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Lanka SC asks police to issue summons to Gotabaya Rajapaksa in human rights abuses cases

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Wednesday directed authorities to issue summons to ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appear in court over the disappearances of two activists in 2011 as he has now been stripped of constitutional immunity.

Lanka SC asks police to issue summons to Gotabaya Rajapaksa in human rights abuses cases

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Wednesday directed authorities to issue summons to ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appear in court over the disappearances of two activists in 2011 as he has now been stripped of constitutional immunity.
Rajapaksa, 73, will now be required to give evidence in the case filed on the disappearance of two rights activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Murugananthan in the northern district of Jaffna.
The disappearances took place 12 years ago soon after the end of the country's long civil war when Rajapaksa was a powerful official at the Defence Ministry under the presidency of his elder brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
At the time, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was accused of overseeing abduction squads that whisked away rebel suspects, critical journalists and activists, many of them never to be seen again. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
When Rajapaksa was originally summoned to appear in court in 2018, he petitioned the Court of Appeal claiming his life would be under threat if he were to travel to Jaffna to appear in court.
The Appeal Court later ruled that Rajapaksa cannot be summoned to court as he had been elected President by then and enjoyed legal immunity as the President of the country.
As Rajapaksa has now lost his constitutional immunity, the apex court decided to issue summons to him to make an appearance on December 15 when the case would be heard. Rajapaksa was ousted in the popular uprising against him for his mishandling of the island nation&rsquo;s worst economic crisis.
He fled to the Maldives mid-July and announced his resignation from Singapore. In early September he returned to the country from Thailand.&nbsp;

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday returned to the country from Thailand, nearly two months after he fled the country following a massive uprising against his government over the island nation&rsquo;s worst-ever economic crisis.
Rajapaksa, 73, fled the country on July 13 after months-long mass public demonstrations demanding his immediate resignation gained momentum with protesters storming the President&rsquo;s House in Colombo and several other state buildings in the capital.
Rajapaksa arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport amidst a heavy security presence. After being received at the airport by several ministers and Parliamentarians of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, Rajapaksa left the airport in a heavily-guarded motorcade.
The ex-president returned to Sri Lanka on a Singapore Airlines flight. He travelled from Thailand to Singapore to take the flight as there are no direct flights between Bangkok and Colombo, sources said.
Rajapaksa will be living in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo while a large security contingency will be appointed to maintain security in the area, Daily Mirror Lanka reported.
As a former president, Rajapaksa is entitled to a government house, security and other privileges.
Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka to the Maldives on a Sri Lanka Airforce plane and then proceeded to Singapore, from where he sent in his resignation on July 14.
Later, he flew to Thailand, seeking temporary shelter. Thailand had said that Rajapaksa can stay in the country for 90 days because he is still a diplomatic passport holder.
However, Rajapaksa was not allowed to engage in political activities in Thailand. He was confined to a hotel and surrounded by security personnel.
Local media reports on August 19 quoted Rajapaksa&rsquo;s Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam as saying that his party had requested the president to facilitate the former president's return and &ldquo;ensure security and necessary facilities".
After Rajapaksa was ousted, Sri Lanka&rsquo;s parliament elected then-Acting President and six-time former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new Head of State.
Wickremesinghe has a mandate to serve out the rest of Rajapaksa&rsquo;s term, which ends in November 2024.
Rajapaksa, an ex-military officer, became president in November 2019.
Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948 which was triggered by a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
The IMF on Thursday announced that it will provide Sri Lanka with a loan of about USD 2.9 billion over four years under a preliminary agreement to help the bankrupt island nation tide over its worst economic crisis and protect the livelihoods of the people.&nbsp;

2 months after fleeing, former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday returned to the country from Thailand, nearly two months after he fled the country following a massive uprising against his government over the island nation’s worst-ever economic crisis.

Rajapaksa, 73, fled the country on July 13 after months-long mass public demonstrations demanding his immediate resignation gained momentum

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday returned to the country from Thailand, nearly two months after he fled the country following a massive uprising against his government over the island nation&rsquo;s worst-ever economic crisis.
Rajapaksa, 73, fled the country on July 13 after months-long mass public demonstrations demanding his immediate resignation gained momentum with protesters storming the President&rsquo;s House in Colombo and several other state buildings in the capital.
Rajapaksa arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport amidst a heavy security presence. After being received at the airport by several ministers and Parliamentarians of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, Rajapaksa left the airport in a heavily-guarded motorcade.
The ex-president returned to Sri Lanka on a Singapore Airlines flight. He travelled from Thailand to Singapore to take the flight as there are no direct flights between Bangkok and Colombo, sources said.
Rajapaksa will be living in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo while a large security contingency will be appointed to maintain security in the area, Daily Mirror Lanka reported.
As a former president, Rajapaksa is entitled to a government house, security and other privileges.
Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka to the Maldives on a Sri Lanka Airforce plane and then proceeded to Singapore, from where he sent in his resignation on July 14.
Later, he flew to Thailand, seeking temporary shelter. Thailand had said that Rajapaksa can stay in the country for 90 days because he is still a diplomatic passport holder.
However, Rajapaksa was not allowed to engage in political activities in Thailand. He was confined to a hotel and surrounded by security personnel.
Local media reports on August 19 quoted Rajapaksa&rsquo;s Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam as saying that his party had requested the president to facilitate the former president's return and &ldquo;ensure security and necessary facilities".
After Rajapaksa was ousted, Sri Lanka&rsquo;s parliament elected then-Acting President and six-time former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new Head of State.
Wickremesinghe has a mandate to serve out the rest of Rajapaksa&rsquo;s term, which ends in November 2024.
Rajapaksa, an ex-military officer, became president in November 2019.
Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948 which was triggered by a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
The IMF on Thursday announced that it will provide Sri Lanka with a loan of about USD 2.9 billion over four years under a preliminary agreement to help the bankrupt island nation tide over its worst economic crisis and protect the livelihoods of the people.&nbsp;

This week on The India Story, we take a deep dive into the Lankan economic crisis.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since 1948, with no exit strategy in sight. The Covid-19 pandemic crippled an already collapsing economy, paralyzing Sri Lanka’s largest industry, tourism, which contributes more than 10% of its GDP. 
Also watch | Sri Lanka crisis: What has happened so far?
Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajpaksa, made matters worse by taking on more loans from Beijing. China has investments in over 50 massive infrastructure projects in Lanka, none of which have earned any revenue. Sri Lanka's total external debt stands at $45 billion, while dues to China alone are to the tune of $8 billion. 
However, Sri Lanka is not alone. Other south Asian nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives owe huge debts to China too. What lessons should India draw from the Lankan economic crisis? What should India do for its neighbours? 
Watch Vikram Chandra in conversation with Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Geopolitical Analyst and Senior Fellow, The Millennium Project, Washington DC; TCA Raghavan, Former High Commissioner to Pakistan and Singapore, and Pronab Sen, Country Director, International Growth Centre and former Chief Statistician of India.
Watch full episodes of The India Story on Editorji. Download the app now! www.editorji.com/download
 

The India Story | Is Sri Lanka's economic crisis a result of China's debt-trap diplomacy?

