A Sri Lankan court has banned its former leader from departing the country

Sr Lanka’s former leader is among 15 allies who received bans on leaving the country after acts of violence against anti-government demonstrators earlier this week.

The magistrate has reportedly asked police to investigate mob attacks on the peaceful protesters.

The attacks led to retaliatory violence in which nine people lost their lives, and caused widespread destruction across the island-nation.

Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa sent his resignation letter to the President earlier this week, who also happens to be his brother. It occurred as Sri Lankans were placed under curfew to curb the growing violence.

The country is in the midst of its worst economic crisis in over 70 years.