Sri Lanka crisis: IMF continues to hold technical level discussion with Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that they continue to have technical level discussions with Sri Lanka which started on May 9 and will continue till May 23. IMF's Mission chief  for Sri Lanka, Masahiro Nozaki, said that the technical talks between the government and IMF continue, NewsWire reported. He added that the talks between the two sides continue in order to be prepared for policy discussions after the new government is formed. 
 

The Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a Commissioner General of Essential Services and two Additional Commissioners to coordinate and take measures in order to maintain supply of essential services, NewsWire reported. KDS Ruwanchandra, who worked as Special Grade Officer of Sri Lanka Administrative Service has been appointed as the Commissioner General of Essential Services, as per the news report. Rajapaksa has appointed Rohana Pushpakumara and Ranjith Ariyaratne as Additional Commissioners and secretaries from 25 districts have been appointed as coordinating officers.

Most Venerable Maha Sangha,

Other Religious Dignitaries,

Mothers and Fathers,

Brothers and Sisters,

Beloved Children, Friends,

At present, our country is facing the worst crisis in its history. The economic crisis that preceded this event created social and political instability due to the difficulties faced by the people.

As a solution to these problems, a common proposal was put forward by various parties to form a new government with a majority of parties represented in the Parliament. In the past, I have had many discussions with leaders of various parties and groups in this regard. I too accepted that idea and took some difficult and tough decisions to set the platform for this solution.

When the last Cabinet was replaced, a new Cabinet was appointed consisting of young MPs where a large number of former Senior Ministers as well as Rajapaksas were not appointed. Also, the Prime Minister resigned and an agreement was reached to dissolve the entire Cabinet and make room for a new Prime Minister and Cabinet.

But on Monday morning, May 9, as you all know, a very unfortunate situation arose. Based on this incident, riots broke out all over the country in a very short period of time. Even before the curfew was imposed and the tri-forces were deployed, this process took place in an organized manner throughout the country. Within hours, about nine people, including a Member of Parliament, were brutally beaten to death. Approximately 300 were hospitalized. Also, a large number of houses were set on fire. Looting began all over the country.

I strongly condemn without prejudice the original incident which led to these events. The IGP has been instructed to initiate investigations into the incident.

However, the series of murders, assaults, intimidation and destruction of property that followed cannot be justified. From the moment this incident took place, I have been taking steps to control the situation in the country with the involvement of the Secretary of Defence, the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police, the Chiefs of Intelligence and the Security Council.

At this juncture, the primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safety of all citizens. Therefore, the three Armed Forces and the Police have been ordered to strictly enforce the law against the rioters. Steps will be taken to strictly enforce the law against all those who planned, supported and promoted this incident.

Therefore, I urge everyone to refrain from such acts of sabotage. I urge the responsible citizens of this country to look at the loss of life and property that has taken place so far and to condemn the groups that continue to spread hatred. While working to ensure the security of the country, I will work with all party leaders to bring about political stability in the country.

I am taking steps to form a new government to control the current situation, to prevent the country from falling into anarchy as well as to maintain the affairs of the government that have been halted. This week, I will appoint a Prime Minister who commands the majority in Parliament and can secure the confidence of the people and a Cabinet of Ministers.

Thereafter, I will take steps to amend the Constitution to re-enact the contents of the 19th Amendment to empower that Parliament.

The new Prime Minister of the new government will be given the opportunity to present a new programme and to take the country forward. There have also been calls from various factions for the abolition of the presidential system. After the new government stabilizes the country, the opportunity will be given to discuss with everyone and to work in this regard. I request the assistance in maintaining the state machinery uninterrupted to protect the lives of the people as well as their property and to provide the essentials to the people without allowing the country to collapse at this critical juncture.

Therefore, I urge all Sri Lankans to act with restraint and prudently at this juncture.

May the Noble Triple Gem bless you all.

The Ministry of Defence has instructed Security Forces on Wednesday, May 11, to use required force or to open fire if and when required to prevent vehicle searches by unruly mobs or violent groups & incidents of damaging property, looting and assault.

President Gotbaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday said that he is ready to abolish the executive presidency after discussing with the new Govt that will be formed. Rajapaksa further said that he will appoint a new PM and cabinet this week, and empower the Parliament by bringing back the 19th amendment.