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since 1948, and massive loans from China have put the nation in a 'debt-trap'. 2 years of the pandemic also paralysed Lanka’s tourism industry.  What should India do for its neighbours?


How can Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;emerge out of its economic crisis? Is an IMF&nbsp;bailout the only option on the cards?

This week on The India Story, we take a deep dive into the Lankan&nbsp;economic crisis.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since 1948, with no exit strategy in sight. The Covid-19 pandemic crippled an already collapsing economy, paralyzing Sri Lanka&rsquo;s largest industry, tourism, which contributes more than 10% of its GDP.&nbsp;
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-crisis-what-has-happened-so-far-1649313318903" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sri Lanka crisis: What has happened so far?</a>
Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajpaksa, made matters worse by taking on more loans from Beijing. China has investments in over 50 massive infrastructure&nbsp;projects in Lanka, none of which have earned any revenue.&nbsp;Sri Lanka's total external debt stands at $45 billion, while dues to China alone are to the tune of $8 billion.
However, Sri Lanka is not alone. Other south Asian nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives owe huge debts to China too. What lessons should India draw from the Lankan economic crisis? What should India do for its neighbours?
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-president-rajapaksa-invites-all-parties-to-take-up-ministerial-portfolios-1649061918602" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa invites all parties to take up ministerial portfolios</a>
Watch Vikram Chandra in conversation with Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Geopolitical Analyst and Senior Fellow, The Millennium Project, Washington DC; TCA Raghavan, Former High Commissioner to Pakistan and Singapore, and Pronab Sen, Country Director, International Growth Centre and former Chief Statistician of India.

Sri Lanka's Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued an Extraordinary Gazette declaring a State of Emergency in the island nation with effect from Monday.

State of emergency declared in Sri Lanka ahead of July 20 presidential election

Sri Lanka's Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued an Extraordinary Gazette declaring a State of Emergency in the island nation with effect from Monday. This allows the security forces to search, arrest seize, and remove weapons and explosives, and enter and search premises or body-search persons. 

Under emergency, security forces are allowed to search, arrest seize, and remove weapons and explosives, enter and search premises, and body-search persons.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday declared a state of emergency in the country with immediate effect, ahead of the election for the post of the president which fell vacant after Gotabaya Rajapaksa&rsquo;s resignation following the popular public uprising against him.
Under emergency, security forces are allowed to search, arrest seize, and remove weapons and explosives, enter and search premises, and body-search persons.&nbsp;
The government gazette notofication dated July 17 was issued Monday morning. The 225-member Parliament is expected to elect the new president on July 20.
The president is empowered to impose emergency regulations part 2 of the public security ordinance which says &ldquo;(a) if the president is of the opinion that the police are inadequate to deal with a situation he may gazette an order calling out the armed forces to maintain public order&rdquo;.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/wickremesinghe-premadasa-among-four-leaders-to-contest-presidential-election-in-sri-lanka-1657978063768" target="_blank">Wickremesinghe, Premadasa among four leaders to contest presidential election in Sri Lanka</a>

Should India be concerned about possible military intervention in Sri Lanka? Could a military power-play lead to Lanka becoming closer to China? Political and economic experts discuss with Vikram Chandra.

Sri Lanka crisis: Military intervention possible? Experts analyse

Should India be concerned about possible military intervention in Sri Lanka? Could a military power-play lead to Lanka becoming closer to China? Political and economic experts discuss with Vikram Chandra.

Sri Lanka is undergoing its worst financial crisis in decades, which has caused a breakdown of everyday life, and essential services. The country has no fuel to run buses or trains, a state of emergency has been declared, and protestors occupy the island nation's official residences for heads of state.
As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled the country - and interim President, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also been called upon to resign by protestors - a power vacuum has been created at the top in Sri Lanka.
The military and police have requested the Speaker of Parliament to call an all-party leaders' meeting, and ensure a political resolution in the current conflict. However, former Army chief and Member of Parliament Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has urged the country's armed forces to not follow the orders of acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as he says directives issued by the PM were &ldquo;against the Constitution.&rdquo;
Also Watch: <a href="https://editorji.com/story/sanath-jayasuriya-says-mismanagement-has-caused-the-disaster-in-sri-lanka-1657722442461" target="_blank">Sanath Jayasuriya says mismanagement has caused the disaster in Sri Lanka</a>
As Sri Lanka's closest neighbour, India is monitoring the situation closely. Should India be concerned about possible military intervention in Sri Lanka? Could a military power-play lead to Lanka becoming closer to China? Political and economic experts discuss with Vikram Chandra.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8PM.

Sri Lanka’s Leader of Opposition and the top contender for the post of President Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of his candidacy from the race to support rival candidate Dullas Alahapperuma.

Sri Lanka top presidential contender Sajith Premdasa withdraws from race, supports SLPP's Dullas

Premadasa contested the presidential elections in 2019 as a United National Party (UNP) candidate but lost to Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Leader of Opposition and the top contender for the post of President Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of his candidacy from the race to support rival candidate Dullas Alahapperuma.
Elections for the President&rsquo;s office in the crisis-ridden island nation are scheduled to be held on July 20 after the post fell vacant following Gotabaya Rajapaksa&rsquo;s resignation last week.
Premadasa tweeted, &ldquo;For the greater good of my country that I love and the people I cherish I hereby withdraw my candidacy for the position of President. SJB and our alliance and our opposition partners will work hard towards making @DullasOfficial victorious.&rdquo;
Premadasa contested the presidential elections in 2019 as a United National Party (UNP) candidate but lost to Gotabaya. He then went on to form the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, a political alliance led by him, to contest the 2020 parliamentary election.
As a leader, he is quite popular among Tamils and Muslims in Sri Lanka.
Dullas Alahapperuma, a journalist-turned-politician, whom Premadasa and his SJB are now backing, is from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). He was a Cabinet minister in the previous Rajapaksa government.
Earlier, the SLPP had officially announced its backing of interim President Ranil Wickremesinghe but was met with internal resistance. The party&rsquo;s chair GL Peiris had reportedly said the party must back Alahapperuma, the breakaway SLPP candidate who has already put himself forward to the vote.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday informed Gotabaya Rajapaksa that he should submit his letter of resignation as the President as soon as possible or else he will consider other options to remove him from the office, according to a media report.
On Wednesday, the Parliament Speaker said that the President in a telephone conversation had informed that he would tender his letter of resignation during the day, before midnight. However, he has not done it yet.
Speaker Abeywardena said that he informed President Rajapaksa to submit his letter of resignation as soon as possible, citing that he too is under pressure, News First Lanka reported on Thursday.
He said that since an acting President has been appointed, the Office of the Speaker is exploring the legal provisions to consider the option of "have vacated his post" if the President does not tender in his letter of resignation, the report added.
A spokesperson from the Sri Lanka Parliament said that given that the President had not yet tendered his letter of resignation, it is uncertain if Parliament would be convened on Friday.
The Prime Minister’s Media Division on Wednesday said that the acting President has informed Speaker Abeywardena to nominate a Prime Minister who is acceptable to both the Government and Opposition.
There have been mass protests in Sri Lanka. At least 84 people were hospitalised when protesters clashed with the security forces at the prime minister’s office and at the main access junction to Parliament on Wednesday after Rajapaksa fled the country.
The police fired tear gas and water cannons at the mob who were trying to break barriers and enter the restricted zone.

