Colombo

Sri Lanka's anti-government protesters have decided to hand back the President's house and other public buildings which they have been occupying.

The protesters, who had occupied the entrance to the President's office for more than three months, took over his house and the Prime Minister's official residence on July 9.

On Wednesday, they also took over Prime Minister's office despite a standoff with police in which more than 40 people were injured.

Images emerged from President's house of protestors swimming in the pool, holding mock cabinet meetings and working out in the gymnasium inside the palace.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the crisis-hit country in the early hours of Wednesday for the Maldives.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was appointed the caretaker President by the Speaker.

A new President for the island nation is to be elected on July 20.

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Sri Lanka is suffering from its worst economic crisis since its independence. It has defaulted on millions of dollars of loan repayment leading to a severe shortage of fuel and other essential items including food.