MPs of the opposition are leaving the party. First MP to leave the opposition is Harin Fernando. He said the Opposition has failed to form a government and Sri Lanka desperately needs one. 

On Wednesday, the Opposition in Sri Lanka agreed to form an interim government on the following conditions:- 

• - President Rajapaksa has to resign at the earliest possible time
• -President cannot interfere in the functioning of the interim government 
• -Abolish Presidency 
• -Hold the General election as soon as possible

Amid protests, Sri Lanka's president Gotbaya Rajapaksa has announced that he would be addressing the nation at 9PM. Some important announcements are expected to be made in the address, as it follows the high-level meeting between Rajapaksa and former Prime Minister of the island nation Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

Sri Lanka's economy will "collapse" unless a new government is urgently appointed, the central bank chief warned Wednesday, as security forces fanned out on the streets to restore order after spasms of mob violence. 

Sri Lanka Army rejected a statement made by Mr Duminda Nagamuwa of the Frontline Socialist Party saying that the Armed Forces are poised to shoot at the general public after provoking them terming it as  'mean and misleading statement'. General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army assured that members of the Armed Forces would not resort to any such disgraceful acts under any circumstances, a statement from the Army said.

A special Party Leaders' meeting to discuss the current situation of the country will be held virtually via Zoom. The meeting had been scheduled to be held in Parliament physically but Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said last night that it had been cancelled owing to safety concerns of MPs. 

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has urged Sri Lanka’s leadership and the authorities to immediately restore political stability across the country. “They should also ensure a safe living and working environment for all people, as we collectively navigate through this very difficult crisis,” JAAF said in a statement.

The Joint Chambers of Sri Lankan business together with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka has urged the President to take immediate steps to appoint a competent person as the interim Prime Minister and a small Cabinet of Ministers. It has also said the President should resign after an interim cabinet is formed.

The Sri Lankan Military on Wednesday confirmed that the former Minister of the island nation Mahinda Rajapaksa along with his family has taken refuge at the Navy base in Trincomalee. 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will accept the Prime Minister's position only if President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Lakshman Kiriella said on Wednesday. Kiriella told a news conference that further discussions on the issue was currently underway.

Sri Lankan authorities deployed armoured vehicles and troops on the streets of the capital Wednesday, two days after pro-government mobs attacked peaceful protesters, triggering a wave of violence across the country. Armoured trucks with soldiers riding atop were seen rolling into some areas of Colombo, where the government is facing its severest challenge in decades as the country plunges into economic crisis and protests.

AP
 

The woes of Sri Lanka seem only to increase as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, on Wednesday, announced the temporary suspension of distribution of fuel to the island nation, citing the current situation. Earlier last month, the major oil and gas company raised its retail price hours after Indian Oil Company's local operation raised its prices.
 

Amid the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, New Zealand has revised its travel advisory for the island country on Wednesday. New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Michael Appleton took to the microblogging site and advised the citizens to refrain from travelling to the crisis-hit country. 

Amid the deadly violence that broke out hours before Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from his chair, Sri Lankan Bar Association on Tuesday expressed grave concern on Tuesday. Condemning the incident that killed eight people, including a Member of Parliament, it demanded an investigation and stringent action against those involved in instigating the people to turn violent.

As the violence continues even after the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Army has announced to deploy its troops to ensure Public Security. According to Army Spokesman Brigadier Nilantha Premaratne, the Combat Riders Squadron of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces will patrol all the Sri Lanka Army Road and Blocks. He also said armoured vehicles would be deployed in Athurugiriya, Godagama, and Homagama areas.

Amid the evolving situation in Sri Lanka, the head of security for the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and other officials have been summoned to Crime Investigation Department (CID). The top officials were summoned in order to record statements in connection related to the violence that erupted hours before Mahinda's resignation. "Director in charge of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's security unit and the OIC of the Kollupitiya Police had been summoned to the CID to record statements in connection with attacks on unarmed 'MinaGoGama' and 'GotaGoGama' protesters on Monday," Daily Mirror reported.

A day after it was reported that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family have sought refuge at Trincomalee Navy Base, media reports claimed that the embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remained in his official residence. However, it was reported that the residence of the President is protected by layers of iron barriers guarded by the military and police.

