His resignation comes at a time when an islandwide curfew has been imposed after pro government supporters clashed with anti government supporters in Colombo and several other parts of the country, reports Daily Mirror.

A curfew was imposed by the police in Sri Lanka on Monday after tensions arose following clashes between protesters in Colombo.

On Monday morning, pro-government protesters held a demonstration opposite the Temple Trees, the official residence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa asking him not to resign.

Following their meeting with the Prime Minister, they clashed with anti-government protesters near the Temple Trees.

At least 16 people who sustained injuries have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

Sri Lanka has been plunged in weeks of economic crisis stemming from a foreign exchange shortage which has led to shortages in essential supplies such as fuel, food and medicines.

Protests have been ongoing for days calling on the government and lawmakers to find urgent solutions.