International community should extend support to Sri Lanka: Sonia Gandhi

New Delhi, July 10(IANS) Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi has expressed concern over the evolving situation in Sri Lanka and urged the international community extend support to the people of the island country.

 In a statement on Sunday, Sonia Gandhi said: "The economic challenges, rising prices and shortage of food, fuel and essential commodities have caused enormous hardships and distress among people there."

 She said that the Congress party expresses its solidarity with Sri Lanka and its people in this moment of grave crisis and hopes they will be able to overcome it. "We hope that India will continue to assist the people and government of Sri Lanka as they deal with the difficulties of the current situation," she said.  

 "The Congress party also urges the international community to extend all assistance and support to Sri Lanka," she added. 

 Anti-government protestors in Sri Lanka on Saturday set fire to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence in the heart of Colombo after his security attacked them. Reports indicate that protest is going on.

 The protestors, who marched to Colombo on Saturday morning demanding resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, stormed the President's official residence braving police, and later occupied the Prime Minister's official resident, Temple Trees.