The South Asian nation of Sri Lanka is experiencing an unprecedented economic collapse that has pushed the government into a deep crisis. The island is struggling to import basic necessities for its 22 million people because of diminishing foreign reserves and crippling debt, spurring weeks of anti-government protests that recently turned violent and led to the prime minister’s resignation. Much of the public ire has been directed at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who are blamed by critics for leading the country into the economic crisis.

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India has again refuted media reports which claim New Delhi sending its troops to crisis-hit Sri Lanka. Taking to Twitter, the High Commission of India in Colombo, clarified that the Indian government has not made any decisions related to sending its troops to handle the current crisis. On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said that New Delhi is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery but is not sending any troops to the island nation. Earlier on April 2, India had issued similar clarifications after a section of media reported sending troops to Sri Lanka.

Embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday again took to Twitter to appeal to people to stop "violence and acts of revenge" against their fellow citizens. He asked citizens to stay united to overcome the economic, social and political challenges. 

The anger and frustration of Sri Lankans against their leaders continue even after the resignation of the Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa. In the latest development, the house of a ruling party politician from Embilipitiy was demolished using bulldozers. According to local media reports, locals armed with construction equipment started attacking the politician’s residence. 

IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Masahiro Nozaki said that the organisation is keeping a close eye on the evolving situation of the island country. In a statement released on Tuesday, he said the International Monetary Fund is concerned about rising social tensions and violence in the country and added the technical discussion will be started as soon as the country elects new government. “Technical level discussions between IMF officials and Sri Lanka authorities have started and will continue in order to be ready for policy discussions once a new Sri Lanka government is formed," as per the statement. 

Sri Lanka's top human rights body has summoned the Secretary to the President and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to explain the reason behind the imposition of emergency. According to reports, Rohini Marasinghe, (Rtd) Supreme Court Judge who is Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) asked the top brass to appear before it on Monday. 

A day after the ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota was set on fire by a group of anti-government protestors, they have now torched a hotel owned by the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday. Video footage showed the entire hotel of ex-PM was burned down by the violent protestors. 

Amid evolving situation in Sri Lanka, the Chinese government on Tuesday said it is "closely following" the violent turn of events in the island country. While addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the Chinese side is closely following the development of the situation and advised the Chinese nationals working in the island nation to be alert and on guard against risks. "The bloodshed and conflict took place in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo and other places, causing relatively large casualties. We believe that with the joint efforts of all sectors of Sri Lanka, the country will regain peace and stability as soon as possible," Lijian told media personnel. 

As the protest intensified in several parts of Sri Lanka, the Police have reportedly shot in the air when a group of people tried to attack a jeep in the Angoda Junction. According to reports, the jeep was carrying people of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The Leader of the Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa, on Tuesday, appealed to people to refrain from spreading violence in the name of peaceful protest, ColomboPage reported. He urged the people "to be peaceful first". "At this crucial juncture, everyone should act peacefully and calmly,” he said. Further, he maintained that there was no escape for anyone in the government who attacked the youth and the people who were fighting for democracy.

Amid the deteriorating situation in the country, Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took to the microblogging site to appeal to the citizens to join hands in order to overcome the economic, social and political challenges. "I urge all Srilankans to reject the subversive attempts to push you towards racial and religious disharmony. Promoting moderation, toleration & coexistence is vital," he wrote.

Joining a slew of notable names who voiced their support for anti-government demonstrations in crisis-hit Sri Lanka, veteran cricketer Roshan Mahanama on Tuesday, 10 May, expressed his support for protestors. Taking to Twitter, Mahanama urged people to showcase their opposition to the government in a peaceful manner and abstain from resorting to violence against fellow countrymen, and public and private property. Mahanama joined a group of anti-government protesters in Galle Face in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday. 

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Amid the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, protestors attacked a group of residents of the Negombo area on Tuesday, resulting in a communal clash in the region. According to reports, the protestors attacked the residents with sharp weapons and set fire to several vehicles. During the attack, at least four people were injured, said the police.

As the protest intensified in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Police confirmed the killing of eight people following the attack on properties related to the top political leaders of the country, ColomboPage reported. Among the dead were a Member of Parliament, a Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, a Sub-Inspector of Police and a Police Sergeant.

As the protest intensified in Sri Lanka, there were several reports of clashes between locals and the security personnel. In several videos that went viral on several social media sites, the unruly mob can be seen thrashing the police personnel with sticks. There were also reports of ruling MPs attacked by violent protestors as the economic crisis deepens in the country. 