Resign or will consider other options: Sri Lankan Speaker warns Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday informed Gotabaya Rajapaksa that he should submit his letter of resignation as the President as soon as possible or else he will consider other options to remove him from the office, according to a media report.

Resign or will consider other options: Sri Lankan Speaker warns Rajapaksa

On Wednesday, the Parliament Speaker said that the President in a telephone conversation had informed that he would tender his letter of resignation during the day, before midnight. However, he has not done it yet.

Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday informed Gotabaya Rajapaksa that he should submit his letter of resignation as the President as soon as possible or else he will consider other options to remove him from the office, according to a media report.
On Wednesday, the Parliament Speaker said that the President in a telephone conversation had informed that he would tender his letter of resignation during the day, before midnight. However, he has not done it yet.
Speaker Abeywardena said that he informed President Rajapaksa to submit his letter of resignation as soon as possible, citing that he too is under pressure, News First Lanka reported on Thursday.
He said that since an acting President has been appointed, the Office of the Speaker is exploring the legal provisions to consider the option of "have vacated his post" if the President does not tender in his letter of resignation, the report added.
A spokesperson from the Sri Lanka Parliament said that given that the President had not yet tendered his letter of resignation, it is uncertain if Parliament would be convened on Friday.
The Prime Minister&rsquo;s Media Division on Wednesday said that the acting President has informed Speaker Abeywardena to nominate a Prime Minister who is acceptable to both the Government and Opposition.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-s-anti-government-protesters-hand-back-govt-buildings-to-authorities-1657791924132">Sri Lanka's anti-government protesters hand back govt buildings to authorities</a>
There have been mass protests in Sri Lanka. At least 84 people were hospitalised when protesters clashed with the security forces at the prime minister&rsquo;s office and at the main access junction to Parliament on Wednesday after Rajapaksa fled the country.
The police fired tear gas and water cannons at the mob who were trying to break barriers and enter the restricted zone.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has categorically dismissed for the second time in as many months the speculative media reports about New Delhi sending its troops to Colombo.
The Indian High Commission had issued a clarification on similar speculation in May as well saying India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.
Following events of the weekend where thousands of angry protesters stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence and set Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house on fire, India said it stands with the Sri Lankan people in their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means, established institutions and constitutional framework.
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India continues to closely follow the developments in Sri Lanka and that it is aware of the many challenges that the country and its people have been facing.
"India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and our two countries share deep civilizational bonds. We are aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka and its people have been facing, and we have stood with the Sri Lankan people as they have tried to overcome this difficult period," Bagchi said.
"India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realise their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework," he said.
With PTI inputs

India reiterates it is not sending troops to crisis-hit Sri Lanka

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has categorically dismissed for the second time in as many months the speculative media reports about New Delhi sending its troops to Colombo.

The Indian High Commission had issued a clarification on similar speculation in May as well saying India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has categorically dismissed for the second time in as many months the speculative media reports about New Delhi sending its troops to Colombo.
The Indian High Commission had issued a clarification on similar speculation in May as well saying India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.
Following events of the weekend where thousands of angry protesters stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence and set Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house on fire, India said it stands with the Sri Lankan people in their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means, established institutions and constitutional framework.
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India continues to closely follow the developments in Sri Lanka and that it is aware of the many challenges that the country and its people have been facing.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/rajapaksas-the-rulers-and-wreckers-of-sri-lanka-1657518522651" target="_blank">Rajapaksas: the rulers and wreckers of Sri Lanka</a>
"India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and our two countries share deep civilizational bonds. We are aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka and its people have been facing, and we have stood with the Sri Lankan people as they have tried to overcome this difficult period," Bagchi said.
"India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realise their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework," he said.
With PTI inputs

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency in the country and a curfew in the Western province has been imposed after violent protest erupted in Colombo following reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing to Maldives.
The Prime Minister has also ordered the security forces to arrest people acting in a riotous manner.
President Rajapaksa, 73, left the country along with his wife and two security officers on a military jet, a brief statement from the Sri Lanka Air Force said.
The Prime Minister's Office also confirmed that the President had left the country.
Rajapaksa, who enjoys immunity from prosecution while he is president, fled the country before resigning to avoid the possibility of arrest by the new government.
With PTI inputs

Emergency declared in Sri Lanka as violent protests erupt

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency in the country and a curfew in the Western province has been imposed. 

President Rajapaksa, 73, left the country along with his wife and two security officers on a military jet, a brief statement from the Sri Lanka Air Force said.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency in the country and a curfew in the Western province has been imposed after violent protest erupted in Colombo following reports of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing to Maldives.
The Prime Minister has also ordered the security forces to arrest people acting in a riotous manner.
President Rajapaksa, 73, left the country along with his wife and two security officers on a military jet, a brief statement from the Sri Lanka Air Force said.
The Prime Minister's Office also confirmed that the President had left the country.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/power-of-the-people-massive-protests-as-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-flees-1657714794512">'Power of the people': massive protests as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees</a>
Rajapaksa, who enjoys immunity from prosecution while he is president, fled the country before resigning to avoid the possibility of arrest by the new government.
With PTI inputs

Hours after angry protestors stormed into his house on 9 July, Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya announced his decision to resign. Protestors had been demanding his ouster since March 2022, when demonstrations against the severe economic crisis began.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had announced a few hours earlier that he would also resign.
So, what happens in the crisis-hit island nation now?
The Sri Lankan Constitution reportedly says that if a President resigns mid-term, then a Parliamentarian will be chosen as the next President by MPs. The new President will serve till the term of the earlier President concludes, after which elections will be held.
The Parliament has to meet within a few days of the President resigning, to select a new one. If there are more than one candidates, then secret ballot will take place. Till the entire process concludes, an acting President is chosen.
Since Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is also resigning, it has been announced that Parliament Speaker Yapa Abeywardena will be the acting President.
In an all-party meeting which called for Rajapaksa's resignation, it was decided that an interim all-party government would be formed under a new PM commanding majority in Parliament. Elections will be held soon after to elect a new government.

