Sri Lanka Crisis: Ex-Prez addresses the nation amid worst economic crisis

President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who resigned on Monday, May 9, amid the worst economic crisis, addressed the country on Wednesday, May 11, and stated that a new government would be formed soon and the country would also get a new prime minister. He further noted that he is conducting discussions with all the party leaders about this. 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his address said, ‘I’m going to select the Prime Minister and the cabinet, on which individuals will have confidence.’ In his address to the nation, he also spoke about the brutal clashes in the country.’

This is the time for all Sri Lankans to join hands as one, to overcome the economic, social & political challenges.
I urge all #Srilankans to reject the subversive attempts to push you towards racial & religious disharmony. Promoting moderation, toleration & coexistence is vital.

— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) May 11, 2022

The former President’s resignation came soon after his supporters brutally attacked peaceful, anti-government protesters that were demanding his removal over the country’s worst economic crisis that pushed the nation into severe shortages of staple food, fuel and power. 

After this brutal incident, unprecedented violence took place in the country, which was uncontrollable as people were not only getting injured, but they were also dying, after which president Rajapaksa sent out his resignation. 

Gotabaya stated that hatred and violence must be thwarted. He has passed an order to take severe action against those spreading this violence. 

As per the reports, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s name is on top for becoming the PM of Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka’s Worst Economic Crisis

Sri Lanka is facing its most destructive economic situation since its independence from Britain in 1948. The crisis started due to a lack of foreign exchange in the country. Hundreds and thousands of protestors took to the streets on April 9, as the government ran out of money for imports and the prices of essential commodities rocketed, forcing people, to protest peacefully. 

Brutal Violence in nation

Eight people have lost their lives, and more than 200 people have also been injured in the massive violence taking place between anti-government and pro-protestors in Colombo and other cities. The Colombo national hospital revealed that at least 217 people had been admitted for treatment.

On Tuesday, May 10, the Defence Secretary-General (Retd) of Sri Lanka, Kamal Gunaratne, requested the people to stay calm in this situation and not participate in any type of violence. He also warned the people that robberies or property damage would lead to strict action against the wrongdoers.