Protesters storm the Presidential Palace in Colombo on July 9, 2022, demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the country has plunged into its worst economic crisis in seven decades. Photo: AFP/VNA

On the same day, protesters stormed the Prime Minister's Office. Earlier, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that he was ready to resign to pave the way for a national unity government. As planned, the Sri Lankan Parliament will elect a new President on July 20.

Analysts say the current political turmoil could hamper efforts to help the South Asian country emerge from its worst economic crisis in seven decades. Severe foreign currency shortages have made it impossible for Sri Lanka to import essential commodities such as fuel, food and pharmaceuticals.