Demonstrations in Sri Lanka: withdrawal from the palace – protest continues

In Sri Lanka, the demonstrators have announced their withdrawal from the occupied government buildings – but the protest should continue. The fleeing President Rajapaksa is apparently on his way to Singapore.

Protesters in Sri Lanka have announced the return of the presidential palace they have occupied and other buildings in the capital, Colombo. “We are withdrawing peacefully from the presidential palace, the presidential office and the prime minister’s office with immediate effect, but we will continue our fight,” said a spokeswoman for the protest movement.

The protests in front of the presidential seat, which have been going on for almost 100 days, should still continue. Shortly before, the Sri Lankan Bar Association had announced that it would no longer defend the protesters free of charge, for example in the case of arrests if they continued to illegally occupy government buildings.

Parliament building sealed off

One of the leaders of the protesters told the AP news agency that the decision to withdraw was made after Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said Parliament would explore legal options after the failed resignation of fugitive President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Prior to this development, the military sealed off the parliament building to prevent protesters from taking it over.

Prime Minister and now Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe had called on the military to restore law and order. From Thursday afternoon to Friday at 5:00 a.m. (local time), a curfew is to apply, like the night before.

Rajapaksa probably on his way to Singapore

President Rajapaksa is now apparently on his way to Singapore after fleeing the protests. Rajapaksa left the Maldives aboard a Saudia plane, a representative of the local airport authorities told AFP. The AP news agency reports that he is traveling to Saudi Arabia via Singapore.

Rajapaksa fled the presidential palace in Colombo on Saturday just before protesters stormed the property. He then announced his resignation to allow for a “peaceful transfer of power”. On Wednesday night, he and his wife fled to the Maldives in a military plane.

no resignation so far

According to security sources, Rajapaksa’s resignation could be completed after his departure from the Maldives, although his resignation had already been announced for Wednesday. “The letter of resignation has been prepared,” said security circles in Colombo. “As soon as he gives the green light, the Speaker of Parliament will publish it.”

Wickremesinghe had been appointed interim president after Rajapaksa’s escape. He also offered his resignation on Saturday to clear the way for a unity government. But that was initially no longer the case.

Worst economic crisis in decades

The island state south of India with its approximately 22 million inhabitants is experiencing the worst economic crisis in decades. Many people are protesting because the government couldn’t control them. There is a lack of fuel, gas for cooking, but also medicine and food. The heavily indebted country lacks the money to import important goods.