Acting President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghedeclared a state of emergency in the Asian country. The new president made the decision as his administration struggles to quell social unrest and deal with the economic crisis that has gripped the country.
“It is convenient to do so in the interests of public safety, public order and the maintenance of essential supplies and services for the life of the community,” he said in a statement.
Wickremesinghe took office on Friday after former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned on Thursday after fleeing the country amid mass mobilization of the population against the authorities due to the very serious economic crisis the island is experiencing.
The prime minister also assured that he would resign as soon as an inclusive government was formed after the resignation of Rajapaksa, although the protesters, who have been mobilizing for several weeks to protest the economic crisis and the deteriorating quality of life, also demanded resignation. Wickremesinghe.
For his part, Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena confirmed that a new president would be elected by the legislature on July 20, a date previously chosen by leaders of political parties with representation.
Rajapaksa surrendered after months of protests against rising prices, shortages of food, medicine and fuel, leaving the small Asian island facing its worst economic crisis since its independence from British colonial rule.
People’s Revolution in Sri Lanka This thus led to the final downfall of the Rajapaksa family after Gotabaya forced his brother Mahinda to resign as prime minister in early May in an unnecessary attempt to appease the protests.
Pope Francis calls for peace in Sri Lanka
Pope Francis today urged international actors to “really” resume dialogue in Ukraine and prevention of violence in Sri Lanka in his message from the Apostolic Palace after the angelic prayer.
“I am always aware of the martyred Ukrainian population, which is daily subjected to rocket fire. Why is it not understood that war only creates destruction and death, alienates peoples and puts an end to truth and dialogue?” he asks.
He added: “I pray and hope that all international actors will indeed act to restart negotiations and not to foment the madness of war.”
(According to Europe Press)
Source: RPP
I’m Liza Grey, an experienced news writer and author at the Buna Times. I specialize in writing about economic issues, with a focus on uncovering stories that have a positive impact on society. With over seven years of experience in the news industry, I am highly knowledgeable about current events and the ways in which they affect our daily lives.