evidence: From a small, localised protest that began in the outskirts of Colombo, the aragalaya, or struggle, has flourished into a small village named GotaGoGama (GGG) complete with a library, first aid centre, cinema, legal aid office, university, recycling centre, community kitchen and art gallery. Vegetables and fruit trees have been planted, indicating that the villagers are there for the long haul. Small tents dot the space, with wooden pallets and thin mattresses that serve as beds. Puppies play in the sand. [...] There are many critics too with reports of drug use, sexual activity, political infiltration and violence as well as a reluctance from people from the North to be involved. Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa claimed the aragalaya has blood on its hands, referring to the murder of former MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala as well as the counter violence and the destruction houses of ruling party politicians. [...] Within the aragalaya there are various groups, some claiming to be leaders and negotiating with the government while others say they have no leaders, rejecting any idea of compromising their one main demand that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leave office. But the president has shown no signs of departing and recently reiterated his intention of completing his five year term that ends in November 2024. He has shown no inclination to go along with the 21st Amendment reducing his powers. There is a political stalemate as the country spirals deeper into a seemingly intractable economic meltdown. The multilateral lending institutions are refusing to help without substantial macroeconomic changes.