AS we know Sri Lanka is going through worst economic crises in their history where there is shortage of essential needs like water, milk, and medicines which are essential for survival.
Day by day crises is deepening. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksha on Saturday declared a state of emergency after a day of violent protest outside his house. As police officials and protesters were clashed, Sri Lanka authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew to curb more protests over food, fuel and power shortages.
The hike of food and fuel price has affected common man to a great extent. Local resident of Colombo said that basic cost of living has gone up significantly and even a cup of tea costs somewhere around 100-150 Sri Lankan rupees.
“The basic cost of living has gone up significantly.
Gas prices have gone up 50 per cent.
I am middle class person who can manage this but it’s not easy for people belonging to the lower class, who form the majority,”
According to the shop owner, essential items such as milk, water and eggs are in short supply. A rack meant for medicines remains empty, showing the deep economic crisis the country finds itself in.
ECONOMIC CRISIS
With huge debt obligations and dwindling foreign reserves, Sri Lanka found itself unable to buy from the outside world. This led to shortages of food, fuel and power.
Sri Lanka’s economic woes are blamed on successive governments not diversifying exports and relying on traditional cash sources like tea, garments and tourism, and on a culture of consuming imported goods.
The Covid-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to Sri Lanka’s economy, with the government estimating a loss of $14 billion in the last two years.
PROTESTS
Several people were injured and vehicles were set on fire as the agitation over the economic situation turned violent on Friday. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters after they pulled down a steel barricade placed near the president’s residence. Following the incident, several people were arrested and a curfew was briefly imposed in most parts of Colombo city.
A statement issued by the government said an extremist group was behind the unrest near President Rajapaksa’s residence in Mirihana.
Published By :- Tarsem Singh
Edited By :- Khushi Thakur
