Sri Lanka PM resigns amid growing protests. Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned on Monday, following weeks of protests against his government.
Since March, the island has been rocked by social unrest, with protests becoming violent at times as discontent grows over the government’s apparent mishandling of Sri Lanka’s greatest economic crisis since its 1948 declaration of independence from Britain.
The police announced a statewide curfew Monday as violence erupted in the capital city of Colombo between supporters of the ruling party and anti-government activists. Shortly before Rajapaksa announced his resignation, the limits were announced.
According to the national police, anti-government protestors attacked buses transporting local officials who traveled to Colombo on Monday morning for a meeting with the Prime Minister.
According to the Colombo National Hospital, at least 151 persons were admitted to the hospital as a result of the protestors’ violence.
Rajapaksa’s office issued a statement announcing the 76-year-old senior politician’s retirement.
“A few moments ago, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa sent his letter of resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” the statement said.
“Multiple stakeholders have indicated the best solution to the present crisis is the formation of an interim all-party government,” the letter said.
“Therefore, I have tendered my resignation so the next steps can be taken in accordance with the Constitution.”
His resignation came on the heels of a day of tumult and violence that culminated in authorities imposing a nationwide curfew.
Hundreds of supporters of the ruling party gathered outside the prime minister’s official residence before marching to an anti-government demonstration venue near the presidential office.
According to a Reuters witness, police had erected a line on the main road leading to the spot ahead of time but did little to dissuade pro-government protestors from advancing.