Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as protest intensify

Updated : May 09, 2022 17:16
|
Editorji News Desk

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned as protests against the govt intensified.

Sri Lankan media had reported on Friday that President Gotabaya Rajapaksha had asked the prime minister to resign in a special meeting as a solution for the ongoing crisis

Sri Lankan authorities on Monday imposed a nationwide curfew and Army troops were deployed in the capital after pro-government groups attacked protesters outside embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office, leaving at least 78 people injured.

Sri Lanka is currently in the throes of unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. The crisis is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency, which has meant that the country cannot afford to pay for imports of staple foods and fuel, leading to acute shortages and very high prices.

Also watch: Decoded: Sri Lanka economic's crisis: Chinese model of debt-trap diplomacy to blame?

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9 seeking resignation of President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply.

Gotabaya RajapaksaMahinda RajapaksaSri Lanka

Recommended For You

editorji | World

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

editorji | World

UK PM Keir Starmer hosts Indian business chiefs to boost investments

editorji | World

Russia claims capture of two new villages in east Ukraine: agencies

editorji | World

US Govt urges Supreme Court to dismiss Mumbai terror accused Rana's petition for writ of certiorari

editorji | World

HRW accuses Israel of 'acts of genocide' for Gaza water access