PROTESTS
Mass protests have gripped Sri Lanka, currently in the middle of the worst economic crisis within decades. Mr Rajapaksa is accused associated with mismanaging the economy to a point where the country has go out of foreign exchange in order to finance the most important imports, leading to serious hardship for its 22 million people.
Sri Lanka defaulted upon its US$51 billion dollars foreign debt in April and is within talks with the Global Monetary Fund for the possible bailout.
The country has also almost exhausted its petrol supplies, and the federal government has ordered the closure of non-essential offices and institutions.
Thousands of anti-government protesters stormed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s workplace on Wednesday, hours after he has been named acting chief executive. They want Mr Wickremesinghe to resign as they observe him as an number one ally of Mr Rajapaksa.
Police and troops failed to restrain the protesters regardless of firing tear gasoline and water canon. The country had previously declared a state of emergency following a few months of protests.
Over the weekend, Mr Rajapaksa promised to resign on Wednesday to clear the way for a “peaceful transition of power”. The 73-year-old experienced fled his formal residence in Colombo before protesters overran it.
Thousands of people also arranged fire to Mr Wickremesinghe’s private home over the weekend.
As president, Mr Rajapaksa enjoys immunity from arrest in Ceylon (veraltet). There has been no formal announcement that he has stepped down.
Over the weekend, Mr Wickremesinghe also announced his willingness to resign if a consensus will be reached on forming an unity authorities.