The world is watching the massive protests across Sri Lanka. They a symbol of the suffering of the masses over time. The people have been blaming the authorities for the economic crisis and collapse in the island country. This situation has brought them down to the streets against the Government. Consequently, after the economic deterioration, a new political instability has been triggered.
The images and videos of protesters storming into the Presidential palace, Prime Minister House, and major streets of the capital Colombo are serious. Many people have been blaming the Rajapaksa Family’s reign for the financial crisis. There is a major demand for their resignation is a means to make things right for these protesters.
The Power Shift in Sri Lanka Crisis
It is important to note that there is no clear support for any political party or group. Rather, the people want change and stability so even the Buddhist monks who supported the Rajapaksa clan sided with them. At the same time, the military has been doing air firing and firing tear shells. They are not beating up protesters or firing on them.
While the people have been clashing with the Military to move ahead but that is not the to harm them. It that he military and protesters don’t consider each other as enemies. ather the soldiers are only trying to maintain discipline. All these signs make it clear that the power has been shifted towards the mass protesters.
The situation has been more ignited after the Rajapaksa Family’s members like President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country. He left his residence before people took after it. So, there is uncertainty over the President and government in the country. The people have been saying that it’s not enough as the problem is not yet solved.
The Background of this economic Crisis
The financial crisis at present has been a result of a months-long buildup. The country has minimal foreign reserves and a shortage of fuel and medicines. Moreover, there is high food inflation of close to 80% with disrupted supply chains. The talks are going on with the International Monetary Fund but there will be no immediate solution to the suffering of the people.
People have long been urging the leaders to resign by raising slogans like ‘Go Gota Go’ demanding the resignation of the President. The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had resigned and former leader Ranil Wickremesinghe took over often 2 months ago making conversations with the IMF. However, people felt it was not sufficient and he was considered a part of the group that led the situation to this point. After his private residence was set on fire, he said he was ready to resign.
The major reasons for the economic crisis in Sri Lanka
The government last year banned fertilizer imports that brought a serious impact on farmers and harvests. Consequently, it has somewhat brought the country into a food crisis. The tourism industry is a prime source of foreign reserves in the country. But, the Colombo bombings and finally the pandemic disrupted it completely. Also, the government slashed the taxes at a low decreasing the treasure of the government.
What next?
The IMF has been hoping for a solution to the political turmoil in the island country after massive protests. The problems need an urgent solution and there are indications that an all-party cabinet may be formed. Also, there is a need for technocrats with economic experience and knowledge to guide the nation in this problem. Any kind of power vacuum in this sensitive situation can bring anarchy and instability to the country. Not to forget the bombings in Colombo and civil war in the past but worse effects on the nation and its people. So, no chance can be given for any wrong movement to find its place amid protests.Â
Summing up,
Although economic stability and political stability are the need of the hour, the people who have been suffering at large need a healing touch from the authorities. Sri Lanka people have gone through multiple sufferings of civil war, human rights abuse, bombings with now economic collapse and shortage of food and essentials. Future governments must strive to give a better quality of life to the people. Also, the unity of the people denotes that they need a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka that prevents any political attempts to create a divide, corruption, or future crisis. Moreover, the international community must watch and enable them to find a better life and future for themselves.