Sri Lanka protests: what next? Constitution's rules; acting President named; all-party govt announced

What next in Sri Lanka? Constitution's rules explained; acting President named; all-party govt announced


With both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe resigning, it has been announced that Sri Lanka Parliament's Speaker Yapa Abeywardena will be the acting President.

Hours after angry protestors stormed into his house on 9 July, Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya announced his decision to resign. Protestors had been demanding his ouster since March 2022, when demonstrations against the severe economic crisis began.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had announced a few hours earlier that he would also resign.
So, what happens in the crisis-hit island nation now?
The Sri Lankan Constitution reportedly says that if a President resigns mid-term, then a Parliamentarian will be chosen as the next President by MPs. The new President will serve till the term of the earlier President concludes, after which elections will be held.
The Parliament has to meet within a few days of the President resigning, to select a new one. If there are more than one candidates, then secret ballot will take place. Till the entire process concludes, an acting President is chosen.
Since Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is also resigning, it has been announced that Parliament Speaker Yapa Abeywardena will be the acting President.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lankan-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-step-down-on-july-13-speaker-1657420528071" target="_blank">Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down on July 13: Speaker</a>
In an all-party meeting which called for Rajapaksa's resignation, it was decided that an interim all-party government would be formed under a new PM commanding majority in Parliament. Elections will be held soon after to elect a new government.

Sri Lanka's embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would resign on Wednesday, Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced late Saturday night, hours after thousands of protesters stormed his official residence, blaming his government for an unprecedented economic crisis that has brought the country to its knees.
President Rajapaksa informed the Speaker about this decision to quit after Abeywardena wrote to him seeking his resignation following the all-party meeting of leaders held Saturday evening.
The party leaders had demanded the immediate resignation of President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to make way for Abeywardena to become acting president until Parliament appointed a successor.
Wickremesinghe, 73, has already expressed his willingness to resign. But an angry mob did not spare his private home here and set it on fire.
Rajapaksa, 73, responded to the Speaker's letter, saying he would quit on July 13. Rajapaksa became Sri Lankan President in November 2020.
Earlier, Speaker Abeywardena had asked President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to resign immediately to make way for an all-party government after the country witnessed its biggest protest yet amid an unprecedented economic crisis.
Abeywardena in his letter to Rajapaksa, whose whereabouts are still not known, informed him about the outcome of the party leaders’ meeting he had convened this evening after which Wickremesinghe offered to resign and form an all-party government.
He told Rajapaksa that party leaders wanted him and Wickremesinghe to resign immediately, Parliament to be convened in seven days to appoint an acting president, and appoint an interim all-party government under a new Prime Minister commanding majority in Parliament. It was also decided to call for elections within a short period of time and install a new government.
Rajapaksa appears to have gone underground in the face of massive public anger over an unprecedented economic crisis since the country became independent in 1948.
Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters stormed the official residence of President Rajapaksa. It is believed that President Rajapaksa left the house before the massive crowd arrived.
In May, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had to quit in the face of massive anti-government protests.
The Rajapaksa brothers, Mahinda and Gotabaya, were hailed by many in Sri Lanka as heroes for winning the civil war against the LTTE but they are now blamed for the country's worst economic crisis.
The expected exit of President Rajapaksa on Wednesday and the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister in May is a dramatic fall from grace for a powerful family that has dominated Sri Lankan politics for more than a decade.
Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people, is under the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades, crippled by an acute shortage of foreign exchange that has left it struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, and other essentials.
The country, with an acute foreign currency crisis that resulted in foreign debt default, had announced in April that it is suspending nearly USD 7 billion foreign debt repayment due for this year out of about USD 25 billion due through 2026.
Sri Lanka's total foreign debt stands at USD 51 billion. 

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign on July 13: Speaker

Sri Lanka's embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would resign on Wednesday, Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced late Saturday night.

Earlier, Speaker Abeywardena had asked President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to resign immediately to make way for an all-party government after the country witnessed its biggest protest yet amid an unprecedented economic crisis.

Sri Lanka's embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would resign on Wednesday, Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced late Saturday night, hours after thousands of protesters stormed his official residence, blaming his government for an unprecedented economic crisis that has brought the country to its knees.
President Rajapaksa informed the Speaker about this decision to quit after Abeywardena wrote to him seeking his resignation following the all-party meeting of leaders held Saturday evening.
The party leaders had demanded the immediate resignation of President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to make way for Abeywardena to become acting president until Parliament appointed a successor.
Wickremesinghe, 73, has already expressed his willingness to resign. But an angry mob did not spare his private home here and set it on fire.
Rajapaksa, 73, responded to the Speaker's letter, saying he would quit on July 13. Rajapaksa became Sri Lankan President in November 2020.
Earlier, Speaker Abeywardena had asked President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to resign immediately to make way for an all-party government after the country witnessed its biggest protest yet amid an unprecedented economic crisis.
Abeywardena in his letter to Rajapaksa, whose whereabouts are still not known, informed him about the outcome of the party leaders&rsquo; meeting he had convened this evening after which Wickremesinghe offered to resign and form an all-party government.
He told Rajapaksa that party leaders wanted him and Wickremesinghe to resign immediately, Parliament to be convened in seven days to appoint an acting president, and appoint an interim all-party government under a new Prime Minister commanding majority in Parliament. It was also decided to call for elections within a short period of time and install a new government.
Rajapaksa appears to have gone underground in the face of massive public anger over an unprecedented economic crisis since the country became independent in 1948.
Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters stormed the official residence of President Rajapaksa. It is believed that President Rajapaksa left the house before the massive crowd arrived.
In May, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had to quit in the face of massive anti-government protests.
The Rajapaksa brothers, Mahinda and Gotabaya, were hailed by many in Sri Lanka as heroes for winning the civil war against the LTTE but they are now blamed for the country's worst economic crisis.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lankan-pm-wickremesinghe-s-private-residence-set-on-fire-by-protestors-1657387225662" target="_blank">Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe's private residence set on fire by protesters</a>
The expected exit of President Rajapaksa on Wednesday and the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister in May is a dramatic fall from grace for a powerful family that has dominated Sri Lankan politics for more than a decade.
Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people, is under the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades, crippled by an acute shortage of foreign exchange that has left it struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, and other essentials.
The country, with an acute foreign currency crisis that resulted in foreign debt default, had announced in April that it is suspending nearly USD 7 billion foreign debt repayment due for this year out of about USD 25 billion due through 2026.
Sri Lanka's total foreign debt stands at USD 51 billion.&nbsp;

In a video that has gone viral, anti-government protesters can be seen mock-wrestling on PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's bed at his official residence. They can be seen pinning each other down as they imitate the wrestlers inside a WWE ring.

