Is Gotabaya Rajapaksa plotting a return to Sri Lanka? Reports claim president Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke to Gotabaya about his possible return to the country. How will the public respond to such a return? Why is Gotabaya taking this gamble? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary | Is Gotabaya Rajapaksa returning to Sri Lanka?

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa might return to the country by the first week of September. News agency Reuters reported citing two sources familiar with the matter. The sources told the news agency on Tuesday (August 23) that the return is dependent on arrangements to secure his safety.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa left the country last month in a military plane amid nationwide protests over the country's worst economic crisis. He landed in the neighbouring country, Maldives, and then spent weeks in Singapore before flying to Thailand. Ever since leaving the country, Rajapaksa has not made any comments or public appearances.&nbsp;

Recently, local media reported that Rajapaksa was expected to return to the island nation on August 24. But the arrival has apparently been delayed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-ranks-5th-among-10-countries-with-highest-food-price-inflation-world-bank-509734">Sri Lanka ranks 5th among 10 countries with highest food price inflation: World Bank</a>&nbsp;

Reuters report mentioned that the delay occurred because talks are continuing between the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the government over his security and other concerns.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, one of the sources, who is a Sri Lankan government official, said: "He definitely wants to come back. But security is the main issue and intelligence has advised that he delay his return. He may return in two weeks or even before that if arrangements for his safety can be made."&nbsp;

While the second source said the high cost of his stay in Thailand was one of the reasons that he is seeking a return home as soon as possible.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-court-summons-former-pm-imran-khan-in-contempt-case-on-august-31-509646">Islamabad court summons former PM Imran Khan in contempt case on August 31</a>&nbsp;

The source said: "The bill has now run to several hundred million rupees as it includes the cost for a private jet, a presidential suite and round the clock security. The cost is becoming prohibitive."&nbsp;

Another source close to the Rajapaksa family said that the expenses of Rajapaksa’s stay in Thailand are largely being borne by some of his supporters.&nbsp;

Sagara Kariyawasam, who is SLPP general secretary, said the party had met President Ranil Wickremesinghe to talk about the arrangements for Rajapaksa's safe return.&nbsp;

Kariyawasam said, "We have made the request for his return to be facilitated as soon as possible.”&nbsp;

In the past few months, Sri Lanka suffered through because of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation. This was in he aftermath as the nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods.&nbsp;

In a dramatic turn of events on July 9, hundreds of thousands of people in Colombo stormed the presidential palace, demanding Rajapaksa take responsibility for shortages of medicines, food and fuel.&nbsp;

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Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa might return to the country by the first week of September. News agency Reuters reported citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa might return to the country by the first week of September. News agency Reuters reported citing two sources familiar with the matter. The sources told the news agency on Tuesday (August 23) that the return is dependent on arrangements to secure his safety. Rajapaksa left the country last month in a military plane amid nationwide protests over the country's worst economic crisis. He landed in the neighbouring country, Maldives, and then spent weeks in Singapore before flying to Thailand. Ever since leaving the country, Rajapaksa has not made any comments or public appearances. Recently, local media reported that Rajapaksa was expected to return to the island nation on August 24. But the arrival has apparently been delayed. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka ranks 5th among 10 countries with highest food price inflation: World Bank Reuters report mentioned that the delay occurred because talks are continuing between the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the government over his security and other concerns. As quoted by the news agency, one of the sources, who is a Sri Lankan government official, said: "He definitely wants to come back. But security is the main issue and intelligence has advised that he delay his return. He may return in two weeks or even before that if arrangements for his safety can be made." While the second source said the high cost of his stay in Thailand was one of the reasons that he is seeking a return home as soon as possible. ALSO READ | Islamabad court summons former PM Imran Khan in contempt case on August 31 The source said: "The bill has now run to several hundred million rupees as it includes the cost for a private jet, a presidential suite and round the clock security. The cost is becoming prohibitive." Another source close to the Rajapaksa family said that the expenses of Rajapaksa’s stay in Thailand are largely being borne by some of his supporters. Sagara Kariyawasam, who is SLPP general secretary, said the party had met President Ranil Wickremesinghe to talk about the arrangements for Rajapaksa's safe return. Kariyawasam said, "We have made the request for his return to be facilitated as soon as possible.” In the past few months, Sri Lanka suffered through because of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation. This was in he aftermath as the nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods. In a dramatic turn of events on July 9, hundreds of thousands of people in Colombo stormed the presidential palace, demanding Rajapaksa take responsibility for shortages of medicines, food and fuel. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa likely to return to the country in first week of September

After Maldives, Singapore & Thailand, Gotabaya Rajapaksa could be headed to the US next. Reports say, Rajapaksa's lawyers are trying to obtain a 'green card' for him. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Gotabaya Rajapaksa applies for US green card

According to local media reports, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the former president of Sri Lanka, may return to the island nation next week after leaving amid widespread protests in July.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return to Sri Lanka on August 24?

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return to the island nation next week, a local media broadcaster Newsfirst reported on Wednesday (August 17) citing Udayanga Weeratunga, a former Lankan envoy to Russia.

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return to the island nation next week, a local media broadcaster Newsfirst reported on Wednesday (August 17) citing Udayanga Weeratunga, a former Lankan envoy to Russia. There's no official confirmation yet. As quoted by the local media, Weeratunga, who is related to Rajapaksa, said that the former president will arrive in Sri Lanka on August 24. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka set to include Sinhala, Tamil during Independence Day celebrations Amid nationwide protests over the country's worst economic crisis, Gotabaya Rajapaksa flew out of the country last month in a military plane. He landed in the neighbouring Maldives and then spent weeks in Singapore before flying to Thailand. After fleeing the country, Rajapaksa has not made any public appearances or comments. ALSO READ | Situation in Sri Lanka 'stabilised', no need to extend emergency: President Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka has suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation as the nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods. In a dramatic turn of events on July 9, hundreds of thousands of people in Colombo stormed the presidential palace, demanding Rajapaksa take responsibility for shortages of medicines, food and fuel. Udayanga Weeratunga and the MiG deal probe As far as the probe of the MiG deal is concerned, Weeratunga arrived at the CID to provide a statement about the procurement of MiG-27 fighter jets to the Sri Lanka Air Force. Weerathunga was arrested in February 2022 and released on bail several months later. He is accused of unlawfully interfering with the purchase of seven MiG ground attack aircraft for the Air Force from Ukraine. He is also accused of embezzling millions of US dollars through the deal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return on August 24: Report

It has been a turbulent year so far for Sri Lanka with the island states’ worst fears being realised. The present economic crisis was in the making for a few years owing to Sri Lanka’s bad political decisions and policies, ill-effects of over-centralisation of leadership even at the cost of weakening of democratic institutions, deficient future economic planning, opportunism of lender countries like China. The result was a situation of grave foreign exchange shortage, leading to a record high level of inflation and a scarcity of essentials to citizens including, fuel, food and medicines.

With President Gotabaya Rajapaksa abandoning citizens and fleeing to Singapore, followed by his resignation, there remains no doubt that the social and political unrest in the state is here to stay and the disturbing images of protesters storming the Presidential house and government offices and days-long ques outside fuel pumps are not exaggerations but a genuine depiction of the chaos.

Sri Lanka thus finds itself amidst a whirlpool. These strong currents which are pulling Sri Lanka further into the storm, call for a strong, strategic and well-crafted reaction from India in the given situation. India is a leading country in the South Asia region and an immediate neighbour having a historically cordial relationship with Sri Lanka.

