Three Arrested in Sri Lanka for Suspected Arson at Prime Minister's Residence

Sri Lankan police have arrested three individuals suspected of burning down the residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Newswire reports that, "the police state that the three suspects were arrested in connection with the arson case of the Prime Minister's private residence in Colombo. The suspects are residents of Mount Lavinia, Jaela, and Halle."

Mass protests spilled across Sri Lanka's capital the previous day. Instead of a planned peaceful march, demonstrators broke through police barricades and seized the presidential palace. By the evening, the crowd had reached the Prime Minister's residence, where a fire broke out shortly thereafter.

A number of Sri Lankan politicians condemned the burning of the Prime Minister's residence, noting that he had previously donated the house to a royal college where he had received his education. Politicians, including members of the opposition, stated that although they disagree with the Prime Minister's stance, violence has never been a solution to any issue.