Watch: Sri Lankan anti-govt protesters 'wrestle' on PM's bed 

In a video that has gone viral, anti-government protesters can be seen mock-wrestling on PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's bed at his official residence.&nbsp;

After setting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's private house on fire, anti-government protesters, who occupied the PM's official residence on Sunday, found innovative and amusing ways to claim the space.
In a video that has gone viral, protesters can be seen mock-wrestling on the PM's bed with WWE wrestling commentary edited to background.
They can be seen pinning each other down as they imitate the wrestlers inside a WWE ring.
The video, which was originally posted by Twitter user "Sri Lanka Tweet", has received thousands of views so far.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/hoping-for-a-better-future-sri-lankans-enjoy-a-day-out-at-the-presidential-palace-1657462887480">Hoping for a better future, Sri Lankans 'enjoy a day out' at the presidential palace</a>
On Sunday, thousands of irate protesters on Saturday stormed into embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa&rsquo;s official residence in central Colombo's high-security Fort area after breaking the barricades, as they demanded his resignation over the island nation's worst economic crisis in decades.
&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reportedly fled from his official residence after hundreds of people stormed it demaning his resignation. 
The President who is facing calls for resignation since March had been using the President’s House as his residence and office since protesters came to occupy the entrance to his office early April.
A massive gathering of protesters broke through barricades even as police used tear gas and water cannons and opened fire to disperse them.
Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million, is under the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades, crippled by an acute shortage of foreign exchange that has left it struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, and other essentials.

Sri Lanka President fled from residence as protestors broke into compound: reports | Gotabaya Rajapaksa | Economic crisis

Sri Lanka President fled from residence amid protest: reports Protestors broke into Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence Protests going on for months over worsening economic crisis

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees from residence as protestors break in

A massive gathering of protesters broke through barricades even as police used tear gas and water cannons and opened fire to disperse them.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reportedly fled from his official residence after hundreds of people stormed it demanding his resignation.&nbsp;
The President who is facing calls for resignation since March had been using the President&rsquo;s House as his residence and office since protesters came to occupy the entrance to his office early April.
A massive gathering of protesters broke through barricades even as police used tear gas and water cannons and opened fire to disperse them.
Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million, is under the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades, crippled by an acute shortage of foreign exchange that has left it struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, and other essentials.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/sri-lanka-crisis-no-petrol-and-power-only-essentials-till-july-10-1656384161207" target="_blank">Sri Lanka Crisis: No Petrol and Power; only essentials till July 10</a>

MMC Ferdinando, a top Sri Lankan official has resigned after he alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa award an energy project to Indian industrialist Gautam Adani.
Ferdinando was the chairman of state-owned power entity Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) till his resignation was accepted, energy minister Kanchana Wijesekara confirmed on Monday.
Speaking to a parliamentary panel on Friday, Ferdinando claimed that President Rajapaksa told him in November that a wind power project was to be awarded to the Adani Group after PM Modi insisted upon it.
Rajapaksa, however, denied Ferdinando's statement. In a tweet he said, 'I categorically deny authorisation to award this project to any specific person or entity'.
On Sunday, Ferdinando retracted his statement saying that he had said everything under stress and denied being influenced by either President Rajapaksa or the Indian High Commission to withdraw it.
Government of India has not commented on the issue yet.
Adani Group, on the other hand, said in a statement 'Our intent in investing in Sri Lanka is to address the needs of a valued neighbour. As a responsible corporate, we see this as a necessary part of the partnership that our two nations have always shared'.'We are clearly disappointed by the detraction that seems to have come about. The fact is that the issue has already been addressed by and within the Sri Lankan Government,' a Spokesperson of the Adani Group said in the statement.

Sri Lankan official quits days after claiming PM Modi pushed Adani deal

Speaking to a parliamentary panel on Friday, Ferdinando claimed that President Rajapaksa told him in November that a wind power project was to be awarded to the Adani Group after PM Modi insisted upon it

Speaking to a parliamentary panel on Friday, Ferdinando claimed that President Rajapaksa told him in November that a wind power project was to be awarded to the Adani Group after PM Modi insisted upon it

A top Sri Lankan official has resigned after he alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted that&nbsp;President Gotabaya Rajapaksa award an energy project to Indian industrialist Gautam Adani.
MMC Ferdinando was the chairman of state-owned power entity Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) till his resignation was accepted, energy minister Kanchana Wijesekara confirmed on Monday.
Speaking to a parliamentary panel on Friday, Ferdinando claimed that President Rajapaksa told him in November that a wind power project was to be awarded to the Adani Group after PM Modi insisted upon it.
Rajapaksa&nbsp;has, however, denied Ferdinando's statement. In a tweet he said, 'I categorically deny authorisation to award this project to any specific person or entity'.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/markets/gautam-adani-s-wealth-went-up-by-rs-300-cr-everyday-this-year-this-is-what-all-he-owns-1652700712606" target="_blank">Gautam Adani's wealth went up by Rs 300 cr everyday this year! This is what all he owns</a>
On Sunday, Ferdinando retracted his statement saying that he had said everything under stress and denied being influenced by either President Rajapaksa or the Indian High Commission to withdraw it.
Government of India has not commented on the issue yet.
Adani Group, on the other hand, said in a statement 'Our intent in investing in Sri Lanka is to address the needs of a valued neighbour. As a responsible corporate, we see this as a necessary part of the partnership that our two nations have always shared'.
'We are clearly disappointed by the detraction that seems to have come about. The fact is that the issue has already been addressed by and within the Sri Lankan Government,' a Spokesperson of the Adani Group said in the statement.

