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Widespread protests amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis
Widespread protests amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
Economic crisis in Sri Lanka leads to widespread protests among the Sri Lankans. Since Independence in 1948, Sri Lanka is undergoing its worst economic crisis. Amidst series of protests over the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka, and also after Demonstrations outside the President’s Residence on 31st of March, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared Public Emergency in the country which shall be going to effective from 1st of April, by issuing a notification in a special gazette in Sri Lanka, including 36-hour Curfew from 6: 00 Pm on 22nd April as well as blocked the social media network for some 15 hours on 3rd of April.
According to internet observatory some 2 dozen social media platforms were affected including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp…, critics slammed the government decisions to temporarily Blocks access to internet.
FARAZ SHAUKETALI, a prominent Sri Lankan’s Journalist said – “We have to be ensured of unrestricted access to social media and communication platform and are allowed to work freely and independently. This could well be the countries Arab spring moment”.
Sri Lankan’s have protested for weeks over the power-cuts for a longer durations and shortages of the basic essentials needs like – Gas, foods and others requirement for their livelihood, which was faced by them from many days. The economic crisis triggered by a foreign Exchange crunch in Sri Lanka. This led to further protest by Sri Lankan’s left desperate by rising cost of living and difficulties to obtain basic items. Public frustration had been arising in recent months with largely peaceful Demonstrations taking place across the country.
A statement was issued on Friday by the presidential media division that an extremist group was behind the disruption near President Gotabaya Rajapaksa residence in Marihuana. For the time being the Sri Lanka president, the police said the number of people was arrested in the aftermath of the violence has risen to 54. Lawyers which are connected with opposition parties claimed that police might charge those arrested under the Draconian prevention of terrorism act (PTA).As protester turned violent the consequence is such that, 5 policemen were injured, while a police bus, a jeep and 2 motor cycles were burnt. The demonstrators also caused damages to a police water cannon tank.
Massive protests reflect public anger which is at a peak in the country of 22 million. Because of Widespread Protest in the Island country amid the nation worst’s economic crisis in decade, Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked the emergency rule ordinance which was issued by him that had gone into effect on 1st of April 2022. Sri Lanka President lost his parliamentary majority as former allies desires his departure.
The public anger has occasioned nearly all Cabinet ministers to quit, and the outcome of parliamentarian to leave Rajapaksa's government. Lankan Government said – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not resign under any circumstances” his government's chief whip told parliament on Wednesday as he defended the beleaguered leader’s controversial decision. “The union demanded an election in the country and wanted a new reign to take over. Over a severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India is providing fuel to Colombo so that it can meet some of its immediate needs and help to stabilize its domestic economy. Total of 76,000 tons of fuel were delivered to Sri Lanka at past 24 hours and the total supply of fuel under Indian assistance now stands at more than 2,70,000 tones. Gotabaya Rajapaksa defended his government’s actions by stating that foreign exchange crunch was not his making and the economic downturn was largely pandemic driven.
