Amidst a humanitarian crisis that has lasted for more than a month now, Sri Lanka’s government under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of emergency in an attempt to suppress protests throughout the island nation.
Here are some fast facts you need to know about the current situation in Sri Lanka:
– The country is in the midst of its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. The COVID-19 pandemic, rising oil prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and government tax cuts have all contributed to the current state of affairs.
– Basic necessities such as food, fuel, gas, & medicine are in short supply, and their costs at all-time highs.
– Civil unrest has been brewing since March, with protestors furious over the government’s lack of proper handling over the current crisis.
– On Friday, May 6th, police fired tear gas at demonstrators, including children.
– This is the second state of emergency that President Rajapaksa has declared – the first was on April 1, but it only lasted five days.
– Finance Minister Ali Sabry says that the country’s financial reserves are almost empty.
– Sri Lanka has appealed to the International Monetary Fund for emergency funds. They are set to meet on Monday, May 9.
– According to Amnesty International, protestors are not only demanding the resignation of the president, but also accountability for the violation of human rights, as well as inter-ethnic and religious unity/harmony.
– Amnesty International has provided a report of the economic crisis as well as a set of recommendations, which can be viewed on their website.