Finance
Colombo: To end the country’s ongoing political crisis, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Wednesday that a new government, led by a Prime Minister who can command a majority in Parliament, would be formed this week.
In his address to the nation, President Rajapaksa also agreed to implement constitutional changes in accordance with the 19th Amendment, which was proposed by the previous government and seeks to give the Parliament more powers while limiting executive (presidential) powers.
He also stated that he would work to abolish the Presidential system, as demanded by various sections of society.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the President on Wednesday, sparking speculation that he would be appointed as the new Prime Minister.
President Rajapaksa strongly condemned Monday’s violence, which killed nine people, including an MP, injured 300, and set fire to over 100 politicians’ homes and offices. He promised that those responsible for the violence would face harsh punishment, and he is working with the other parties to ensure everyone’s safety and political stability.
In the midst of its worst-ever economic crisis, Sri Lanka saw violent attacks carried out by pro-government goons on peaceful protestors demanding the resignation of President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Following that, nearly 2,000 supporters of Mahinda Rajapaksa gathered at his official residence, Temple Trees, insisted that he not step down and later marched towards two protest sites near his residence, attacking the protestors armed with poles and iron bars.
Condemning the attacks, people across the country took to the streets and counter-attacked the pro-government group, and the buses and other vehicles they used to travel to Colombo were later damaged and burned.
More than 100 buildings were set on fire, including the homes of Mahinda Rajapaksa, his younger brother and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, his elder brother and former minister Chamal Rajapaksa, and other ruling party ministers, MPs, and local politicians.
Following the violence, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned and sought refuge at a naval base on the country’s eastern coast.
The ruling party politicians have gone into hiding in the face of public outrage, and the Speaker has asked the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety of MPs.
Following Monday’s violence, an island-wide curfew was imposed until Thursday morning, with the curfew later announced to resume at 2 p.m. on the same day.
The military was called in on Tuesday, and orders were given to shoot anyone who was looting or carrying out arson attacks. On Wednesday, armoured vehicles with a heavy military presence were seen all over Colombo, and political parties complained that the government was planning a military dictatorship.
The United States expressed concern about the military deployment and urged the
The government must act quickly to ensure public safety and to put solutions in place to achieve long-term economic and political stability in the country.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has categorically denied media reports that some politicians and their families have fled to India for safety.
India also denied speculative media reports that it was sending troops to Sri Lanka, and a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India fully supported Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery.
Source:CI