What should be the Indian reaction?

India as a leading civilisational power in the region. It not just has a strategic requirement and national interest reasons but also a greater moral responsibility to act when an immediate neighbour is in crisis. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar pointed this out earlier in July that the present economic and political crisis “pertains to a very close neighbour and, given the near proximity, we naturally worry about the consequences, the spillover it has for us”.

India ought to have twin goals in the given situation where Sri Lanka is not just encountering a political instability but a grave shortage of foreign exchange reserves which has led to the country struggling to pay for essential imports.

First, to provide maximum possible assistance and support to Sri Lanka. This would serve two purposes, to save the Sri Lankan democracy and its vibrant institutions and governance record from degenerating into a politically, economically and socially disturbed state in the years to come. It is certainly not in the Indian national interest to have another neighbouring state, after the unpleasant experiences from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar, to becoming hotbed of notorious non-state actors, non-democratic regimes and overall socio-economic turmoil.

After all, not many decades ago India had to cater to the refugees from Sri Lanka, send the rather controversial peacekeeping mission to the state between 1987 and 1990 and the in later years after the conclusion of the Sri Lankan civil war send aid. India provided aid for the rehabilitation of numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the Sri Lankan Tamils uprooted due to the situation emanating from a prolonged civil war in Sri Lanka.

Answering a question in the Parliament, inquiring whether India is taking any steps/measures to help Sri Lanka from the unprecedented crisis, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan cited the details of India’s continued support and efforts to the economic development of the people of Sri Lanka in overcoming the economic challenges.

He stated that, early this year “India extended a US$ 400 million currency swap to Sri Lanka under the SAARC Framework and deferred successive Asian Clearing Union (A.C.U.) settlements. India also offered a Line of Credit of US$ 500 million for the purpose of fuel import from India. A credit facility of US$ 1 billion has been introduced to help Sri Lanka procure food, medicines and other essential items from India. There was also a humanitarian assistance or gift of essential medicines, kerosene oil and Urea fertilizer.”

Another crucial purpose the Indian support would serve would be in proving the domestic critics of the Modi government’s foreign policy wrong. There has been criticism that the government of India in recent years has not prioritised the maintenance of healthy bilateral relationships in the neighbourhood, especially with smaller states in South Asia like Nepal etc.

Brushing aside the recent criticisms based on a report stating that Sri Lanka in 2020 had requested India for a debt deferral, the EAM Jaishankar said that, no formal request had been made for help earlier, thus the Indian assistance could not be termed as “too little too late” in this case.

The Sri Lanka crisis has given the Indian government led by PM Modi a good opportunity to strengthen it’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’ and display how the policy could be implemented and be widely seen in action. With India committing a $3.8 billion for the support of Sri Lanka, EAM Jaishankar reiterated that the Prime Minister is committed to its neighbourhood first policy where the government makes special efforts to try and support the country’s neighbours in a manner that meets their requirements.

Indian commitment to, as V. Muraleedharan mentions, support the quest of the people of Sri Lanka for stability and economic recovery, through established democratic norms, institutions and constitutional framework, remains firm.

A second goal for India and notably of equal importance is to name and shame the PRC. This would build diplomatic pressure on PRC and attract international attention and probably later invite international condemnation towards the ‘by-design’, ‘ill-intended’ bad loans China offers to many developing states like Sri Lanka.

Since 2019, there has been an overall decline in the Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves and a record increase in the external debt. China alone has making around 10% of the total debt, what Jaishankar calls as an “unsustainable debt”, of approximately $34.6 billion.

ANI reports that as per a study last year&nbsp;by two Sri Lankan economists, the “official data from the Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry showing it as 10% might just cater to the government-to-government debt. And the commercial lending to the government and loans to Sri-Lankan state owned enterprises”. For instance, in the case of the Hambantota Port development, China enveloped Sri Lanka into an unequal deal with a controversial 99-year lease contract. Sri Lanka defaulted and had issues with the repayment of the loan and eventually lost control over its own port.

China has aimed to destabilize many Asian and African economies in the past with its ‘debt traps’. It is one of the biggest investors in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka though there has been both domestic and international concerns about China luring Sri Lanka into a debt trap.

However, it must be acknowledged that several reasons proliferating the recent economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka have internal or domestic causes, yet the role of China in the present turmoil could not be completely overlooked. Many political and economic analysts believe that the Sri Lankan crisis could not be seen as a bolt from the blue or unprecedented as there was in making from some years now owing to Sri Lanka’s bad political choices and poor economic planning.

To conclude, for Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ to be seen in action, the politico-economic crisis in Sri Lanka presents a ripe moment for India where it could act and assist the state in every possible manner.

Apart from the several strategic benefits, what India could draw from this crisis would be to emerge as a strong state in the region and provide a support system for many SAARC and the BIMSTEC member states. There is a vacuum for a leadership role for the fraternity of states which have borrowed heavily based on contracts and conditions designed by Beijing. Many of these economies are in ‘debt traps’ with their economies already showing the signs of strains. India is known for its soft power credentials and in Sri Lankan recovery that support from India is paramount.

The author is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

It has been a turbulent year so far for Sri Lanka with the island states’ worst fears being realised. The present economic crisis was in the making for a few years owing to Sri Lanka’s bad political decisions and policies, ill-effects of over-centralisation of leadership even at the cost of weakening of democratic institutions, deficient future economic planning, opportunism of lender countries like China.

