Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa promises changes amid ‘worst crisis’ ever – when army orders to shoot troublemakers | World News
Sri Lanka’s president said the country is facing “the worst crisis in its history” as it deals with an economic emergency that has triggered a wave of violence.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa promised to appoint a new prime minister, give more power to parliament and consider scrapping the presidential system.
It happened after an MP was killed in a confrontation with protesters and the homes of other politicians burned. nationwide violence on Monday.
It began after pro-government mobs attacked protesters who were calling for President Rajapaksa and his brother, the prime minister, to step down.
The president said nine people, including MPs, were beaten to death and about 300 people were hospitalized.
He said there was also looting and organized riots on Sri Lanka – was placed under a nationwide curfew and state of emergency.
“The series of murders, assaults, threats and destruction of property that followed cannot be justified,” President Rajapaksa said.
His brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned as prime minister following the violence.
On Wednesday, armored vehicles and troops were on the streets of Colombo and were ordered to shoot those involved in any violence.
Sporadic acts of arson and vandalism are still ongoing.
A man was injured outside the presidential office in Colombo on Monday
Police fire tear gas to prevent unrest
The president said he would work with all party leaders when forming a new government and appointing a new Prime Minister to prevent the country from “falling into anarchy”.
He said the constitution would also be revised to empower parliament and when the situation stabilizes there would be an opportunity to discuss removing the presidential system.
Sri Lanka’s terrible debt is at the center of the crisis.
Many are outraged at the government’s handling of the situation, which has led to prolonged power cuts and severe shortages of essential items such as food, fuel and medicine.
The country is close to bankruptcy and has suspended payments on foreign loans $7 billion this year out of $25 billion due in 2026.
