Hours after Srilanka’s former Prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa submitted his resignation, his Karunagala based house was set on fire after the protest against government intensified. His decision to step down came amidst a raging agitation over the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, which has pushed the island nation to the brink of collapse.

Update: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in Kurunagala set on fire. pic.twitter.com/LaHOKztt27

— DailyMirror (@Dailymirror_SL) May 9, 2022

In the meantime, Mahinda Rajapaksa came up with a tweet in his official twitter handle, urging the public to restrain involving in violence. The politician said that violence only begets violence and the need of the hour is economic solution. Replying to the tweet, Kumar Sangakkara who is known for representing Sri lanka’s cricket team in the past, accused the “supporters” of Rajapaksa for instigating the violence. He said that he goons and thugs went on to attack he peaceful protesters and it caused the violence.

Justice still alive in this country. Lawyers protecting the people from #Rajapaksha goons. #Rajapaksha go home.. pic.twitter.com/6TKRb7CCCr

— Nafris 🇱🇰 (@i_inspiratio) May 9, 2022

In a statement that was released on Tuesday, Rajapaksa’s office said that he was quitting in order to help form an interim, unity government, following weeks of sometimes violent protests across the country over shortages of fuel and other vial imports and spiraling prices.

The announcement was preceded by severe clashes between pro-Anti-government protesters in Colombo, the country’s commercial capital. The demonstrators, apart from seeking the exit of Rajapaksa, have also demanded his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa step down for “mishandling economy”.

Shots were fired from the official residence of he former Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister as thousands of protesters breached the main gate and torched the parked truck, according to a report. Police sources confirmed that the shots were fired in he air o prevent he mob breaching the inner security of the residence where Rajapaksa was still holed up with several loyalists.

Amid the situtaion, Rajapaksa came up with a tweet in his official twitter handle, schooling about how harmful violence is, to the protesters. “While emotions are running high in #lka, I urge our general public to exercise restraint & remember that violence only begets violence. The economic crisis we’re in needs an economic solution which this administration is committed to resolving” read the tweet of the politician.

While emotions are running high in #lka, I urge our general public to exercise restraint & remember that violence only begets violence. The economic crisis we’re in needs an economic solution which this administration is committed to resolving.

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) May 9, 2022

On seeing the twee, many of the twitter users confronted him saying how public people were suffered due to police brutality and the violence handled by his “supporters”. Former Sri lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara who is currently coaching IPL team Rajasthan Royals, came up with a tweet in his official twitter handle, criticizing the politician’s followers.

“The only violence was perpetrated by your “supporters” – goons and thugs who came to your office first before going on to assault the peaceful protestors” Sangakkara’s reply read.

The only violence was perpetrated by your “supporters” – goons and thugs who came to your office first before going on to assault the peaceful protestors. https://t.co/MxrCgcenEl

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) May 9, 2022