Following nationwide unrest, Sri Lanka declares State of Emergency as economy crisis worsens

 

Protestors holding placard demanding Rajapaksa's resignation

Following a large scale countrywide unrest, the President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced a nationwide state of emergency in the country.

This comes a day after protest outside his house turned violent. The protestors stormed barricades and were accused of setting vehicles ablaze near the President's residence.

The military now has the power to arrest any suspects without any warrants.

A vehicle ablazed by protestors. Pic Credit- AFP

• Sri Lanka are currently in the midst of a major economic crisis. Lack of fuel and essential foods and medicines was accompanied by long power cuts.

According to the police, as many as 53 protestors have been arrested

It is said to be the country's most painful downturn since Independence from Britian in 1948.