Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has offered to resign amid the island nation's worst economic crisis since independence.
Sri Lanka's prime minister has resigned, hours after clashes with pro and anti-government demonstrators in Colombo amid the country's worst economic crisis that has spurred protests by thousands.During weeks of unprecedented demonstrations, protesters across the island nation of 22 million people have demanded that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, quit for mishandling the economy.
"Therefore, I have tendered my resignation so the next steps can be taken in accordance with the Constitution." Police had formed a line ahead of time on the main road leading towards the site but did little to stop pro-government protesters from advancing, according to a Reuters witness./Pro-government supporters, some armed with iron bars, attacked anti-government demonstrators at the "Gota Go Gama" tent village that sprang up last month and became the focal point of nationwide protests.
"This is a peaceful protest," Pasindu Senanayaka, an anti-government protestor told Reuters. "They attacked Gota Go Gama and set fire to our tents." "Strongly condemn the violent acts taking place by those inciting & participating, irrespective of political allegiances," President Rajapaksa said in a tweet. "Violence won't solve the current problems."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lanka’s PM resigns amid violent protests and economic crisisProtests against the government have raged for weeks with thousands demanding Mahinda Rajapaksa quit for mishandling the economy.
Read more »
Sri Lanka’s PM resigns amid violent protests and economic crisisSri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned after weeks of protests amid the country’s worst economic crisis since independence
Read more »
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister resigns after weeks of major protestsSri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns after weeks of major protests over an economic crisis that has cut off basic services.
Read more »
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister resigns after weeks of major protestsSri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns after weeks of major protests over an economic crisis that has cut off basic services.
Read more »
Sri Lanka’s PM resigns amid violent protests and economic crisisSri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned after weeks of protests amid the country’s worst economic crisis since independence
Read more »
Sri Lanka’s PM resigns amid violent protests and economic crisisProtests against the government have raged for weeks with thousands demanding Mahinda Rajapaksa quit for mishandling the economy.
Read more »