Is India sending its soldiers to Sri Lanka amid unprecedented chaos in the island nation? Such rumours were "categorically" denied by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on May 11.
The High Commission said that "speculative reports in sections of media and social media" about India sending troops to Sri Lanka are incorrect and not in consonance with the Indian government's stand on the situation.
On May 10, India had said that it is "fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery". While citing the help given to Colombo amid the crisis, Delhi said that it is guided by "the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes".
On the same day, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had dismissed rumours that some members of the Rajapaksa family had fled to India.
Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on May 9 after weeks of protest. However, his brother Gotabaya continues to remain President, despite growing opposition and outrage.
After Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation, it was claimed the he had left his official residence 'Temple Trees', and taken refuge at a naval base in the port city of Trincomalee.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between pro and anti-government groups. At least 8 people have died, and over 250 injured in the clashes. Vandalism and destruction of properties of ruling party leaders have also been reported.
The protests began around April 9, sparked by a severe shortage of essentials due to lack of foreign currency, which hit imports.

Is India sending its army to Sri Lanka? High Commission rejects rumours amid protests, violence

Amid a worsening crisis and widespread violence, India had said on May 10 that it is "fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery".

Is India sending its soldiers to Sri Lanka amid unprecedented chaos in the island nation? Such rumours were "categorically" denied by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on May 11.
The High Commission said that "speculative reports in sections of media and social media" about India sending troops to Sri Lanka are incorrect and not in consonance with the Indian government's stand on the situation.
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-issues-shoot-at-sight-orders-as-unrest-continues-1652240811165" target="_blank">Sri Lanka issues shoot-at-sight orders as unrest continues</a>
On May 10, India had said that it is "fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery". While citing the help given to Colombo amid the crisis, Delhi said that it is guided by "the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes".
On the same day, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had dismissed rumours that some members of the Rajapaksa family had fled to India.
Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on May 9 after weeks of protest. However, his brother Gotabaya continues to remain President, despite growing opposition and outrage.
After Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation, it was claimed the he had left his official residence 'Temple Trees', and taken refuge at a naval base in the port city of Trincomalee.
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lankan-prime-minister-mahinda-rajapaksa-resigns-as-protest-intensify-1652096786037" target="_blank">Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as protest intensify</a>
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between pro and anti-government groups. At least 8 people have died, and over 250 injured in the clashes. Vandalism and destruction of properties of ruling party leaders have also been reported.
The protests began around April 9, sparked by a severe shortage of essentials due to lack of foreign currency, which hit imports.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence on Tuesday ordered the Army, the Air Force and the Navy personnel to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others amidst violent protests in the island nation over the unprecedented economic and political crisis.
The order came after embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop "violence and acts of revenge" against fellow citizens and vowed to address the political and economic crisis facing the nation.
Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on Tuesday urged protestors to exercise calm and not resort to violence. He warned if looting and property damage continues, the Ministry of Defence will be compelled to strictly enforce the law against the violators.
“I appeal young men and women to refrain from engaging in violence. Do not set fire to public and private property, and engage in your struggle in the democratic & peaceful manner,” he said.
The Defence Secretary warned that looters have taken the opportunity to commit crime under the guise of the peaceful protests, adding that it is a very unfortunate situation.
His stern warning came amid reports that anti-government protesters were demonstrating outside the Trincomalee Naval Base where former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family have reportedly taken refuge.
Gunaratne also appealed religious leaders to advice the youth on peaceful conduct.
Meanwhile, the death toll rose to eight in the unprecedented violence that erupted after supporters of then prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked anti-government protesters here on Monday. Though Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, has quit as prime minister, this has failed to bring calm. The anti-government protesters are also seeking the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Nearly 250 people have been injured in the violence in Colombo and other parts of the country.
Earlier, The Ministry of Defence said it has ordered the tri-forces to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others.
A curfew is in force across the island nation after mobs burned down the ancestral home belonging to the ruling Rajapaksa family amid mounting anger at the worst economic crisis.
Anti-government protesters have also set up a checkpoint on the road leading to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to prevent the Rajapaksa family loyalists from fleeing the country.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining 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. 

Sri Lanka issues shoot-at-sight orders as unrest continues

Sri Lankan govt has ordered its military to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others amidst violent protests across the country

A curfew is in force across the island nation after mobs burned down the ancestral home belonging to the ruling Rajapaksa family amid mounting anger at the worst economic crisis.

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Ministry of Defence on Tuesday ordered the Army, the Air Force and the Navy personnel to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others amidst violent protests in the island nation over the unprecedented economic and political crisis.
The order came after embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop "violence and acts of revenge" against fellow citizens and vowed to address the political and economic crisis facing the nation.
Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Defence Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on Tuesday urged protestors to exercise calm and not resort to violence. He warned if looting and property damage continues, the Ministry of Defence will be compelled to strictly enforce the law against the violators.
&ldquo;I appeal young men and women to refrain from engaging in violence. Do not set fire to public and private property, and engage in your struggle in the democratic &amp; peaceful manner,&rdquo; he said.
The Defence Secretary warned that looters have taken the opportunity to commit crime under the guise of the peaceful protests, adding that it is a very unfortunate situation.
His stern warning came amid reports that anti-government protesters were demonstrating outside the Trincomalee Naval Base where former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family have reportedly taken refuge.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-crisis-ancestral-home-of-rajapaksas-set-on-fire-1652148511498">Sri Lanka crisis | Ancestral home of Rajapaksas set on fire</a>
Gunaratne also appealed religious leaders to advice the youth on peaceful conduct.
Meanwhile, the death toll rose to eight in the unprecedented violence that erupted after supporters of then prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked anti-government protesters here on Monday. Though Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, has quit as prime minister, this has failed to bring calm. The anti-government protesters are also seeking the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Nearly 250 people have been injured in the violence in Colombo and other parts of the country.
Earlier, The Ministry of Defence said it has ordered the tri-forces to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others.
A curfew is in force across the island nation after mobs burned down the ancestral home belonging to the ruling Rajapaksa family amid mounting anger at the worst economic crisis.
Anti-government protesters have also set up a checkpoint on the road leading to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to prevent the Rajapaksa family loyalists from fleeing the country.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining 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.&nbsp;

The ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota has been set on fire by a group of anti-government protestors, hours after Mahinda Rajapaksa, the patriarch of the powerful clan resigned on Monday in response to mounting demand for his ouster as Sri Lanka's prime minister.
Prime Minister Mahinda's House in Kurunegala was also set on fire by protesters while a mob also destroyed D A Rajapaksa Memorial - constructed in the memory of the father of Mahinda and Gotabaya - in Medamulana, Hambantota.
Earlier, Mahinda Rajapaksa's supporters attacked anti-government protesters at MynaGoGama and GotaGoGama protest sites in Colombo.
Several properties of ministers and lawmakers of the ruling coalition were destroyed by the protesters.
Sri Lankan media also reported that a fire has broke out near the back gate of Temple Trees, the official residence of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister in Colombo
Protesters have also attacked the house of Badulla District parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachch and later set it on fire.
The house of Puttalam MP Santha Nishantha was completely destroyed due to an arson attack.
The arson attacks came as the island was placed under curfew after violent clashes between Mahinda Rajapaksa supporters and anti-government protesters in Colombo.
Three people were killed, including a ruling party MP, and more than 150 injured in violence in the capital.

