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The economic crisis in Sri Lanka continues. The country has been facing the worst-possible economic slump. Inflation is touching the sky. Long power cuts have created turmoil in the country. People have no option other than to shout slogans against Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Protesters are incessantly chanting “Go Home, Gota.”
The entire cabinet of the island nation decided to step down. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has been holding his prime minister’s chair.
Crisis is worsening
The crisis in Sri Lanka is escalating. In a recent development, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ruling coalition lost its majority in Parliament. As proceedings began Tuesday for the first time since the imposition of the state of emergency.
At least 41 lawmakers have decided to walk out of the alliance in the wake of public anger against the Rajapaksa family, Earlier, President Rajapaksa cleared the air by stating that he wouldn’t resign from his post. Meanwhile, he has given an indication that he is ready to hand over power to whoever has the majority in Parliament.
Latest updates on Sri Lanka
Ensure no violence at protests, defence secy
In response to the ongoing protests against the government, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said on Tuesday that Sri Lanka’s security forces will act to ensure that no acts of violence take place.
He added that “one group is conducting peaceful protests and they disperse peacefully, while the other group is deliberately engaging in violent protests in an organised manner, causing damage to public and private properties and disrupting the day-to-day lives of the people on main roads and in public places.”
Indian aid to Sri Lanka will continue
“Ongoing Linen of Credit to Sri Lanka for fuel and food totalling US $1.5 billion. Consignments will continue, “Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley, said.
Within 24 hours, Ali Sabry resigns as Finance Minister.
Ali Sabry stepped down as the finance minister on April 4. He announced his resignation within 24 hours. He had replaced Basil Rajapaksa.
Dy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya resigns
The Colombo Gazette reported that Parliament Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has resigned. He has informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa about his resignation.
The resignation comes after the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) quit the government and decided to be independent in Parliament.
Ceylon Workers’ Congress withdraws support
Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) President Senthil Thondaman said the party has decided to withdraw support from the government. The CWC has communicated its decision to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Thondaman told the Colombo Gazette.
Police use tear gas to disperse protesters
Police resorted to using tear gas to disperse hundreds of people who had gathered to protest outside Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s private residence in Tangalle. This was reported by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday.
