Sri Lanka’s president asked opposition parties to form a unity government after his Cabinet resigned amid public protests over the country’s worst economic crisis in memory and deepening mistrust in his leadership.
“I have informed the secretary to the president of my resignation from all portfolios with immediate effect,” Namal Rajapaksa tweeted, saying he hopes his decision helps the president and prime minister establish stability for the people and the government. He also held the portfolio of youth affairs.
Sri Lankans including professionals, students and mothers with small children defied an emergency decree and curfew Sunday to demand the president’s resignation. For several months, Sri Lankans have endured long lines to buy fuel, cooking gas, foods and medicines, most of which comes from abroad and is paid for in hard currency. TheThe extent of the crisis became clear when Sri Lanka couldn’t pay for imports of basic supplies because of its huge debts and dwindling foreign reserves.
“The main purpose of the curfew is to quell dissent against the government,” said Christopher Stephen, a construction businessman who held placards in the main road near his home.
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