Stew builds as demonstrators converge outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in Colombo.
Amidst the ongoing turmoil in Sri Lanka, several people protest outside the residence of the Prime Minister. The island nation is facing the worst economic crisis and the citizens are growing impatient. People are holding ant-government protests in the entire nation and asking the authorities to resolve the issues.
The protestors demand the resignation of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa led government. Further, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued a proclamation revoking the state of emergency in the nation. This instigated a large number of people to protest in several parts of the island.
Amid the economic crisis, Srilankans protest outside Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence in Colombo pic.twitter.com/CRnVTFXxxv
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2022
The protesters now demand the resignation of the entire Sri Lankan government. People continue to chant anti-government slogans. Consequently, a ruckus broke out between the protesters and the security forces outside Rajapaksa’s house.
‘Rajapaksa clan robbed this country’: Sri Lankan law maker
Former Sri Lankan minister Patali Champika Ranawaka on Thursday alleged the country’s Prime Minister of ruining the economy. Champika said, “Rajapaksa clan robbed this country. During their tenure from 2004 to 2014, they siphoned off USD 19 billion as per various reports. They got a huge amount of money from international financial markets and now we’re in serious problem to repay these loans.”
That's true. Rajapaksas' members, spouses, children and others have left the country and they are enjoying their private jets, and yachts at the expense of our children's future. The new generation is very angry with these people: Patali Champika Ranawaka, Sri Lanka MP & ex-min pic.twitter.com/VIIiG7mlLT
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2022
Further, he alleged that the Rajapaksa family has fled the country at this crucial time of turmoil. He said, “The members have fled the country and are now enjoying their lives in their private jets and yachts. They have left the country, and their children are enjoying their lives on the expense of our children’s future. The new generation is very angry with these people.”
India extends a helping hand, but for how long?
Sri Lanka is on the verge of running out of petroleum by the end of April, as India’s credit line begins to dwindle. Further, Sri Lankan medical association in a letter to President states that the nation may soon witness huge number of deaths due to lack of medical supplies and medicines.
It's a drive of around 20 tons (of food). There's a food crisis but there still is availability. Just a little help is needed to get it to common people. As business entities, we're coming forward to help. Confident of India's support which will help SL revive faster: Sanjay Baid pic.twitter.com/szZ7qgVURE
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2022
According to the MEA, India has supplied Sri Lanka with more than 270,000 metric tonnes of fuel. Indian MEA spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi has assured that India stands with its neighbour island nation in terms of assisting it to recover from the huge economic crisis. India withstands to the ‘Neighbourhood first’ policy.
Hospitals in Sri Lanka have opted to raise staffing levels in anticipation of the upcoming problem. Citizens are encountering health concerns as a result of the scarcity and increase in the price of medical equipment and medications, which may worsen if the crisis persists. “Unless supplies are rapidly replaced, emergency care will also be impossible within weeks, if not days. This will inevitably result in a large number of fatalities,” the letter said.
Published By: JAINAM SHETH
Edited By : SUBBUTHAI PADMA