It has been a turbulent year so far for Sri Lanka with the island states’ worst fears being realised. The present economic crisis was in the making for a few years owing to Sri Lanka’s bad political decisions and policies, ill-effects of over-centralisation of leadership even at the cost of weakening of democratic institutions, deficient future economic planning, opportunism of lender countries like China. The result was a situation of grave foreign exchange shortage, leading to a record high level of inflation and a scarcity of essentials to citizens including, fuel, food and medicines. With President Gotabaya Rajapaksa abandoning citizens and fleeing to Singapore, followed by his resignation, there remains no doubt that the social and political unrest in the state is here to stay and the disturbing images of protesters storming the Presidential house and government offices and days-long ques outside fuel pumps are not exaggerations but a genuine depiction of the chaos. Sri Lanka thus finds itself amidst a whirlpool. These strong currents which are pulling Sri Lanka further into the storm, call for a strong, strategic and well-crafted reaction from India in the given situation. India is a leading country in the South Asia region and an immediate neighbour having a historically cordial relationship with Sri Lanka. What should be the Indian reaction? India as a leading civilisational power in the region. It not just has a strategic requirement and national interest reasons but also a greater moral responsibility to act when an immediate neighbour is in crisis. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar pointed this out earlier in July that the present economic and political crisis “pertains to a very close neighbour and, given the near proximity, we naturally worry about the consequences, the spillover it has for us”. India ought to have twin goals in the given situation where Sri Lanka is not just encountering a political instability but a grave shortage of foreign exchange reserves which has led to the country struggling to pay for essential imports. First, to provide maximum possible assistance and support to Sri Lanka. This would serve two purposes, to save the Sri Lankan democracy and its vibrant institutions and governance record from degenerating into a politically, economically and socially disturbed state in the years to come. It is certainly not in the Indian national interest to have another neighbouring state, after the unpleasant experiences from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar, to becoming hotbed of notorious non-state actors, non-democratic regimes and overall socio-economic turmoil. After all, not many decades ago India had to cater to the refugees from Sri Lanka, send the rather controversial peacekeeping mission to the state between 1987 and 1990 and the in later years after the conclusion of the Sri Lankan civil war send aid. India provided aid for the rehabilitation of numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the Sri Lankan Tamils uprooted due to the situation emanating from a prolonged civil war in Sri Lanka. Answering a question in the Parliament, inquiring whether India is taking any steps/measures to help Sri Lanka from the unprecedented crisis, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan cited the details of India’s continued support and efforts to the economic development of the people of Sri Lanka in overcoming the economic challenges. He stated that, early this year “India extended a US$ 400 million currency swap to Sri Lanka under the SAARC Framework and deferred successive Asian Clearing Union (A.C.U.) settlements. India also offered a Line of Credit of US$ 500 million for the purpose of fuel import from India. A credit facility of US$ 1 billion has been introduced to help Sri Lanka procure food, medicines and other essential items from India. There was also a humanitarian assistance or gift of essential medicines, kerosene oil and Urea fertilizer.” Another crucial purpose the Indian support would serve would be in proving the domestic critics of the Modi government’s foreign policy wrong. There has been criticism that the government of India in recent years has not prioritised the maintenance of healthy bilateral relationships in the neighbourhood, especially with smaller states in South Asia like Nepal etc. Brushing aside the recent criticisms based on a report stating that Sri Lanka in 2020 had requested India for a debt deferral, the EAM Jaishankar said that, no formal request had been made for help earlier, thus the Indian assistance could not be termed as “too little too late” in this case. The Sri Lanka crisis has given the Indian government led by PM Modi a good opportunity to strengthen it’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’ and display how the policy could be implemented and be widely seen in action. With India committing a $3.8 billion for the support of Sri Lanka, EAM Jaishankar reiterated that the Prime Minister is committed to its neighbourhood first policy where the government makes special efforts to try and support the country’s neighbours in a manner that meets their requirements. Indian commitment to, as V. Muraleedharan mentions, support the quest of the people of Sri Lanka for stability and economic recovery, through established democratic norms, institutions and constitutional framework, remains firm. A second goal for India and notably of equal importance is to name and shame the PRC. This would build diplomatic pressure on PRC and attract international attention and probably later invite international condemnation towards the ‘by-design’, ‘ill-intended’ bad loans China offers to many developing states like Sri Lanka. Since 2019, there has been an overall decline in the Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves and a record increase in the external debt. China alone has making around 10% of the total debt, what Jaishankar calls as an “unsustainable debt”, of approximately $34.6 billion. ANI reports that as per a study last year by two Sri Lankan economists, the “official data from the Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry showing it as 10% might just cater to the government-to-government debt. And the commercial lending to the government and loans to Sri-Lankan state owned enterprises”. For instance, in the case of the Hambantota Port development, China enveloped Sri Lanka into an unequal deal with a controversial 99-year lease contract. Sri Lanka defaulted and had issues with the repayment of the loan and eventually lost control over its own port. China has aimed to destabilize many Asian and African economies in the past with its ‘debt traps’. It is one of the biggest investors in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka though there has been both domestic and international concerns about China luring Sri Lanka into a debt trap. However, it must be acknowledged that several reasons proliferating the recent economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka have internal or domestic causes, yet the role of China in the present turmoil could not be completely overlooked. Many political and economic analysts believe that the Sri Lankan crisis could not be seen as a bolt from the blue or unprecedented as there was in making from some years now owing to Sri Lanka’s bad political choices and poor economic planning. To conclude, for Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ to be seen in action, the politico-economic crisis in Sri Lanka presents a ripe moment for India where it could act and assist the state in every possible manner. Apart from the several strategic benefits, what India could draw from this crisis would be to emerge as a strong state in the region and provide a support system for many SAARC and the BIMSTEC member states. There is a vacuum for a leadership role for the fraternity of states which have borrowed heavily based on contracts and conditions designed by Beijing. Many of these economies are in ‘debt traps’ with their economies already showing the signs of strains. India is known for its soft power credentials and in Sri Lankan recovery that support from India is paramount. The author is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Sri Lanka at crossroads; how should India react?

After Maldives & Singapore, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sought refuge in Thailand. The Thai Foreign Ministry has approved his request for refuge, but has denied granting him asylum. It has also asked Gotabaya to not conduct political activities on Thai soil. Palki Sharma Upadhyay reports.

Gravitas: Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeks refuge in Thailand

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's former president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is expected to arrive in Thailand on Thursday and stay temporarily in a second Southeast Asian country since fleeing his island nation last month in the midst of mass protests.

Rajapaksa fled to Singapore on July 14 and resigned from office shortly afterward, following unprecedented unrest over his government's handling of the worst economic crisis in seven decades, and days after thousands of protesters stormed the president's official residence and office.

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-govt-asks-thailand-to-grant-entry-to-gotabaya-rajapaksa-505609">Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>

The former military officer, who is the first&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan head of state to quit mid-term, is expected to travel from Singapore to Thailand's capital of Bangkok on Thursday, two sources said. It was unclear what time he would arrive.

Thai authorities said Rajapaksa had no intention of seeking political asylum and would only stay temporarily.

"This is a humanitarian issue and there is an agreement that it's a temporary stay," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters on Wednesday.

Prayuth also said Rajapaksa could not participate in any political activities while in Thailand.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the current&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan government supported Rajapaksa's trip to Thailand, adding that the former president's diplomatic passport would allow him to stay for 90 days.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-oil-corp-unit-to-open-50-fuel-stations-in-sri-lanka-to-battle-crisis-504839">&nbsp;Indian Oil Corp unit to open 50 fuel stations in Sri Lanka to battle crisis</a>

Rajapaksa has made no public appearances or comments since leaving&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's economic crisis is a result of several factors, including COVID-19, which battered its tourism-reliant economy and slashed remittances from workers overseas, rising oil prices, populist tax cuts, and a seven-month ban on the import of chemical fertilisers last year that devastated agriculture.

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Sri Lanka's former president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is expected to arrive in Thailand on Thursday and stay temporarily in a second Southeast Asian country since fleeing his island nation last month in the midst of mass protests.

Sri Lanka's former president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is expected to arrive in Thailand on Thursday and stay temporarily in a second Southeast Asian country since fleeing his island nation last month in the midst of mass protests. Rajapaksa fled to Singapore on July 14 and resigned from office shortly afterward, following unprecedented unrest over his government's handling of the worst economic crisis in seven decades, and days after thousands of protesters stormed the president's official residence and office. Also read | Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa The former military officer, who is the first Sri Lankan head of state to quit mid-term, is expected to travel from Singapore to Thailand's capital of Bangkok on Thursday, two sources said. It was unclear what time he would arrive. Thai authorities said Rajapaksa had no intention of seeking political asylum and would only stay temporarily. "This is a humanitarian issue and there is an agreement that it's a temporary stay," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters on Wednesday. Prayuth also said Rajapaksa could not participate in any political activities while in Thailand. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the current Sri Lankan government supported Rajapaksa's trip to Thailand, adding that the former president's diplomatic passport would allow him to stay for 90 days. Also read | Indian Oil Corp unit to open 50 fuel stations in Sri Lanka to battle crisis Rajapaksa has made no public appearances or comments since leaving Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's economic crisis is a result of several factors, including COVID-19, which battered its tourism-reliant economy and slashed remittances from workers overseas, rising oil prices, populist tax cuts, and a seven-month ban on the import of chemical fertilisers last year that devastated agriculture. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka's ousted president to fly to Thailand for temporary stay

The Thai foreign ministry's spokeswoman, Tanee Sangrat, said in a statement on Wednesday that the former leader of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will come to Thailand for a brief period of time but has no plans to apply for political asylum there.

