Demonstrators who have taken over the prime minister’s office have erupted in joy, taking selfies, chanting “Ranil lunatic, Gota lunatic” while banging drums and screaming.

On the second floor balcony, just above a sign saying “Prime Minister’s Office”, a crowd of protesters are holding the Sri Lankan flag aloft.

They are delirious with glee, managing to rip the gates open and push through a wall of soldiers – all while enduring hours of teargas.

Someone lights a flare above the balcony. The crowd erupts in cheers.