Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister agreed to resign Saturday after the country’s most chaotic day in months of political turmoil.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister agreed to resign Saturday after the country’s most chaotic day in months of political turmoil, with protesters storming both officials’ homes and setting fire to one of the buildings in a rage over the nation’s severe economic crisis.
Protesters later broke into the prime minister’s private residence and set it on fire, Wickremesinghe’s office said. It wasn’t immediately clear if he was there when the incursion happened. “Therefore there is no need for further disturbances in the country, and I urge everyone for the sake of the country to maintain peace to enable a smooth transition,” the speaker continued.
Wickremesinghe said he suggested to the president to have an all-party government, but did not say anything about Rajapaksa’s whereabouts. Opposition parties were discussing the formation of a new government. Months of demonstrations have all but dismantled the Rajapaksa political dynasty, which has ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades but is accused by protesters of mismanagement and corruption. The president’s older brother resigned as prime minister in May after violent protests saw him seek safety at a naval base.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Protesters in Sri Lanka break into homes of president, prime ministerMonths into the country's worst-ever economic crisis, thousands of protesters in Sri Lanka stormed the president's official residence and demanded his immediate resignation.
Weiterlesen »
Sri Lanka leader flees official residence amid angry protestsSri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe summons urgent cabinet meeting to discuss a 'swift resolution' to a potential power vacuum after President Rajapaksa fled his official residence amid protests
Weiterlesen »
Sri Lanka lifts protest curfew after thousands hit streetsThe curfew was lifted after a large number of anti-government protesters hit the streets and even forced railway authorities to operate trains to take them to Colombo for Saturday's rally.
Weiterlesen »
Sri Lanka imposes curfew amid clashes with security forcesThe economic crisis has triggered a political upheaval, with widespread anti-government protests who have blocked main roads to demand fuel, and people in some areas have fought over limited stocks.
Weiterlesen »
Live updates: Turmoil in Sri Lanka as thousands protestProtesters have stormed the presidential residence in Sri Lanka as thousands take to the streets over the president's handling of the country's economic crisis. Follow here for the latest news updates.
Weiterlesen »
See scenes of chaos and euphoria as protestors in Sri Lanka take presidential palace - CNN Video'Scenes of chaos and euphoria' Hundreds of thousands of protesters broke into the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The country has been facing a food, fuel and medicine crisis not seen in decades and recently declared bankruptcy. Watch here:
Weiterlesen »