Sri Lanka crisis | Ancestral home of Rajapaksas set on fire

The ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota has been set on fire by a group of anti-government protestors, hours after Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Monday. 

The arson attacks came as the island was placed under curfew after violent clashes between Mahinda Rajapaksa supporters and anti-government protesters in Colombo.

The ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota has been set on fire by a group of anti-government protestors, hours after Mahinda Rajapaksa, the patriarch of the powerful clan resigned on Monday in response to mounting demand for his ouster as Sri Lanka's prime minister.
Prime Minister Mahinda's House in Kurunegala was also set on fire by protesters while a mob also destroyed D A Rajapaksa Memorial - constructed in the memory of the father of Mahinda and Gotabaya - in Medamulana, Hambantota.
Earlier, Mahinda Rajapaksa's supporters attacked anti-government protesters at MynaGoGama and GotaGoGama protest sites in Colombo.
Several properties of ministers and lawmakers of the ruling coalition were destroyed by the protesters.
Sri Lankan media also reported that a fire has broke out near the back gate of Temple Trees, the official residence of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister in Colombo
Protesters have also attacked the house of Badulla District parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachch and later set it on fire.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lankan-prime-minister-mahinda-rajapaksa-resigns-as-protest-intensify-1652096786037" target="_blank">Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as protest intensify</a>
The house of Puttalam MP Santha Nishantha was completely destroyed due to an arson attack.
The arson attacks came as the island was placed under curfew after violent clashes between Mahinda Rajapaksa supporters and anti-government protesters in Colombo.
Three people were killed, including a ruling party MP, and more than 150 injured in violence in the capital.

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.
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.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as protest intensify

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

Sri Lanka is currently in the throes of unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948.

Sri Lankan&nbsp;Prime Minister Mahinda&nbsp;Rajapaksa&nbsp;has resigned as protests against the govt intensified.
Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;media had reported on Friday that President Gotabaya&nbsp;Rajapaksha&nbsp;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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/decoding-sri-lanka-economic-s-crisis-chinese-model-of-debt-trap-diplomacy-to-blame-1649431958241">Decoded: Sri Lanka economic's crisis: Chinese model of debt-trap diplomacy to blame?</a>
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.

Embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency with effect from Friday midnight, the presidential media division said, the second time in just over a month amidst growing countrywide anti-government protests over the unprecedented economic crisis.
The state of emergency gives the police and the security forces sweeping power to arbitrarily arrest and detain people.
Rajapaksa’s decision was to ensure public security and maintain essential services so as to ensure a smooth functioning of the country, the presidential media division said.
The decision came amidst weeks of protests demanding the resignation of the President and the government, blaming the powerful Rajapaksa clan for mishandling the island nation's economy, already hit by the pandemic.
Earlier in the day, student activists warned to lay a siege to Parliament as trade unions launched a crippling island-wide strike to demand the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government over their inability to tackle the economic meltdown which has caused unprecedented hardships to the public.
On Friday, beleaguered Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has made it clear that he will not quit from his post, came under unexpected pressure to resign at the special Cabinet meeting.
“There were opinions during the Cabinet, some even suggested the prime minister must resign. The President (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) was keen to see an end to the political crisis even with the resignation of the prime minister,” a ministerial source said.
The backers of the 76-year-old prime minister had insisted him to stay on as the public demand was more for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his younger brother.
The 72-year-old president for a few weeks now has been wanting the prime minister to resign in order to set up an all-party interim government.
Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis in its history with the shortage of essentials, and power outages caused by a severe forex crisis.
Rajapaksa had declared emergency on April 1 also after a mass protest opposite his private residence. He had revoked it on April 5.
Since April 9, the protesters have been staying near the presidential secretariat in the ‘Gota go home gama’ or Gotabaya Go home village and since April 26 the ‘Mynah go home village’ or ‘Mahinda Go Home Village’.
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.
Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9, 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.
Despite mounting pressure, President Rajapaksa and his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have refused to quit.
On Thursday, they won a key election in Parliament when their candidate convincingly won the race for the post of Deputy Speaker.

Sri Lanka: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declares emergency again; PM Mahinda refuses to quit

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;declared state of emergency the second time in just over a month amidst growing countrywide anti-government protests over the unprecedented economic crisis

Embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency with effect from Friday midnight, the presidential media division said, the second time in just over a month amidst growing countrywide anti-government protests over the unprecedented economic crisis.
The state of emergency gives the police and the security forces sweeping power to arbitrarily arrest and detain people.
Rajapaksa&rsquo;s decision was to ensure public security and maintain essential services so as to ensure a smooth functioning of the country, the presidential media division said.
The decision came amidst weeks of protests demanding the resignation of the President and the government, blaming the powerful Rajapaksa clan for mishandling the island nation's economy, already hit by the pandemic.
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-crisis-opposition-seeks-no-confidence-vote-on-rajapaksas-1651640394955" target="_blank">Sri Lanka crisis: opposition seeks no-confidence vote on Rajapaksas</a>
Earlier in the day, student activists warned to lay a siege to Parliament as trade unions launched a crippling island-wide strike to demand the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government over their inability to tackle the economic meltdown which has caused unprecedented hardships to the public.
On Friday, beleaguered Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has made it clear that he will not quit from his post, came under unexpected pressure to resign at the special Cabinet meeting.
&ldquo;There were opinions during the Cabinet, some even suggested the prime minister must resign. The President (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) was keen to see an end to the political crisis even with the resignation of the prime minister,&rdquo; a ministerial source said.
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-crisis-opposition-seeks-no-confidence-vote-on-rajapaksas-1651640394955" target="_blank">Sri Lanka crisis: opposition seeks no-confidence vote on Rajapaksas</a>
The backers of the 76-year-old prime minister had insisted him to stay on as the public demand was more for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his younger brother.
The 72-year-old president for a few weeks now has been wanting the prime minister to resign in order to set up an all-party interim government.
Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis in its history with the shortage of essentials, and power outages caused by a severe forex crisis.
Rajapaksa had declared emergency on April 1 also after a mass protest opposite his private residence. He had revoked it on April 5.
Since April 9, the protesters have been staying near the presidential secretariat in the &lsquo;Gota go home gama&rsquo; or Gotabaya Go home village and since April 26 the &lsquo;Mynah go home village&rsquo; or &lsquo;Mahinda Go Home Village&rsquo;.
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.
Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9, 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.
Despite mounting pressure, President Rajapaksa and his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have refused to quit.
On Thursday, they won a key election in Parliament when their candidate convincingly won the race for the post of Deputy Speaker.