Tanee claims that Thailand has received a request for Rajapaksa's entry from the current Sri Lankan government. The former president's diplomatic passport grants him 90 days of visa-free access into Thailand.

In response to a media inquiry regarding the visit of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Tanee Sangrat provided the following statement: The Thai side received a request for the former President to enter Thailand from the current government of Sri Lanka. The consideration was based on long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries.

He said that "As a holder of a Sri Lankan diplomatic passport, the former President can enter Thailand w/o a visa for 90 days, per the 2013 Agreement on Visa Exemptn betwn Thailand+Sri Lanka. The stay’s temporary w/ aim of onward travel. No political asylum’s been sought".

In the middle of April, Sri Lanka stopped paying its foreign debt of $51 billion. The economy has been devastated, imports have been hindered, and shortages of fuel, medication, and other necessities have resulted from its declining foreign currency.

People throughout the nation are becoming more and more burdened by the skyrocketing cost of living, which increased to a record 60.8 percent in July.

Rajapaksa handed up his resignation letter from Singapore after leaving the nation. Last month, he was succeeded by former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Thai foreign ministry's spokeswoman, Tanee Sangrat, said in a statement on Wednesday that the former leader of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will come to Thailand for a brief period of time but has no plans to apply for political asylum there.

The Thai foreign ministry's spokeswoman, Tanee Sangrat, said in a statement on Wednesday that the former leader of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will come to Thailand for a brief period of time but has no plans to apply for political asylum there. Tanee claims that Thailand has received a request for Rajapaksa's entry from the current Sri Lankan government. The former president's diplomatic passport grants him 90 days of visa-free access into Thailand. In response to a media inquiry regarding the visit of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Tanee Sangrat provided the following statement: The Thai side received a request for the former President to enter Thailand from the current government of Sri Lanka. The consideration was based on long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries. He said that "As a holder of a Sri Lankan diplomatic passport, the former President can enter Thailand w/o a visa for 90 days, per the 2013 Agreement on Visa Exemptn betwn Thailand+Sri Lanka. The stay’s temporary w/ aim of onward travel. No political asylum’s been sought". In the middle of April, Sri Lanka stopped paying its foreign debt of $51 billion. The economy has been devastated, imports have been hindered, and shortages of fuel, medication, and other necessities have resulted from its declining foreign currency. People throughout the nation are becoming more and more burdened by the skyrocketing cost of living, which increased to a record 60.8 percent in July. Rajapaksa handed up his resignation letter from Singapore after leaving the nation. Last month, he was succeeded by former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka's ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to arrive in Thailand's capital on Thursday after fleeing to Singapore on the 14th July via Maldives. Now, fresh protests in Colombo have erupted against the government. Protesters demand fresh elections and release of jailed agitators.

Reports: Sri Lanka's ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to land in Thailand

Sri Lankan police have produced before a court millions of rupees in cash found by anti-government protesters inside former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence after he fled the mansion following the mass uprising against his government three weeks ago.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters on July 9 stormed the then President Rajapaksa’s residence in central Colombo’s high-security Fort area after breaking the barricades, as they demanded his resignation over the island nation’s worst economic crisis in recent memory.

Amidst the unprecedented anti-government protests, Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13 to the Maldives and then to Singapore from where he emailed his resignation letter.

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The protesters recovered 17.85 million Sri Lankan Rupees inside his mansion which were later handed over to the police.

The Superintendent of Police in charge of the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Division handed over the money to Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday as per its order made on Thursday, New First, an online portal, reported.

Magistrate Thilina Gamage said there is reasonable suspicion as to why the officer in charge (OIC) of the Fort Police failed to produce the money for three weeks.

The Magistrate also said that the court was not aware of any special circumstances for the money originally given to the Fort Police, to be produced via a Special Police Unit from Slave Island.

Magistrate ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the delay in producing the money and submit a report to the court.

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The Police Chief was ordered to appoint the Director of the Special Investigations Unit at the Police Headquarters for this purpose and provide him with the necessary assistance.

Sri Lanka has seen months of mass unrest over the worst economic crisis, with the government declaring bankruptcy in mid-April by refusing to honour its international debt.

The previous Rajapaksa administration is accused of bungling the economic crisis.

Sri Lankan police have produced before a court millions of rupees in cash found by anti-government protesters inside former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence after he fled the mansion following the mass uprising against his government three weeks ago.

Sri Lankan police have produced before a court millions of rupees in cash found by anti-government protesters inside former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence after he fled the mansion following the mass uprising against his government three weeks ago. Hundreds of anti-government protesters on July 9 stormed the then President Rajapaksa’s residence in central Colombo’s high-security Fort area after breaking the barricades, as they demanded his resignation over the island nation’s worst economic crisis in recent memory. Amidst the unprecedented anti-government protests, Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13 to the Maldives and then to Singapore from where he emailed his resignation letter. Also read | Russia’s Black Sea fleet headquarters hit by Ukrainian drone strike, 5 injured The protesters recovered 17.85 million Sri Lankan Rupees inside his mansion which were later handed over to the police. The Superintendent of Police in charge of the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Division handed over the money to Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday as per its order made on Thursday, New First, an online portal, reported. Magistrate Thilina Gamage said there is reasonable suspicion as to why the officer in charge (OIC) of the Fort Police failed to produce the money for three weeks. The Magistrate also said that the court was not aware of any special circumstances for the money originally given to the Fort Police, to be produced via a Special Police Unit from Slave Island. Magistrate ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the delay in producing the money and submit a report to the court. Also read | Zelensky orders civilians to evacuate from Donetsk region amid Russian attacks The Police Chief was ordered to appoint the Director of the Special Investigations Unit at the Police Headquarters for this purpose and provide him with the necessary assistance. Sri Lanka has seen months of mass unrest over the worst economic crisis, with the government declaring bankruptcy in mid-April by refusing to honour its international debt. The previous Rajapaksa administration is accused of bungling the economic crisis.

Millions found inside Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house produced before court

Singapore has permitted former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

A short-term visit pass issued when Rajapaksa arrived on a private visit two weeks ago has been extended, two separate sources in Colombo and Singapore, both with knowledge of the matter, told Reuters.

Rajapaksa is now able to stay in Singapore until August 11.

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The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority in Singapore did not respond to a request for confirmation on the extension of stay.

Rajapaksa landed in Singapore on July 14, a day after fleeing his crisis-ridden country via Maldives and following a popular uprising that forced him to resign as president.

At the time, the Singapore government said he had not been granted asylum and was in the country on a private visit.

"It is my belief he may eventually consider returning to Sri Lanka but there is no definite political or other stance on this," Sri Lankan government spokesperson Bandula Gunwardena said on Tuesday.

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Six-time prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as president following a victory in a parliamentary vote after Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned.

The country of 22 million people has been crippled by a devastating economic crisis for several months, with shortages of fuel, food and other necessities as foreign exchange reserves needed for essential imports dropped to record lows.

