A video broadcast on Sri Lankan television and social media showed protesters entering the president’s house, Rajapaksa’s office and residence in the commercial capital, after breaking security cords set by police.
The images show protesters inside the building and banners hanging from the balcony, as well as swimming in the residence’s pool.
Rajapaksa is not at the site and has moved to another location, security officials told CNN. It is unclear how many security personnel are on site.
At least 31 people, including two policemen, have been injured in the protests and are receiving treatment, according to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL). Two of the injured are in critical condition, according to police.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened an emergency meeting of party leaders to discuss the current situation and reach a resolution, his office said on Saturday. He has also asked the Speaker of Parliament to convene MPs.
The 22 million-strong South Asian nation is suffering its worst financial crisis in recent history, leaving millions struggling to buy food, medicine and fuel.
The police curfew that had previously been imposed on several police divisions in the western province of Sri Lanka was lifted on Saturday. Several politicians and the Sri Lankan Bar Association referred to the curfew as “illegal”, saying there had been no cases of violence justifying the imposition of the measure.
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in recent months and demanded the resignation of the country’s leaders on charges of economic mismanagement.
In several major cities, including Colombo, hundreds are forced to queue for hours to buy fuel, sometimes clashing with police and the army while they wait.
Colombo’s images depict a chaotic scene, with images showing protesters running with tear gas and confronting police with body armor.
Schools have been suspended and fuel has been limited to essential services. Patients cannot travel to hospitals due to fuel shortages and food prices are rising.
Trains have been reduced in frequency, forcing passengers into the compartments and even sitting precariously on top of them while commuting to work.
Wickremesinghe said the country had entered into talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive the country’s economy.
This week, he told parliament that talks with the IMF were “difficult” as they entered the discussion as a “bankrupt” country, rather than a developing country.
CNN’s Irene Nasser contributed to the report.