As protests continue in Sri Lanka, the authorities have extended the curfew until 7 am on Thursday, 12 May, according to ANI. The government had announced a nationwide curfew from Monday until Wednesday. However, the curfew has now been extended till Thursday. 

Amid reports of Sri Lanka’s defence ministry order regarding shooting anyone causing injury to people or property, Sri Lankan Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva refuted the claims and assured that the members of the armed forces would not resort to any such disgraceful acts under any circumstances. Earlier, it was reported that Silva owes his position to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and he might use the army against the people.

Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has said that the meeting of party leaders scheduled for Wednesday, 11 May, has been cancelled. Abeywardena has cited concerns over the security of parliamentarians. According to Sri Lanka's Parliament speaker, the special parliament session will be convened only after ensuring the security of the parliamentarians, Newswire reported. 

Shanakiya Rasamanickam, the island nation's Member of Parliament, talked exclusively to Republic Media Network on May 10 amid the ongoing civil turmoil in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan MP accused the Rajapaksa brothers for driving the country from "Economic crisis to Political crisis."

S Rasamanickam stated, "The country is actually heading towards the state of anarchy after Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa unleashed their goons and their thugs on civilians who are protesting peacefully and demanding their resignation."

The public now demands that the Navy must send Mahinda Rajapaksa's family out of the naval facility where they took refuge, according to the Sri Lankan MP. He went on to say that the island nation has now moved from an economic crisis to a political crisis that must be resolved quickly since, following the resignation of ex-PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country lacks a foreign minister who can deal with the crisis strategically.

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Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, has said that all the member states of the European Union are closely monitoring the developments in Sri Lanka. The EU has condemned the "vicious attack" against peaceful protesters in Colombo. The EU has called on the Sri Lankan authorities to start an investigation into the events and to hold accountable those perpetrating violence. Furthermore, the European Union has called on all parties to restrain from violent activities. 

China on Tuesday, May 10, said that it is “closely following” the development of the situation in Sri Lanka. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the joint efforts of all the sectors of Sri Lanka will help the country in regaining peace and stability at the earliest. 

High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, denies media reports that certain political persons and their families have fled to India.

The Sri Lanka Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been tasked with probing the concerted attack on anti-government protesters, police said on Tuesday,

Sri Lanka tri forces have been ordered to shoot all those who plunder public property or cause personal harm, local media reported on Tuesday as large-scale protests continue to take place across the island nation. This comes amid nationwide protests against the government that have intensified over the past few days resulting in an increase in incidents of clashes with the security forces deployed at protest sites. 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday called on the authorities in Sri Lanka to prevent further violence, and urged restraint and meaningful dialogue to address the grievances of the population amid the severe economic crisis in the country.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday urged people to stop violence and acts of revenge against fellow citizens and vowed to address the political and economic crisis facing the nation

Anti-government protesters in Sri Lanka on Tuesday set up a checkpoint on the road leading to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to prevent the Rajapaksa family loyalists from fleeing the country, as violence and widespread protest continued against the regime over the country's worst economic crisis in decades.

In the horrific visuals coming from in crisis Sri Lanka,  burnt buses can be seen lying on the road after clashes between govt supporters and anti-govt protesters. Heavy security was deployed outside PM's official residence.

Sajith Premadasa, Leader of Opposition in Sri Lanka, on Thursday opined on who should be held responsible for the deplorable condition of the country at present. He said, "Everyone involved in this govt, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa & PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, must be held responsible for this inhumane attack (on anti-govt protestors). This was planned and an act of state and political terrorism."

As the civil unrest in the wake of economic and political turmoil intensified, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday extended the "state of emergency" until May 11. In a Presidential decree, the crisis-hit President instructed citizens "not to use" public transport, roads and/or recreational areas until May 11 (Wednesday). The curfew was declared on May 5, for the second time in five weeks. 

“I instruct everybody not to use any public roads, railways, public parks, public recreation areas or other public territories or the seashore from 19:00 on May 9 to 07:00 on May 11,” Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said. The announcement comes after Sri Lanka crept towards anarchy with violent protests on Monday, that killed 7 and injured 231, as per Sri Lankan media reports, quoted by Sputnik.

