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.
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