Sri Lanka’s president lost his parliamentary majority Tuesday as former allies urged his resignation, following days of street protests over the island nation’s crippling economic crisis. Severe shortages of food, fuel and other essentials — along with record inflation and crippling power cuts have inflicted widespread misery in the country’s most painful downturn since independence from Britain in 1948.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s once-powerful ruling coalition is in turmoil after a string of defections, capped Tuesday by the announcement of the new finance minister’s resignation just one day after taking office.
Public anger is at a fever pitch, with crowds attempting to storm the homes of several government figures since the weekend and large demonstrations elsewhere in the country.
One newly independent lawmaker who broke ranks with the president’s party told parliament it was time for the leader to step down and make room for others to address the worsening crisis. If we don’t act now, there will be a river of blood in the country,” said Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
“We have to forget party politics and ensure an interim government.”
Tuesday’s parliamentary session was the first since dozens of MPs withdrew their support for Rajapaksa’s government, including 16 lawmakers from the president’s own Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) and its former coalition allies.
The government is now five short of a majority in the 225-member House, but it was unclear whether legislators would attempt to introduce a no-confidence motion that would compel it to resign.
Opposition parties have already rebuffed his call to join a unity administration helmed by the president and his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa
“I worship and appeal to you to take the side of the protesters,” he told parliament, addressing the prime minister, who attended the session but remained silent.
Every member of Sri Lanka’s cabinet except the president and prime minister Mahinda resigned late Sunday, but an overture to opposition parties was rejected within hours.
Former justice minister Ali Sabry was appointed to helm the finance ministry on Monday, replacing the president’s brother Basil Rajapaksa, but abruptly resigned after just one day in office.
“Whilst I regret the inconvenience caused, I believe I have always acted in the best interests of the country,” Sabry said in a statement, adding that a more capable candidate was needed to rescue the country from its parlous financial position.
Source: eNCA
In other news – I know my worth – Kelly Khumalo
Kelly Khumalo is blocking out the noise and reclaiming her narrative Despite a flourishing music career and a few blossoming businesses, Kelly Khumalo appears to take more pride in motherhood than anything else.
Before we sat for a chat at the chic Blaque Continental Bistro in Bryanston, she made sure to have breakfast with her two young children after gym before she embarked on her typically busy schedule. Learn more