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Singapore has permitted former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

Singapore has permitted former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. A short-term visit pass issued when Rajapaksa arrived on a private visit two weeks ago has been extended, two separate sources in Colombo and Singapore, both with knowledge of the matter, told Reuters. Rajapaksa is now able to stay in Singapore until August 11. Also read | Two new studies confirm Covid virus originated from Wuhan animal market The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority in Singapore did not respond to a request for confirmation on the extension of stay. Rajapaksa landed in Singapore on July 14, a day after fleeing his crisis-ridden country via Maldives and following a popular uprising that forced him to resign as president. At the time, the Singapore government said he had not been granted asylum and was in the country on a private visit. "It is my belief he may eventually consider returning to Sri Lanka but there is no definite political or other stance on this," Sri Lankan government spokesperson Bandula Gunwardena said on Tuesday. Also read | In pics - Volunteers rebuild Ukrainian village to beats of techno music Six-time prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as president following a victory in a parliamentary vote after Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned. The country of 22 million people has been crippled by a devastating economic crisis for several months, with shortages of fuel, food and other necessities as foreign exchange reserves needed for essential imports dropped to record lows. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Singapore extends ex-Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's visa by 14 days

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid massive public uproar surrounding the ongoing food and fuel shortages. Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, but a Cabinet spokesperson said that he is “not in hiding” and will be returning to the country “very soon”.

During an interview with Daily Mirror, Bandula Gunawardena clarified that the visit to Singapore was due to “personal reasons” and although he is “not aware of an exact date”, Rajapaksa will not be staying there indefinitely. He added that all proper procedures were followed regarding the visit.

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The island nation has been experiencing huge inflation in the recent past and this is the most economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since they gained independence back in 1948.

Following the massive protests around the country, Rajapaksa left for Singapore on July 12 and on the following day, he officially submitted his resignation. He was succeeded by Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who was elected after yet another election in Sri Lanka.

While Rajapaksa maintained that his visit to Singapore was “completely personal”, the spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that he has not applied for asylum.

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&nbsp;“He (Rajapaksa) has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum,” the spokesperson said according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, a rights group called the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has lodged a complaint for Rajapaksa’s arrest in Singapore for his role in the Sri Lanka civil war.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid massive public uproar surrounding the ongoing food and fuel shortages. Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, but a Cabinet spokesperson said that he is “not in hiding” and will be returning to the country “very soon”.

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid massive public uproar surrounding the ongoing food and fuel shortages. Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, but a Cabinet spokesperson said that he is “not in hiding” and will be returning to the country “very soon”. During an interview with Daily Mirror, Bandula Gunawardena clarified that the visit to Singapore was due to “personal reasons” and although he is “not aware of an exact date”, Rajapaksa will not be staying there indefinitely. He added that all proper procedures were followed regarding the visit. Also read | India slams Pak-China’s proposal to invite third countries in CPEC projects The island nation has been experiencing huge inflation in the recent past and this is the most economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since they gained independence back in 1948. Following the massive protests around the country, Rajapaksa left for Singapore on July 12 and on the following day, he officially submitted his resignation. He was succeeded by Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who was elected after yet another election in Sri Lanka. While Rajapaksa maintained that his visit to Singapore was “completely personal”, the spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that he has not applied for asylum. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - “He (Rajapaksa) has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum,” the spokesperson said according to Reuters. Meanwhile, a rights group called the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has lodged a complaint for Rajapaksa’s arrest in Singapore for his role in the Sri Lanka civil war. (With inputs from agencies)

Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return to Sri Lanka, says cabinet spokesperson

For past several months, Sri Lanka is witnessing serious political instability and unprecedented economic turmoil. The overwhelming perception in Sri Lanka and elsewhere is that the economic crisis in Sri Lanka was caused by nepotism, corruption and above all wrong policies pursued by the government led by the Rajapaksa brothers and their family members in high positions.&nbsp;

The mismanagement of economy resulted in distortions in agricultural sector impacting adversely on food and tea production, huge foreign debts, inadequate foreign exchange reserves. Ultimately this led to a situation when the country ran out of most essential commodities including food and fuel and unmanageably high inflation rates. The popular anti-government civil society movement which began in earnest in April 2022 led initially to the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and later the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July this year.

The election on 20th July of Ranil Wickremesinghe as President of Sri Lanka and the appointment on 22nd July of Dinesh Gunawardena as the country’s prime minister was an outcome of peaceful transfer of power within the framework of Sri Lanka’s constitution. Will it put an end to political instability and pave the way for the new government to focus on economic recovery?.&nbsp;

Both, President Ranil Wickramasinghe and PM Dinesh Gunawardena in their early seventies are seasoned politicians. Ranil Wickremesinghe has held the position of prime minister for six times whereas Dinesh Gunawerdana has wide experience of dealing with international community in his capacity as former Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. He has held other ministerial posts also.

The challenges ahead, however, are enormous. First and foremost is the question of popular perceptions and acceptability. Both these leaders are considered as the protégés of Rajapaksas. &nbsp;The popularity ratings of Ranil Wickremesinghe in particular are very low. He is credited more with failures than successes. However, he is gifted with an acumen that has helped him revive his sagging political fortunes repeatedly and earned him the knick name of “The Fox”.&nbsp;

In 2020 elections, Ranil’s party UNP had won only one out of 225 seats in the Parliament. Yet due to his proximity with Rajapaksa brothers, he was appointed as Prime Minister by President Gotbaya Rajapaksa when his brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was forced to resign in the wake of popular agitation. &nbsp;He owes his election as President to the support he received in the Parliament from the SLPP i.e. the party led by the Rajapaksa brothers.&nbsp;

The son of the iconic Marxist politician Philip Gunawardena, Dinesh Gunawardena started his political career as a leftist and trade unionist but has been associated with Rajapaksas for over two decades and is labelled as their staunch loyalist. He is considered a strong supporter of the executive presidency and is said to be opposed to greater power sharing with Tamils.

Further, the 18 Member Cabinet sworn in on 22nd &nbsp;July is being described as a “continuity government” in as much as almost all previous Ministers have been re-appointed. There is no clarity at the moment of any possible much-talked-about “national unity government” in near future.&nbsp;

In short, it may not be an exaggeration to say that the Rajapaksa brothers are back in power in their new incarnations known to rest of the world as Ranil Wickremesinghe and Dinesh Gunawardena. Proverbially, the people of Sri Lanka now have old wine in new bottle or perhaps the bottle is also old.

Meanwhile, the civil society activists have vowed to continue their agitation till&nbsp;President&nbsp;Ranil Wickremesinghe also resigns. The president is obviously not in a mood to oblige. In one of his first acts as president, Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered a pre-dawn military raid at Colombo’s main anti-government agitation site in which at least three activists were brutally assaulted by soldiers despite the protesters promising to vacate the area by 2 pm,&nbsp; Friday, 23rd July.&nbsp;

It remains to be seen as to whether the civil society will be able to sustain its peaceful agitation over a period of time which besides President’s resignation,&nbsp;is making several other demands such as abolition of executive presidency, mid-term elections and restructuring of economy. The SL Government must exercise restraint in dealing with public agitation and the public must keep their agitation peaceful. A semblance of political and social stability in the country is vital for invoking investors’ as well as tourists’ &nbsp;confidence.

