In a frantic effort to prepare for an extreme fuel scarcity that is expected to endure days amid the country’s worst economic crisis in decades, Sri Lankan authorities cancelled schools and asked public personnel not to come to work on Friday. Except for those who maintain critical services, the Public Administration Ministry has asked public employees not to go to work on Friday “in light of the present gasoline crisis and challenges in transportation facilities” across the country.
Thousands of people have been standing for days at a stretch at fuel stations around the country, prompting state and government approved private schools to close on Friday. Srilanka is currently almost devoid of gasoline, and other fuels are in short supply. As the Indian Ocean island nation approaches bankruptcy, the administration has been battling to obtain funds to pay for the importation of petroleum, gas, and other necessities. Its economic troubles have triggered a political crisis, with huge protests against the administration.
Circumstances
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa swore in nine new cabinet ministers on Friday, bringing the total number of cabinet ministers to thirteen as he tries to restore stability to the administration following a succession of resignations. Four independent parliamentarians three from the ruling party, and two from the main opposition are among the new ministers. Last Monday, four members of the ruling party were named cabinet ministers.
What is the current situation?
Protesters shut down major roadways to demand gas and fuel, while television stations broadcast footage of people fighting over limited supplies in certain regions. Authorities have announced nationwide power outages lasting up to four hours each day due to a lack of fuel for power plants.
For more than a month, protesters have occupied the president’s office entrance, demanding Rajapaksa’s resignation. Last week, attacks by Mr. Rajapaksa’s supporters on protestors provoked widespread violence, killing nine people, including a law maker, and injuring more than 200. The homes of legislators and their supporters were set on fire.
Read More- Ranil Wickremesinghe Takes Charge as the PM of Sri Lanka
