address the public or publish a resignation letter.
Crowds surround the president’s official residence a day after it was stormed. Photo: Eranga Jayawardena/AP
By Sunday morning, the temple trees had been transformed into a museum for the Sri Lankan people and a community kitchen serving free hot meals. In scenes that would have been unthinkable before, tubs of dal and curry simmered on log fires set in the manicured garden. People from all walks of life strolled freely through the marble corridors, dined, relaxed on the lawn and took advantage of the well-equipped gym for a workout.
Official owner Wickremesinghe was nowhere to be seen as he had been evacuated from the property the previous day. His private residence was burnt on Saturday evening following the frustration in the streets.
Soldiers and a heavy police presence remained stationed around Colombo and many were still reeling from violent clashes between security forces and protesters on Saturday evening, in which dozens of people, including scores of journalists, were brutally beaten by police and hospitalised.
Sri Lankan protesters jump into presidential pool after storming Colombo palace – video
Scenes at Rajapaksa’s official residence, which was occupied by the public on Saturday, remained jubilant. People continued to enjoy the luxurious facilities, comfortable beds and well-stocked kitchen, although the outdoor swimming pool, which had been packed with protesters on Saturday, had become gloomy and empty of people.
Kumara, a 33-year-old civil servant who was at the residence, told Reuters he would not move until Rajapaksa stepped down. “I’m going to keep coming here and I’m going to keep sleeping here until he does,” he said.
Occupiers in the temple trees. Photo: Eranga Jayawardena/AP
Although there was some damage to the property, efforts were made to keep the president’s house in good condition, with people seen sweeping the floors and watering the potted plants; Handwritten warnings against any attempts at looting were posted on the wall. Bundles of money, reported to be worth LKR 15 million, found hidden in the President’s house were counted and then handed over to security officials.
Families can be seen taking curious tours around the luxurious house and gardens. BM Chandrawathi, a 61-year-old handkerchief seller, entered the first-floor bedroom accompanied by her daughter and grandchildren.
Sri Lankans take selfies at the occupied presidential palace. Photo: Chamila Karunarathne/EPA
“I have never seen a place like this in my life,” Chandravati told Reuters as she lounged on a plush couch. “They were enjoying super luxuries while we were suffering. We were deceived. I wanted my children and grandchildren to see the luxurious lifestyle they enjoyed.
In videos shared on social media, protesters can be seen jokingly playing Rajapaksa’s campaign song “The hero that works” on the polished piano at his house and staging a mock meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the long conference table in the president’s house.
Preparing to feed visitors and protesters at Temple Trees. Photo: Akila Jayawardana/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock
Menus seized from the property also give a glimpse of the culinary luxury the president enjoys as two-thirds of Sri Lankans struggle to feed themselves due to the economic crisis. Lunch options recently enjoyed by the president included an appetizer of roasted pumpkin soup, followed by dishes including smoked salmon rosette, grilled lagoon shrimp, marinated chicken with sauce demi-glace, roasted eggplant with parmesan and hummus with pita bread.
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The celebratory party organized by the protesters who took over the President’s administrative offices in Colombo continued into the early hours. By Sunday morning, it was decided to open the secretariat building as a public library, and its corridors began to fill with donated books.
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