The bigger challenge before the new political dispensation in Colombo is in securing quick economic recovery, particularly in areas that impact directly on the daily life of the citizens; in short, the government must take measures to contain inflation, arrange supplies of essential commodities at affordable prices.&nbsp;

President Wickremesinghe hopes to carry forward his dialogue with IMF for a relief/bailout package to its logical conclusion. Will that alone be sufficient? A Donor conference is being planned in Japan. Again will there be adequate pledges? And what steps such as strict austerity measures are the Sri Lankans willing to take to ease the situation?

Sri Lanka is India’s close neighbour with age-old historical and religious and cultural ties. Unstable Sri Lanka has implications for India. In recent past India has extended aid and assistance worth almost USD 4 billion&nbsp;in the form of lines of credits, supply of essential commodities etc. &nbsp;India remains committed to help Sri Lanka but there are limits to which India alone can assist. The need of the hour is that individual countries, international financial institutions must come forward and rescue Sri Lanka at least from total collapse. &nbsp;

There is no evidence that China, which is a part of Sri Lanka’s current problems, is also willing to be a part of solutions. Above all the SL Government will have to think out of the box and quickly embark upon course correction while the people of Sri Lanka must be prepared to display patience for some time. Overall, the journey to even partial recovery can be slow, difficult and even painful.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

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For past several months, Sri Lanka is witnessing serious political instability and unprecedented economic turmoil. The overwhelming perception in Sri Lanka and elsewhere is that the economic crisis in Sri Lanka was caused by nepotism, corruption and above all wrong policies pursued by the government led by the Rajapaksa brothers and their family members in high positions.

For past several months, Sri Lanka is witnessing serious political instability and unprecedented economic turmoil. The overwhelming perception in Sri Lanka and elsewhere is that the economic crisis in Sri Lanka was caused by nepotism, corruption and above all wrong policies pursued by the government led by the Rajapaksa brothers and their family members in high positions. The mismanagement of economy resulted in distortions in agricultural sector impacting adversely on food and tea production, huge foreign debts, inadequate foreign exchange reserves. Ultimately this led to a situation when the country ran out of most essential commodities including food and fuel and unmanageably high inflation rates. The popular anti-government civil society movement which began in earnest in April 2022 led initially to the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and later the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July this year. The election on 20th July of Ranil Wickremesinghe as President of Sri Lanka and the appointment on 22nd July of Dinesh Gunawardena as the country’s prime minister was an outcome of peaceful transfer of power within the framework of Sri Lanka’s constitution. Will it put an end to political instability and pave the way for the new government to focus on economic recovery?. Both, President Ranil Wickramasinghe and PM Dinesh Gunawardena in their early seventies are seasoned politicians. Ranil Wickremesinghe has held the position of prime minister for six times whereas Dinesh Gunawerdana has wide experience of dealing with international community in his capacity as former Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. He has held other ministerial posts also. The challenges ahead, however, are enormous. First and foremost is the question of popular perceptions and acceptability. Both these leaders are considered as the protégés of Rajapaksas. The popularity ratings of Ranil Wickremesinghe in particular are very low. He is credited more with failures than successes. However, he is gifted with an acumen that has helped him revive his sagging political fortunes repeatedly and earned him the knick name of “The Fox”. In 2020 elections, Ranil’s party UNP had won only one out of 225 seats in the Parliament. Yet due to his proximity with Rajapaksa brothers, he was appointed as Prime Minister by President Gotbaya Rajapaksa when his brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was forced to resign in the wake of popular agitation. He owes his election as President to the support he received in the Parliament from the SLPP i.e. the party led by the Rajapaksa brothers. The son of the iconic Marxist politician Philip Gunawardena, Dinesh Gunawardena started his political career as a leftist and trade unionist but has been associated with Rajapaksas for over two decades and is labelled as their staunch loyalist. He is considered a strong supporter of the executive presidency and is said to be opposed to greater power sharing with Tamils. Further, the 18 Member Cabinet sworn in on 22nd July is being described as a “continuity government” in as much as almost all previous Ministers have been re-appointed. There is no clarity at the moment of any possible much-talked-about “national unity government” in near future. In short, it may not be an exaggeration to say that the Rajapaksa brothers are back in power in their new incarnations known to rest of the world as Ranil Wickremesinghe and Dinesh Gunawardena. Proverbially, the people of Sri Lanka now have old wine in new bottle or perhaps the bottle is also old. Meanwhile, the civil society activists have vowed to continue their agitation till President Ranil Wickremesinghe also resigns. The president is obviously not in a mood to oblige. In one of his first acts as president, Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered a pre-dawn military raid at Colombo’s main anti-government agitation site in which at least three activists were brutally assaulted by soldiers despite the protesters promising to vacate the area by 2 pm, Friday, 23rd July. It remains to be seen as to whether the civil society will be able to sustain its peaceful agitation over a period of time which besides President’s resignation, is making several other demands such as abolition of executive presidency, mid-term elections and restructuring of economy. The SL Government must exercise restraint in dealing with public agitation and the public must keep their agitation peaceful. A semblance of political and social stability in the country is vital for invoking investors’ as well as tourists’ confidence. The bigger challenge before the new political dispensation in Colombo is in securing quick economic recovery, particularly in areas that impact directly on the daily life of the citizens; in short, the government must take measures to contain inflation, arrange supplies of essential commodities at affordable prices. President Wickremesinghe hopes to carry forward his dialogue with IMF for a relief/bailout package to its logical conclusion. Will that alone be sufficient? A Donor conference is being planned in Japan. Again will there be adequate pledges? And what steps such as strict austerity measures are the Sri Lankans willing to take to ease the situation? Sri Lanka is India’s close neighbour with age-old historical and religious and cultural ties. Unstable Sri Lanka has implications for India. In recent past India has extended aid and assistance worth almost USD 4 billion in the form of lines of credits, supply of essential commodities etc. India remains committed to help Sri Lanka but there are limits to which India alone can assist. The need of the hour is that individual countries, international financial institutions must come forward and rescue Sri Lanka at least from total collapse. There is no evidence that China, which is a part of Sri Lanka’s current problems, is also willing to be a part of solutions. Above all the SL Government will have to think out of the box and quickly embark upon course correction while the people of Sri Lanka must be prepared to display patience for some time. Overall, the journey to even partial recovery can be slow, difficult and even painful. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Change of leadership in Sri Lanka but the crisis is far from over

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and took refuge in Singapore with the country experiencing major food and fuel shortages. This is the worst economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since gaining independence in 1948 and it led to a massive public uproar against Rajapaksa and his government. Although Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, a right group called the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has filed a complaint with the country’s attorney general seeking the arrest and trial of Rajapaksa for his role in the Sri Lankan civil war.

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According to a report by Reuters, there is no issues when it comes to jurisdiction as he was accused of breaching the Geneva Conventions when Sri Lanka was going through a civil war in 2009.

“The criminal complaint that has been filed is (based on) verifiable information on both the crimes that have been committed, but also on evidence really linking the individual in question, who is now in Singapore,” Alexandra Lily Kather, one of the lawyers for ITJP, told Reuters from Berlin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-military-establishment-mulling-soft-intervention-amid-deepening-political-economic-crisis-report-500257" hreflang="en">Pak military establishment mulling 'soft intervention' amid deepening political, economic crisis: Report</a>

“Singapore really has a unique opportunity with this complaint, with its own law and with its own policy, to speak truth to power,” the report further quoted her as saying.

According to the authorities in Singapore, Rajapaksa has not asked for asylum from the government till now and currently, he is on a personal visit. Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka on July 12 and on the following day, he officially stepped down as the President.

