The monk was charged for comments made at a press conference held in March 2016.
Sri Lanka's beleaguered President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled his official residence in Colombo Saturday, a top defence source told AFP, before protesters gathered to demand his resignation stormed the compound.
"The president was escorted to safety," the source said, adding that troops fired in the air to prevent angry crowds from overrunning the President's Palace.
Sirasa TV, a private broadcaster, showed crowds entering the once tightly-guarded residence.
Sri Lanka has suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation after running out of foreign currency to import vital goods.
Huge crowds had poured into the capital for the demonstration, the latest expression of unrest sparked by the island nation's unprecedented economic crisis.
Police had withdrawn a curfew order issued on Friday after opposition parties, rights activists and the bar association threatened to sue the police chief.
Thousands of anti-government protesters ignored the stay-home order and even forced railway authorities to operate trains to take them to Colombo for Saturday's rally, officials said.
Local and international news outlets posted videos of protestors inside the house using the swimming pool and other facilities - including the kitchen and bedroom.
ALSO READ:
The monk was charged for comments made at a press conference held in March 2016.
The facility will provide greater access to residents from Liwa, Mirfa, Gayathi, Ruwais, Tarif from Western Region
High taxes, rising prices and rents, and fewer opportunities in those countries are prompting many to return to the Emirates, say experts
The UAE already has a 10-year Golden Visa programme for investors, entrepreneurs, property buyers and outstanding students since 2019
The anniversary coincides with the UAE’s decision to extend the ‘Year of Sustainability’
Redwood Center of Excellence offers a nurturing environment with an IB Primary Years Programme, blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia, EYFS, and STEM, ensuring holistic development for children
Both countries will not only promote existing relations in petrochemical, energy and infrastructure but they are keen to explore new avenues and sectors to diversify their economic relations
UAE’s most-awarded nursery chain pioneers quality education and child development across 30 convenient locations in the UK and UAE