COLOMBO, May 9 (Xinhua) -- A nationwide curfew imposed in Sri Lanka on Monday was in effect until 7:00 a.m. local time Tuesday, said the police.
On Monday morning, pro-government protesters held a demonstration opposite the Temple Trees, the official residence of the prime minister, urging Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa not to resign.
Following their meeting with the prime minister, they clashed with anti-government protesters near the Temple Trees.
At least 157 people were reportedly admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following the violent situation that erupted in Colombo.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said he has resigned from the post as violent protests broke out.
Sri Lanka has been plunged into weeks of economic crisis stemming from a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a shortage in essential supplies such as fuel, food and medicines.
Protests have been ongoing for days, calling on the government and lawmakers to find urgent solutions. ■