Sri Lanka’s political turmoil: What we know so far

Sri Lanka has been witnessing political turmoil in the last week, which is believed to be triggered by the island nation’s crashing economy and the government’s financial policies. Massive protests were carried out last week, demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Here is what we know so far about the unfolding situation:

-Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged politicians in the opposition to join the unity government (a coalition), according to reports from AFP.

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-The entire Sri Lankan Cabinet also handed over letters to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offering to resign from their positions due to the economic crisis in the country, Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told reporters late Sunday.

-The resignation of almost the entire cabinet also attracted a hit to Sri Lanka’s stock exchange. After opening on Monday, the blue-chip index plunged 5.92%. Trading came to a halt, according to reports from AFP.

-Sri Lankan authorities ordered a social media blackout earlier, shutting down platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp. The restrictions were lifted on Sunday.

-More than 650 people were arrested over the weekend after they were found violating a curfew, which was ordered by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa alongside a declaration of emergency. 

-Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the leading opposition party in Sri Lanka, organised a protest against the government and went against the curfew in place. 

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-Police fired tear gas and water cannons at hundreds of university students who were trying to break through barricades near the town of Kandy in the tea-growing region.

-The emergency declaration by Rajapaksa gives him wide powers to preserve public order, suppress mutiny, riot or civil disturbances or for the maintenance of essential supplies. Under the decree, the president can authorize detentions, seizure of property and search of premises. He can also change or suspend any law except the constitution.