Mahinda Rajapaksa along with his family flee from his official residence a day after tendering his resignation from Prime Ministerial Post. The Rajapaksa family has taken refuge in the Sri Lankan navy base in Trincomalee. However, protesters have gathered outside the navy base as anger has raged against the family among the Sri Lankans for the deplorable economic situation of the country. 

India on Tuesday said it is "fully supportive" of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery, a day after the island nation's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa quit amid massive protests in the country over the government's handling of the economic crisis.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes." He was responding to media queries on the developments in Sri Lanka.

"As a close neighbour of Sri Lanka, with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its democracy, stability and economic recovery," Bagchi said.

 Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on Tuesday asked embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to summon the House as soon as possible to discuss the current situation amid unprecedented violence and widespread protest against the government over the country' worst economic crisis in decades, according to a media report.

There are provisions for the Speaker to summon the House just to discuss the present crisis only, Serjeant- at Arms Narenda Fernando told Daily Mirror.

It was reported that the House will be resolved on Tuesday or any day this week.

The death toll rose to eight on Tuesday in the unprecedented violence in Sri Lanka that erupted after supporters of former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters demanding his ouster over the country's worst economic crisis that led to acute shortages of staple food, fuel and power.

Over 200 people have also been injured in the violence in Colombo and other cities.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, resigned as Sri Lankan Prime Minister on Monday amid unprecedented economic turmoil, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops in the capital.

The violence saw arson attacks on the homes of several politicians, including the ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is facing calls for his arrest from Opposition politicians for inciting violence against peaceful anti-government protesters.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency with effect from Friday midnight. This is the second time that an emergency was declared in Sri Lanka in just over a month as the island nation was in the grip of the worst economic crisis.

Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has accused the ruling party of Monday's violent clashes in Colombo. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has been accused by Ranatunga of assembling violent groups near former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's official residence and inciting them to clash with peaceful protestors. Ranatunga also chastised the police for their inaction, saying they handled the situation "very badly."

"We did not expect peaceful protestors to be attacked. Things were getting into place before this particular incident happened... The police handled things very badly, didn't stop them," Ranatunga was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

Amid the growing protests, Limini- the wife of Namal Rajapaksa who is the son of former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly fled Colombo. Limini Rajapaksa and her son reached the Trincomalee naval base this morning.

US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said, "We’re closely following the ongoing developments in Sri Lanka, including the resignation of the prime minister. We urge the government to work quickly to identify and implement solutions to achieve long-term economic stability and address the Sri Lankan people’s discontent over the worsening economic conditions, including power, food, and medicine shortages as well". 

He added, "We condemn violence against peaceful protesters and call for a full investigation, arrests, and prosecutions of anyone involved." We are also concerned with the state of emergency declarations that can be used to curb dissent. So we’re continuing to watch this very closely."

The World Bank on Monday expressed "deep concern" as the anti-government protests in Sri Lanka took a violent turn amid the burgeoning political and economic crisis. Taking to Twitter, World Bank Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos wrote that the global financial body is worried over the "perpetration of violence" in the island continent. He further called for an "immediate economic recovery" urging "those responsible" to stop hindering the process.

Defying a nationwide curfew in Sri Lanka, a few hundred protesters continued to chant slogans against the government Tuesday, a day after violent clashes saw the resignation of the prime minister who is blamed, along with his brother, the president, for leading the country into its worst economic crisis in decades. Protesters swarmed the entrance to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office in the capital, Colombo, for the 32nd day to demand that he follow in his brother’s footsteps and quit. Local television visuals showed the anti-government protesters shouting slogans and also rebuilding tents damaged in Monday’s attack.

In a controversial take, historian Ramchandra Guha contended that India will face the fate of Sri Lanka, if the country faces more communal tension and language dispute. 

He stated, "I have seen how making one religion, one language important damages the country. You are overseeing the visuals of Sri Lanka today, Sri Lanka could have been the most prosperous country in the whole of Asia. Very high level of education, health care, gender equality and they destroyed it because of Sinhala and Buddhist majorities. The imposition of one religion and one language for everybody else and you have seen the consequences of self-destruction of Sri Lanka, a country of so much potential by selfish politicians. We don't want Karnataka and India to go down that way. Sri Lanka is a cautionary tale for all of us."