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Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and took refuge in Singapore with the country experiencing major food and fuel shortages. This is the worst economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since gaining independence in 1948 and it led to a massive public uproar against Rajapaksa and his government.

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and took refuge in Singapore with the country experiencing major food and fuel shortages. This is the worst economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since gaining independence in 1948 and it led to a massive public uproar against Rajapaksa and his government. Although Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, a right group called the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has filed a complaint with the country’s attorney general seeking the arrest and trial of Rajapaksa for his role in the Sri Lankan civil war. Also read | Three dead in shooting at Philippines university graduation ceremony According to a report by Reuters, there is no issues when it comes to jurisdiction as he was accused of breaching the Geneva Conventions when Sri Lanka was going through a civil war in 2009. “The criminal complaint that has been filed is (based on) verifiable information on both the crimes that have been committed, but also on evidence really linking the individual in question, who is now in Singapore,” Alexandra Lily Kather, one of the lawyers for ITJP, told Reuters from Berlin. Also read | Pak military establishment mulling 'soft intervention' amid deepening political, economic crisis: Report “Singapore really has a unique opportunity with this complaint, with its own law and with its own policy, to speak truth to power,” the report further quoted her as saying. According to the authorities in Singapore, Rajapaksa has not asked for asylum from the government till now and currently, he is on a personal visit. Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka on July 12 and on the following day, he officially stepped down as the President. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Rights group lodges complaint against former Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Singapore

The besieged presidential office in Sri Lanka will reopen on Monday (July 25)&nbsp;after anti-government protesters were driven away by a military response that drew international criticism. The protesters stormed and occupied the colonial-era building earlier this month during a widespread outrage over the catastrophic situation on the island. The former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to Singapore and resigned later. Gotabaya’s successor Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered the troops armed with automatic rifles and batons to empty the 92-year-old building, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Less than 24 hours after Wickremesinghe took the oath of office and just before a new government was named, the military operation started to evacuate the secretariat building and surroundings. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-over-1000-valuable-artefacts-stolen-after-protesters-storm-presidential-palace-pm-house-500188">Sri Lanka: Over 1,000 precious artefacts ‘stolen’ after protesters stormed Presidential Palace, PM house</a>

However, the leader has been under criticism from Western nations, the UN, and human rights organisation for employing force against unarmed protesters who had made it known they will leave the area.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka crisis: First cabinet meeting under newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe

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A police spokeswoman said, “They can remain at the official protest site. The government may even open a few more places for demonstrators in the city,” AFP reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-security-forces-demolish-main-anti-government-protest-camp-report-499588">Sri Lankan security forces demolish main anti-government protest camp: Report</a>

The 22 million residents of the South Asian country had been dealing with month-long blackouts, record inflation, and shortages of food, fuel, and medicines.&nbsp;

In August, the new president Wickremesinghe will present a revised budget for the remainder of the year because the prior revenue and expense projections were too optimistic. The government also said that it will reopen schools that had been closed for more than a month.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The besieged presidential office in Sri Lanka will reopen on Monday (July 25) after anti-government protesters were driven away by a military response that drew international criticism.

The besieged presidential office in Sri Lanka will reopen on Monday (July 25) after anti-government protesters were driven away by a military response that drew international criticism. The protesters stormed and occupied the colonial-era building earlier this month during a widespread outrage over the catastrophic situation on the island. The former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to Singapore and resigned later. Gotabaya’s successor Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered the troops armed with automatic rifles and batons to empty the 92-year-old building, AFP reported. Less than 24 hours after Wickremesinghe took the oath of office and just before a new government was named, the military operation started to evacuate the secretariat building and surroundings. Also read | Sri Lanka: Over 1,000 precious artefacts ‘stolen’ after protesters stormed Presidential Palace, PM house However, the leader has been under criticism from Western nations, the UN, and human rights organisation for employing force against unarmed protesters who had made it known they will leave the area. Watch | Sri Lanka crisis: First cabinet meeting under newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe A police spokeswoman said, “They can remain at the official protest site. The government may even open a few more places for demonstrators in the city,” AFP reported. Also read | Sri Lankan security forces demolish main anti-government protest camp: Report The 22 million residents of the South Asian country had been dealing with month-long blackouts, record inflation, and shortages of food, fuel, and medicines. In August, the new president Wickremesinghe will present a revised budget for the remainder of the year because the prior revenue and expense projections were too optimistic. The government also said that it will reopen schools that had been closed for more than a month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka: President’s office to reopen on Monday following crackdown

The island nation has finally got a new President. Ranil Wickremesinghe has been elected as the 8th executive President of Sri Lanka with 134 votes. The newly elected President says that Sri Lanka is going through a tough situation and we have new challenges ahead.

'Big challenges ahead' says newly elected Sri Lankan Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka lawmakers elect six-time former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new president, this decision is more likely to reignite protests in the island nation.

Sri Lanka: Ranil Wickremesinghe elected as 8th President with 134 votes

Ranil Wickremesinghe has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president. Molly Gambhir tells you what comes next as the seasoned Ranil Wickremesinghe inherits the complicated, corrupt and often violent political system.

WION Fineprint | Six-time PM Wickremesinghe wins Sri Lankan presidency

Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was on Wednesday elected as Sri Lanka’s new President by Parliament. The new President will have a mandate to serve out the rest of Rajapaksa’s term, which ends in November 2024.

Ranil Wickremesinghe elected as Sri Lanka's new President

Victory for the people: Sri Lanka’s protests marks 100 days, waiting for the new leader

Requesting the assistance of the British government and their intelligence services, Sri Lankan acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the absence of a proper Easter Sunday investigation has meant that this issue still remains unresolved.

During Easter celebrations on April 21, 2019 simultaneous suicide bombings on three churches killed 42 foreigners from 14 countries.

Piling pressure on the government already embroiled in a deep economic crisis, Sri Lankans protesting for days near the president’s office criticised a lack of progress in finding those responsible for killing over 260 people in Islamic State-inspired bombings on Easter Sunday three years ago.

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Calling for justice for the victims of the attacks, hundreds of people lit candles and displayed banners and placards during a silent protest in the capital Colombo on Sunday.

Blaming friction between the country’s former president and former prime minister, Wickremesinghe said they failed to act on the intelligence warnings.

After Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleed to Singapore following over 100 days of protest due an economic crisis, Wickremesinghe automatically became acting president.

Questioning former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's government, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said the true conspirators in the attacks could still be at large.

Just a year before the pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the Sri Lankan economy, the attacks shattered the country’s tourism industry.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Requesting the assistance of the British government and their intelligence services, Sri Lankan acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the absence of a proper Easter Sunday investigation has meant that this issue still remains unresolved.

