With the economic situation worsening in Sri Lanka, violent protests broke out in the island nation. Thousands of demonstrators converged near the President's residence in Lanka's capital.
Subsequently, the protests turned violent, with the people clashing with police, as per reports. Vandalism reportedly took place, with buses being set on fire.
Around 5,000 people were part of the protest demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Demonstrators reportedly raised slogans asking the President and his family to "go home".
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elder brother Mahinda is PM, younger brother Basil is finance minister, nephew Namal is sports minister, while eldest brother Chamal is agriculture minister. The President was reportedly not at home during the protests.
Special Task Force, or STF, a paramilitary unit was reportedly deployed to control the protestors. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to quell the violent demonstrations. Curfew was reportedly imposed in many parts.
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A critical shortage of essential items has steadily been worsening in the island nation. On March 31, diesel was not available, leading to a 13-hour blackout, and affecting transport, as per reports. The electricity crisis impacted hospitals already reeling under a shortage of medicines. Even street lights had to be switched off to conserve power, as per reports.
The current crisis was reportedly sparked by Colombo banning imports in 2020 to conserve foreign currency to service burgeoning government debt. But this led to shortage of essentials, which caused a steep rise in prices.