Sri Lanka protests: One dead and 84 injured, say hospital officials

One person offers died and 84 others injured after protests rocked the Sri Lankan funds of Colombo upon Wednesday, hospital officials have said.

The 26-year-old man died from inhaling and exhaling difficulties after law enforcement forces lobbied rip gas at protesters.

Sri Lanka’s Primary Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed performing president after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country.

But the decision triggered further protests demanding that he also resign.

Hospital authorities at the Colombo Nationwide Hospital said the injuries came from protesters who were outside the primary minister’s office and also those who were outside parliament later at night.

Police experienced fired tear gasoline at protesters which attempted to break down the gates of the prime minister’s office in Colombo, before finally making their way in. They later made their particular way towards parliament.

A army spokesperson told the BBC said that the soldier and police officer were amongst the hurt, and alleged that the assault rifle along with ammunition had been stolen by a protester together not yet been recovered.

Early on Thursday, Sri Lanka imposed a new curfew, which may be in place through 12: 00 on Thursday till 05: 00 on Fri, said the government in the statement.

The protests come as Sri Lanka has been struggling with its worst recession in decades.

Many blame the Rajapaksa administration for the crisis and see Mr Wickremesinghe, who became prime minister in-may, as part of the problem.

In a television deal with late on Wed, Mr Wickremesinghe had called on protesters to leave their occupied office and other state buildings and co-operate with authorities.

He also informed the military to do “whatever is necessary” to restore order.

His statement came hours after Mr Rajapaksa had fled to the Maldives – days after his official home was stormed.

Mister Rajapaksa had pledged to resign simply by Wednesday, but continues to be yet to post a formal letter of resignation.

The leader, who has enjoyed immunity from prosecution as president, is thought to have wanted to flee abroad before stepping down to avoid the possibility of police arrest by the new management.

The president’s departure threatens any power vacuum within Sri Lanka, which requires a functioning government to help dig it away from financial ruin.

Politicians from other parties have been talking about developing a new unity federal government but there is no indication they are near contract yet. It’s also not clear if the public need what they come up with.

In a press declaration on Wednesday, Mister Wickremesinghe’s team said he had asked the particular speaker of parliament to nominate a new prime minister “who is acceptable in order to both the government and opposition”.

Previously Monday, the main resistance leader Sajith Premadasa told the BBC he’d be tilting for that presidency . Yet he – like Mr Wickremesinghe : lacks public support. There is also deep public suspicion of politicians in general.

The protest movement which has brought Sri Lanka to the brink of change also does not have an obvious contender for the country’s leadership.