Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
crisis worsens in Sri LankaPicture credits : REUTERS

Amidst protests over the worsening of the economic crisis, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned. In the clashes, around 190 people were injured and five people died, including an MP from the ruling party.

On Monday, hundreds of supporters of the ruling party marched outside the Prime Minister residence before marching to an anti-governmental protest site, which was outside the presidential office.

Consequently, police had to use tear gas and water canon to ease the confrontation. Additionally, MP Amarakeerthi Athukorola of the ruling party is reported to have shot two people and then himself after being surrounded by a mob near Gampaha district.

The protesters have camped outside President Rajapaksa’s office at Galle Face Green, ever since the protests have erupted in April.

Why people are protesting?

A series of protests started in the month of April in the capital of the island nation, Colombo. Gradually these protests flared up across the country, demanding Rajapaksa to quit.

Foreign currency reserves of Sri Lanka have virtually run dry, which means it can no longer afford even essential items like food, fuel or medicines. Masses feel angry as the cost of living has grown unaffordable.

Furthermore, Rajapaksa’s government has declared state of emergency twice within a span of five weeks as the anti-government protests escalated in the country.

Government officials are blaming the COVID-19 pandemic at great length; however, some experts say it’s the economic mismanagement that should be blamed. Pandemic coupled with soaring oil prices and tax cuts is worsening the crisis.

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