Economic crisis in Sri Lanka: “Finally dissolve this government!”

Sri Lanka is suffering from an unprecedented economic crisis. There is a lack of fuel, food, medicines. Angry protests occur almost daily. But the President makes no move to leave.

The president should finally resign – that’s what these demonstrators in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo are demanding. But President Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not want to go. He’s not afraid, he just said, and will face the economic crisis.

But Sri Lanka suffers from great shortages. “No food, no fuel, no medicines” reads the placards held up by the demonstrators.

“Listen to the voice of the people immediately and dissolve this government!” demanded activist Nimal Mendis in an interview with the AP news agency. “Formulate a program to solve all problems under responsible government!”

More and more people are taking to the streets in protest every day

More people are taking to the streets across the country every day – and they’re not only protesting against the economic crisis, which they blame on the government. But also against the Rajapaksa family, which as a dynasty has dominated the country’s politics with interruptions for almost two decades. Not only the President is a Rajapaksa, but also the Prime Minister, the Minister of Sports and numerous MPs.

The young generation in particular is demanding, says an opposition MP, that the Rajapaksas should return the money they stole from the country. It’s no wonder that Rajapaksas were also found in data leaks like the recent “Pandora Papers” – where it’s about the rich hiding their money in tax havens.

The people of the country are angry because they believe that all opportunities are being taken away from them. High national debts, dwindling currency reserves – Sri Lanka can no longer pay for imported goods. According to union leader Joseph Stalin, only a change of government will improve the situation.

President makes no move to leave

However, this week President Rajapaksa lifted the state of emergency he had imposed last week. Demonstrators had previously stormed the offices and houses of members of the ruling party and also protested in front of the presidential villa.

But even if his political support is dwindling and there is increasing criticism even from his governing coalition, Rajapaksa is not showing any signs of leaving.