Sri Lankans protesting in Galle Face reject PMs offer for talks; vow to continue

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans protesting outside the most powerful building in Colombo - The President's Office - demanding the resignation of the President and the Government, have rejected Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's offer for talks.

"We did not come here for talks. We are here to demand that you and the government resign," said one youth protestor at the protest site which is now known by them as GotGoGama.

Almost all others echoed the same sentiment rejecting the offer for discussions.

"I’m willing & prepared to meet with citizens currently engaged in the protests at Galle Face to hear their thoughts & complaints. Understanding that this is a tough time for all of us, I invite them to meet & discuss any possible, plausible courses of action for the sake of Sri Lanka," the Prime Minister tweeted, while also sending a statement to the media.

Hundreds have stayed put there since Saturday (9) despite bouts of heavy rain, saying they will not leave until the president, prime minister, and the government resigns.

Dozens of tents filled with donations including water, food, and medicine to sustain protesters, occupy the lawns and streets of Galle Face.

Men, women, and children from all walks of life have rallied at Galle Face, waving the country’s golden lion flag, chanting slogans, and holding up placards with hand-written messages

The Occupy Galle Face protesters say they have had enough.