Since protesters stormed the residences of Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister on July 9, 2022, the buildings in the capital Colombo have become something of a tourist draw. As demonstrators occupy the homes, saying they will not leave until both leaders resign, images have been widely shared online showing people – including those who are showing up just for a look at the buildings – swimming in the pool, working out in gyms and being served hot food from a communal kitchen. Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was reported to have fled to the Maldives on July 13, and the prime minister has already pledged to resign. The protests were sparked by anger over alleged government mismanagement that is blamed for the nation’s worst economic crisis in decades.
