Around a year ago, when the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan in August last year, several photos and videos went viral on social media platforms, showing the group’s fighters exploring Arg Palace and other opulent houses of other senior government leaders and officials. On Saturday, yet another South Asian country saw almost similar events but in a different context.

In crisis-hit Sri Lanka, democratic protests took a sharp turn on Thursday when protestors stormed the official residence of beleaguered President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in capital Colombo, forcing him to flee the house, according to a report by news agency AFP. 

Soon, social media platforms were flooded with pictures and videos where people can be seen exploring the presidential house, including dozens enjoying swimming in a pool there. Others were seen taking selfies in what appeared bedrooms of the mansion.

A short video, which went viral on social media, showed people searching for leftover food in the kitchen. 

While in Afghanistan where the hardline Islamist group toppled a democratically elected government and denied the two-decade-old democracy to the people there, in Sri Lanka, peaceful protestors ousted the Rajapaksa family, once the most powerful political family in the country, from the government. 

The island country of 22 million is in the middle of a severe economic crisis. For months, a shortage of fuel, food, medicines and other essentials has pushed people on the brink. Inflation in June touched 45 per cent, leaving many people unable to afford even three meals in a day. 

Months-long protest witnessed the resignations of almost all members of the Rajapaksa family except one: Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president of the country, who ignored the calls for his resignation. Although he had appointed a new government under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, it did little to either provide relief to the people or calm the people’s anger. 

News reports suggest the last of Rajapaksas in the office is on his way out. Reports suggest he had conveyed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that he would accept any decision taken by the all-party meeting today. 

(SAM)