Amidst widespread demonstrations over the island’s economic difficulties, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left Sri Lanka on a military jet.
The 73-year-old travelled to the Maldives with his wife and two security personnel, according to the country’s air force. He has named Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister, to serve as president in his absence.
Sri Lanka’s ruling political dynasty comes to an end
With Mr. Rajapaksa’s departure, a political dynasty comes to an end. It has governed Sri Lanka for the past 20 years.
After large crowds attacked his home on Saturday. Although, the president fled and announced his intention to step down on Wednesday, July 13.
According to a source , Mr. Rajapaksa will not stay in the Maldives. Instead plans to continue on to a third nation. Moreover, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is also his brother, has reportedly departed Sri Lanka. He is on his way to the United States.
Thousands of people flooded Colombo’s streets
Sri Lankans awakened to the new. Many people gathered at Galle Face Green. It is the city’s primary protest location. However, on a temporary platform made up for speakers of the people to grab the mic, some people listened to ferocious speeches.
Further, “victory to the struggle,” the protest movement’s rallying cry, is used as a punctuation mark as speakers lashed out at a government and its officials. They believed they had let them down.
As per a spokeswoman for Ranil Wickremesinghe, the prime minister of Sri Lanka, a curfew has been enforced in the western region and a state of emergency has been proclaimed nationwide.
Nevertheless, police used tear gas to disperse a group of demonstrators .They were moving toward parliament and the prime minister’s office. Some protesters were incensed by Mr. Rajapaksa’s departure because they saw a lack of responsibility.
Sri Lankans blame President Rajapaksa’s cabinet for worst economic disaster in decades
“It bothers us. We intend to retain him. We need our cash back! Additionally, we want to house the Rajapaksas in an open-air facility where they may work on farms, ” said GP Nimal, a protester.
“We don’t like it. People want to keep him. We need our cash back! And we want to lock up the entire Rajapaksa family in an outdoor facility where they may work on farms,” according to protester GP Nimal.
Sri Lankans attribute their greatest economic catastrophe in decades to President Rajapaksa’s government. They have been enduring daily power outages and shortages of necessities. It includes fuel, food, and medications for months.
Resignation raises the prospect of a political vacuum in Sri Lanka
The President’s resignation raises the prospect of a political vacuum in Sri Lanka . It needs a functioning administration to begin digging itself out of financial devastation. Politicians from various parties have been discussing the formation of a new unity government. But no agreement has been reached.
It’s also unclear if the public will accept anything they come up with. According to the constitution, the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, should take over as President if the latter resigns. In parliament, the Prime Minister is regarded as the President’s deputy.
In conclusion, whoever becomes acting president has 30 days to arrange a presidential election among members of parliament. The winner of that poll would then serve out Mr. Rajapaksa’s term until late 2024.
Sajith Premadasa is the leading opposition leader. He told on Monday that he would run for president. However, he lacks popular backing. Also, there is widespread public distrust of politicians in general.
However, the protest movement that has pushed Sri Lanka to the verge of change lacks a clear candidate for the country’s leadership.
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