Sri Lanka's cricket season at home has come under jeopardy following the ongoing crisis in the country. The Sri Lankan government is currently struggling to meet basic requirements for its population of 22 million citizens amid an unprecedented economic crisis caused by mishandling of finances and ill-timed tax cuts. The Sri Lankan Cricket Board is likely to hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Australia and Pakistan's tour to the country as well as the Asia Cup tournament.

According to the report by Insidesport Sri Lanka cricket Board officials have started admitting that hosting Asia Cup and Australia tour of Sri Lanka looks difficult. The report further states that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board themselves will agree to the suggestions of shifting the Asia Cup to Dubai. Australia's tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to get underway on 7 June but the ongoing crisis in the country has put further doubts on the upcoming tour.

The death toll rose to eight on Tuesday in the unprecedented violence in Sri Lanka that erupted after supporters of former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters demanding his ouster over the country's worst economic crisis that led to acute shortages of staple food, fuel and power.

Sri Lanka's former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is facing calls for his arrest from Opposition politicians for inciting violence against peaceful anti-government protesters that claimed at least five lives, left over 200 people injured and saw arson attacks on the homes of several politicians. Mahinda Rajapaksa has been accused by the Opposition of inciting the ruling party mobs to attack peaceful protesters by making a defiant speech while addressing several thousands of his supporters to deflect calls for his resignation. 

“Rajapaksa (Mahinda) must be arrested and brought before the law," M A Sumanthiran, the main Tamil legislator, said in a message. The same sentiments were expressed by former President Maithripala Sirisena and the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party's leader Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

Former SL PM Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the violence against peaceful protesters in Colombo. In a statement, he observed, "There is no law and order in the country today. I state here that not only the Prime Minister but the entire government must resign". He added, "For a change, there should be a small government without party affiliation that is not burdensome to the public. If we cannot do this, then I think it would be better to close down Parliament". 

Hitting out at the government, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said, "We are very capable of defending ourselves against state-sponsored violence but we must not forget we are also capable of compassion. The future generations are watching how we choose to express our anger. Non-violence is the only true and acceptable path."

Commenting on the Sri Lankan crisis, the US Department of State said, "Closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka. We're deeply concerned by the violence against peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders and are urging all Sri Lankans to focus on finding and enabling long-term solutions to the country’s economic and political challenges."

The Sri Lankan government is currently struggling to meet basic requirements for its population of 22 million citizens amid an unprecedented economic crisis caused by mishandling of finances and ill-timed tax cuts. The island nation is also facing a foreign exchange deficit, which has resulted in food, fuel, power, and gas shortages, and has sought economic assistance from friendly countries. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets since April 9 to protest the government's inability to pay for crucial imports; prices of key commodities have risen, and there are severe shortages of fuel, medication, and power. 

In a significant development, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency from May 7 onwards amid the ongoing protests against a massive economic and political crisis. This comes days after the island country's main Opposition party SJB submitted to the Parliamentary Speaker motions of no-confidence against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the government for mishandling the country's worst economic crisis. Widespread public anger has triggered sustained demonstrations demanding that the government should resign. 

Amid the worst economic crisis in the island country since its independence, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Monday, announced his decision to resign from his post. His resignation comes after he and his younger brother and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa rejected the repeated calls for their resignation. Sri Lankan President reportedly wants his brother’s resignation that would enable him to form a government of national unity, an interim arrangement till the present economic crisis could be dealt with. 

A ruling party MP was killed amid the ongoing violent clashes in Sri Lanka on Monday. This comes hours after Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahindra Rajapaksa tendered his resignation. According to sources, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala was killed after he allegedly opened fire and critically wounded two people. The people he fired upon were apparently blocking his car in Nittambuwa. Athukorala was later found dead after trying to take refuge in a nearby building, officers said.

In Sri Lanka, chaos intensified as anti-government protestors set fire to the houses and offices of numerous leaders including ruling party SLPP politicians on Monday. The media reports suggest that the anti-government protesters set fire to the home of MP Sanath Nishantha, who led a group to attack Galle Face protesters. His home was completely destroyed by the fire as seen in videos shared on social media. Minister Ramesh Pathirana's house was also set on fire as a plume of smoke was seen over the house.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando's Kurunegala party office was also completely destroyed by the fire. Enraged protestors set fire to vehicles of lawmakers from the SLPP. In a massive development amid the crisis in Sri Lanka, the ancestral home of the Rajapaksa family in Hambantota was set on fire by the protesters.