Status: 05/09/2022 1:44 p.m
The Prime Minister of the island nation of Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa, has resigned after ongoing protests. Before that, there were violent clashes between government supporters and opponents in the capital, Colombo.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned. According to a government spokesman, the 76-year-old sent a letter of resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is his younger brother. The head of government wants to clear the way for the formation of a “new unity government” by resigning.
Violent clashes had previously broken out in the capital, Colombo, between supporters and opponents of the government. Television footage showed government supporters beating protesters in front of government headquarters with clubs and iron bars, tearing down their tents and setting them on fire. The government sent soldiers to end the clashes.
At least 78 injured
Supporters of Prime Minister Rajapaksa had previously gathered in his office and urged him to ignore protesters’ calls for his resignation and remain in office. After the meeting, they went in front of the building where demonstrators had been camped for several days. Shortly thereafter, they attacked the government critics. At least 78 people were injured, according to a hospital.
The participants in the protest camp accused the police of not intervening to prevent the attack. On the other hand, tear gas and water cannons were used against the demonstrators on Friday.
Sri Lanka faces bankruptcy
The Indian Ocean island nation is on the brink of bankruptcy and defaulting on its foreign loans. The economic misery has led to a political crisis: the government is faced with widespread protests and a motion of no confidence in parliament.
Demonstrators have been holding out in front of the government seat for more than 30 days. They are demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his older brother, Prime Minister Rajapaksa, and other influential members of the family resign.