Curfew in Sri Lanka defied by thousands to continue protesting

Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard next to burnt buses a day after clashes between government supporters and anti-government protesters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 10, 2022. (Photo: Morning Star)

Today, thousands of demonstrators breached a statewide curfew in Sri Lanka to continue marching against the government following days of deadly violence and the prime minister's resignation.

Former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother, current president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, are blamed for bringing Sri Lanka into its worst economic crisis in decades.

At least eight people, including a member of the ruling party, were killed on Monday when police and pro-government mobs used tear gas against protesters.

Monday, authorities deployed armed forces in various country areas and enforced a curfew that was later extended till the next day.

The security forces were told to shoot on sight anyone looting or causing "harm to life."

Today, for the 32nd consecutive day, demonstrators surrounded the door to the president's office in the capital city of Colombo to demand that he resign as well.

On Monday, the protesters chanted chants demanding his resignation and repaired tents destroyed by counterprotesters.

Chamath Bogahawatta, a protester and software developer, stated that the government "did something very despicable by bringing in provocateurs," referring to armed authorities.

He stated, "There will be more people joining us." How long will they control a country under curfew?

And Charith Janapriya stated, "If they believed that by destroying our tents they could halt the resistance of a large population, I think they received an answer last night.

"We only lost some tents and clothing. However, we now have many more supporters than before."

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga cautioned against violence, saying that "saboteurs may be used to incite violence to pave the way for military rule."

President Rajapaksa is a former military officer with supporters within the armed services.

Today, religious leaders and the Sri Lankan Bar Association met with political leaders to discuss the establishment of a new Cabinet.

Following the prime minister's resignation, the government was dissolved, leaving an administrative void.

Due to the global economic crisis, Sri Lanka has endured a severe food shortage and rolling power outages for several months.

Doctors have warned of devastating prescription shortages in hospitals, and the government has suspended payments on $7 billion (£5.69 billion) in foreign debt due this year alone.

Publish : 2022-05-10 22:50:00

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