Amidst political and economic crisis, Sri Lankans have been taking to the streets demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Lawyers join the protest outside Sri Lankan president's office in Colombo. Pic/AFP
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22 million Sri Lankans are experiencing acute shortages of food, fuel, electricity, and other essentials. The prominent issue is the shortfall of the island nation’s foreign currency reserves which has impacted imports of fuel as well as staple foods. The overall cost of living has been mounting affecting all people across socio-economic sections. Buddhist Monks have also been observed joining the protests. Pic/AFP
While the government blames the pandemic which killed Sri Lanka’s tourism income, among its the largest sources of foreign currency, various sources and the public attribute the deepening economic crisis to mismanagement by the government. Pic/AFP
As thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets and protests gained momentum, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a nationwide state of emergency on April 1, this was followed by a 26-hour nationwide curfew and heavy deployment of troops. Pic/AFP
Protests continue as several high-profile government players resign, leading to President Rajapaksa losing his parliamentary majority on April 5. Mass protests erupt across the nation as tens of thousands march on the president’s office, demanding his resignation on April 9. Troops are stationed outside the President's office. Pic/AFP
The latest update from the island nation is that Sri Lanka's central bank has refused to make any further foreign currency debt repayments until it has secured a bail-out from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To pacify the public, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has offered to hold discussions with demonstrators as per reports. Pic/AFP
Also Read: Sri Lanka crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa offers to hold talks with protesting youths
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