Protesters block president’s office amid worsening economic situation in Sri Lanka

Protesters in Sri Lanka have carried on with their demonstrations entering a second day, blocking the entrance to the presidential office on Sunday demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
VOA reported that hundreds of protesters stood in heavy rain with raincoats and umbrellas, chanting anti-government slogans.
The protests have carried on as the country faces bankruptcy, burdened with $25 billion in foreign debt and diminishing foreign reserves.
Last week, Mr Rajapaksa revoked the state of emergency he earlier imposed on April 1.
Mr Rajapaksa’s actions gave powers to the military to carry out searches and arrests after his residence was besieged by protesters demanding his resignation.
Opposition lawmakers and some ruling party members refused to endorse the president’s state of emergency.
On Wednesday, legislators started a two-day debate on the current situation as protests continued outside the parliament, placed under heavy security.
Protests against the rising cost of living, fuel and gas shortages, and prolonged power cuts have begun since last Month.
The protests led to the cabinet’s resignation some days ago. Four ministers were sworn in as caretakers, but much of the key portfolios are vacant.
Mr Rajapaksa proposed creating a unity government, but the main opposition party rejected the idea.
So far, legislators have failed to resolve the crisis after nearly 40 governing coalition lawmakers said they would no longer vote according to coalition instructions, significantly weakening the government.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos
Sanwo-Olu govt offers police officers free transport in Lagos for three months
The Lagos government has offered police officers three months of free transportation on the state’s integrated public transportation system.

Hot news Home top
Trump promises $5,000 dividends if Republicans win midterm elections
“If the Republicans win…I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” Mr Trump said.

States
Gov Mutfwang distributes teaching, learning materials to LGEAs
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has distributed Teaching and Learning Materials, including 19 minibuses, to the 17 Local Government Education Authorities.

Economy
APC, entrepreneurs laud Gov Mbah’s achievements in Enugu
APC and entrepreneurs have commended Governor Peter Mbah for the remarkable achievements recorded under his administration in the last three and a half years.

States
Police arrest six over N49 million theft, filling station robberies in Cross River
The police command in Cross River says its Violence Crime Response Unit has arrested six suspects in connection with alleged burglary, stealing, and robbery cases in Calabar.

Economy
NAICOM, NCAA partner to strengthen air travellers’ protection
The National Insurance Commission and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority have signed an MOU to improve compliance and risk protection in the aviation sector.