Sri Lanka’s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said that his government was confident of overcoming the unprecedented economic crisis in the same way it crushed the LTTE over a decade ago. 
In a televised address to the nation, Mahinda, who is under growing pressure to quit due to the worst economic crisis facing the island nation, said that he understands the people’s sufferings. 
“We have to strengthen the economy. We will take the responsibility to resolve the economic issue in the same way we ended the 30-year war,” the prime minister said, referring to his military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009. 
The LTTE, which led a separatist war for a separate Tamil homeland, was crushed by the Lankan military in 2009 with the death its supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran. 
Mahinda, the elder brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, said that the government is working round-the-clock to overcome the economic crisis. 
In his first public appearance since countrywide protests began demanding the resignation of his younger brother President Gotabaya and the entire Rakapaksa family, he appealed to the protesters to end their anti-government agitation and said that every minute spent on streets deprives the country of dollar inflow. 
“The government is spending every second of the day to resolve this problem. My family is being slandered, we can tolerate it,” Mahinda said. 
He said the protesters were demanding to send home the entire 225 parliamentarians. 
“It will be dangerous to reject Parliament,” he said. In a bid to blame the Opposition Janatha Vikmuthi Peramuna (JVP) party for the protests, Mahinda recalled the JVP rebellions in the 70s and 80s. 
He said that his government had built roads, ports and infrastructure not to keep the people on the streets protesting. 
His speech came as a flurry of political activities took place to end the economic crisis and the political impasse. 
While another day was passed without appointing the Cabinet, the differences of opinion among the political groups came to light on the proposed no-confidence motion against the government. 
The group which declared independence from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) coalition announced that they would not be supporting the No-Confidence Motion (NCM). 
“We do not see how the passing of the NCM would help. Even if it is to be won, how could a government be formed,” senior legislator Vasudeva Nanayakkara said. 
The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said that they have begun the process to move an NCM against the government on its mishandling of the economy. 
The address of the prime minister came hours after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that poor economic policies of the government had contributed to the country’s economic downturn. 
He said the cost of living in the country is going from bad to worse due to the price increase of essential food items including medicine, milk powder, rice, sugar, dhal, wheat flour and items such as gas, diesel, kerosene oil and petrol. 
The Opposition Leader said that people gave ample time to President Rajapaksa to fulfil their requirements, especially by reducing the increasing cost of living but neither the President nor his Cabinet ministers were able to fulfil their demands. 
The anti-government protests, which started on Saturday, continued to its third day on Monday. 

Sri Lanka crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa says resolved to end crisis, asks for agitations to stop

Sri Lanka’s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said that his government was confident of overcoming the unprecedented economic crisis

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said that his government was confident of overcoming the unprecedented economic crisis.&nbsp; Mahinda, under growing pressure to quit due to the economic crisis, said that he understands the people&rsquo;s sufferings. He said that they have taken the responsibility to resolve the economic crisis the same way the 30-year-war was ended, referring to his military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam&nbsp;in 2009.&nbsp; Mahinda, the elder brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, said that the government is working round-the-clock to overcome the economic crisis.&nbsp; In his first public appearance since countrywide protests began demanding the resignation of his younger brother President Gotabaya and the entire Rakapaksa family, he appealed to the protesters to end their anti-government agitation and said that every minute spent on streets deprives the country of dollar inflow.&nbsp; He added that it would be dangerous to reject the Parliament, alluding to the protesters demand to send home all 225 parliamentarians.&nbsp; While another day was passed without appointing the Cabinet, the differences of opinion among the political groups came to light on the proposed no-confidence motion against the government.&nbsp; The anti-government protests, which started on Saturday, continued to its third day on Monday.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said that his government was confident of overcoming the unprecedented economic crisis

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said that his government was confident of overcoming the unprecedented economic crisis in the same way it crushed the LTTE over a decade ago.&nbsp;
In a televised address to the nation, Mahinda, who is under growing pressure to quit due to the worst economic crisis facing the island nation, said that he understands the people&rsquo;s sufferings.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We have to strengthen the economy. We will take the responsibility to resolve the economic issue in the same way we ended the 30-year war,&rdquo; the prime minister said, referring to his military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.&nbsp;
The LTTE, which led a separatist war for a separate Tamil homeland, was crushed by the Lankan military in 2009 with the death its supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran.&nbsp;
Mahinda, the elder brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, said that the government is working round-the-clock to overcome the economic crisis.&nbsp;
In his first public appearance since countrywide protests began demanding the resignation of his younger brother President Gotabaya and the entire Rakapaksa family, he appealed to the protesters to end their anti-government agitation and said that every minute spent on streets deprives the country of dollar inflow.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The government is spending every second of the day to resolve this problem. My family is being slandered, we can tolerate it,&rdquo; Mahinda said.&nbsp;
He said the protesters were demanding to send home the entire 225 parliamentarians.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It will be dangerous to reject Parliament,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; In a bid to blame the Opposition Janatha Vikmuthi Peramuna (JVP) party for the protests, Mahinda recalled the JVP rebellions in the 70s and 80s.&nbsp;
He said that his government had built roads, ports and infrastructure not to keep the people on the streets protesting.&nbsp;
His speech came as a flurry of political activities took place to end the economic crisis and the political impasse.&nbsp;
While another day was passed without appointing the Cabinet, the differences of opinion among the political groups came to light on the proposed no-confidence motion against the government.&nbsp;
The group which declared independence from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) coalition announced that they would not be supporting the No-Confidence Motion (NCM).&nbsp;
&ldquo;We do not see how the passing of the NCM would help. Even if it is to be won, how could a government be formed,&rdquo; senior legislator Vasudeva Nanayakkara said.&nbsp;
The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said that they have begun the process to move an NCM against the government on its mishandling of the economy.&nbsp;
The address of the prime minister came hours after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that poor economic policies of the government had contributed to the country&rsquo;s economic downturn.&nbsp;
He said the cost of living in the country is going from bad to worse due to the price increase of essential food items including medicine, milk powder, rice, sugar, dhal, wheat flour and items such as gas, diesel, kerosene oil and petrol.&nbsp;
The Opposition Leader said that people gave ample time to President Rajapaksa to fulfil their requirements, especially by reducing the increasing cost of living but neither the President nor his Cabinet ministers were able to fulfil their demands.&nbsp;
The anti-government protests, which started on Saturday, continued to its third day on Monday.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-in-turmoil-all-26-cabinet-ministers-resign-1649045599734">Sri Lanka in turmoil: All 26 cabinet ministers resign</a>

gotabaya rajapaksa

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