In attempts to defuse growing tensions over food and fuel scarcity, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited protest organisers for a meeting.

A spokesperson for the prime minister’s office said on Wednesday the invitation came as a major protest was held for the fifth consecutive day outside the president’s office in Colombo.

The protesters are demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government, led by his brother, step down due to the economic crisis that is roiling the country.

The protesters have not yet responded to the invitation.

Sri Lanka is suffering from a major economic crisis, a lack of foreign currency necessary to pay for imports.

Several fuel stations have been forced to shut down while gas distribution has come to a standstill due to the absence of supplies.

Hospitals are struggling with shortages of medicines.

Protests are now being held all over the nation. More crises rose as the majority of Sinhala celebrate the traditional new year on Wednesday and Thursday, events that are hampered by the lack of fuel and gas and the soaring cost of living.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka said it would suspend all foreign loans’ repayment and renegotiate future payments.

A government delegation is due to hold talks with the Monetary Fund (IMF) next week to seek relief. 

(dpa/NAN)