Requesting the assistance of the British government and their intelligence services, Sri Lankan acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the absence of a proper Easter Sunday investigation has meant that this issue still remains unresolved. During Easter celebrations on April 21, 2019 simultaneous suicide bombings on three churches killed 42 foreigners from 14 countries. Piling pressure on the government already embroiled in a deep economic crisis, Sri Lankans protesting for days near the president’s office criticised a lack of progress in finding those responsible for killing over 260 people in Islamic State-inspired bombings on Easter Sunday three years ago. × Calling for justice for the victims of the attacks, hundreds of people lit candles and displayed banners and placards during a silent protest in the capital Colombo on Sunday. Blaming friction between the country’s former president and former prime minister, Wickremesinghe said they failed to act on the intelligence warnings. After Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleed to Singapore following over 100 days of protest due an economic crisis, Wickremesinghe automatically became acting president. Questioning former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's government, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said the true conspirators in the attacks could still be at large. Just a year before the pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the Sri Lankan economy, the attacks shattered the country’s tourism industry. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Sri Lankan acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe seeks UK help in Easter attacks probe

Amid the economic and political crisis in the neighbouring country of Sri Lanka, the Indian government has called an all-party meeting under External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The meeting will take place on Tuesday (July 19), the second day of the Monsoon session of the parliament.&nbsp;

"The Government has called another all-party meeting under EAM Dr S Jaishankar and FM Sitharaman on the current crisis in Sri Lanka, to be held on Tuesday." Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi informed media about the meeting.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sri-lankas-political-crisis-what-happens-next-497952">Sri Lanka's political crisis: What happens next?</a>

Why India cannot have an unstable neighbour?

An unstable neighbour in India's immediate vicinity is not an ideal situation for New Delhi. China, which has played a pivotal part in bringing Sri Lanka to its knees could attempt to use the perilous situation and install its proxies in the parliament, under its string of pearls strategy.

Thus, it becomes paramount that Indian political parties remain on the same page regarding helping Sri Lanka. New Delhi has already supplied over $3 billion in aid to its neighbour. Reportedly, the government of India has also assured Sri Lanka that despite the turmoil, it will continue to support democracy, stability and economic recovery of the country.&nbsp;

The island nation of Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since it gained independence in 1948. After the President, Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials deserted office, the entire country has plunged into a state of crisis.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-sri-lanka-bent-toward-economic-crisis-know-these-5-reasons-497442">Why Sri Lanka bent toward Economic Crisis? Know these 5 reasons</a>

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had tendered his resignation via an email to the Parliament speaker after landing in Singapore, so as to not get ensnared in the legal net. The anti-government protestors in Sri Lanka have been demanding the entire Rajapaksa clan and its associates quit and allow an all-party government to run the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid the economic and political crisis in the neighbouring country of Sri Lanka, the Indian government has called an all-party meeting under External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Amid the economic and political crisis in the neighbouring country of Sri Lanka, the Indian government has called an all-party meeting under External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The meeting will take place on Tuesday (July 19), the second day of the Monsoon session of the parliament. "The Government has called another all-party meeting under EAM Dr S Jaishankar and FM Sitharaman on the current crisis in Sri Lanka, to be held on Tuesday." Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi informed media about the meeting. Read More: Sri Lanka's political crisis: What happens next? Why India cannot have an unstable neighbour? An unstable neighbour in India's immediate vicinity is not an ideal situation for New Delhi. China, which has played a pivotal part in bringing Sri Lanka to its knees could attempt to use the perilous situation and install its proxies in the parliament, under its string of pearls strategy. Thus, it becomes paramount that Indian political parties remain on the same page regarding helping Sri Lanka. New Delhi has already supplied over $3 billion in aid to its neighbour. Reportedly, the government of India has also assured Sri Lanka that despite the turmoil, it will continue to support democracy, stability and economic recovery of the country. The island nation of Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since it gained independence in 1948. After the President, Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials deserted office, the entire country has plunged into a state of crisis. Read More: Why Sri Lanka bent toward Economic Crisis? Know these 5 reasons President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had tendered his resignation via an email to the Parliament speaker after landing in Singapore, so as to not get ensnared in the legal net. The anti-government protestors in Sri Lanka have been demanding the entire Rajapaksa clan and its associates quit and allow an all-party government to run the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian government calls an all-party meet on Sri Lanka crisis; EAM and FM to chair the meeting

Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brothers' tenure, Sri Lankans endured chronic gasoline and diesel shortages as well as skyrocketing costs for staples like bread and vegetables for months. Now, as the country's citizens are waiting for lawmakers to choose a new president on July 20, its diaspora has taken it upon themselves to do something for their homeland. To assist Sri Lanka in overcoming its present economic challenges and foreign exchange crisis, a new challenge called as the #SriLankaDollarChallenge has been launched on social media.&nbsp;Under this challenge, Sri Lankans settled abroad are sending Dollars back to their home country. The remittances seek to help Sri Lanka's struggling economy.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka's economic crisis continues to worsen; SLPP announces support to Wickremesinghe

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According to a 2019 study by Weber State University's Nazneen Ahmad and others, remittances do significantly boost economic production.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-sri-lankan-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-defends-himself-497894" hreflang="en">Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa defends himself</a>

The Mint reports that based on data from 80 poor countries from the World Development Indicators 2019 database for the years 1974 to 2014, they demonstrate that, on average, a 1 per cent increase in remittances improves real GDP by roughly 0.07 per cent over time.

As per some claims floating on Twitter, in the last couple of days, Sri Lankans settled overseas have sent close to $30,000 to their country. Tweets/posts online urge the diaspora to contribute by sending "money to family, friends or relatives thru official channels. If everyone could send money thru official channels, we could resolve the balance of payment crisis within few months."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-sri-lankan-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-defends-himself-497894" hreflang="en">Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa defends himself</a>

According to a report by India Today citing local media, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has recommended that all expats utilise only lawful official banking channels to remit dollars.

Earlier in April, Central bank governor Nandalal Weerasinghe had requested Sri Lankans abroad to “support the country at this crucial juncture by donating much needed foreign exchange”.

Here are some tweets supporting the #SriLankaDollarChallenge:

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We united, we protested and we chased him away. Now again it’s our own turn to reconstruct the homeland. Every small step counts. Do whatever you can. Say no to black market! 🇱🇰💪🏼 
 
“United we stand, Divided we fall.”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilankadollarchallenge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oecsldollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oecsldollarchallenge</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pe0ZV3T4tJ">pic.twitter.com/Pe0ZV3T4tJ</a>
— Mohammed Shafnas (@Shafnas95me) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shafnas95me/status/1547898415769481217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The fellow sri lankans has done their part and now there is no GOTA anymore. 
This is our turn as sri lankans who lives in overseas. Lets do our part and kindly invite all of your friends or family or anyone to take part in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaDollarChallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaDollarChallenge</a> 
And Lets build our country
— Imesh Chathura #අරගලයටජය 🇱🇰💕 (@ImeshChathura) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImeshChathura/status/1547904846958710784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As promised we will continue to do our best to the motherland ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilankadollarchallenge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHomeGota2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHomeGota2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHomeRanil2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHomeRanil2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/bOlDub5HgO">pic.twitter.com/bOlDub5HgO</a>
— Lakmal (@lakmalnira) <a href="https://twitter.com/lakmalnira/status/1547846793483849731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankadollarchallenge</a> is inspiring! 
 
If possible <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBSL</a> should share the figures on daily basis to encourage more expats &amp; Entrepreneur 🙌
— Muhammed Gazzaly 🇱🇰 (@gazly) <a href="https://twitter.com/gazly/status/1547916254156976130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Send the money to our country in a legal way and Restore the Nation Together.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilankadollarchallenge</a>
— I'm Mujeeb (@hm_mujeebrahman) <a href="https://twitter.com/hm_mujeebrahman/status/1547862271824920576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gota resigned and now people are sending Dollars to Sri Lanka. We can do this. Let’s get together and save our country 🇱🇰❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilankadollarchallenge</a>
— Waruna Hapugoda (@Waruna44) <a href="https://twitter.com/Waruna44/status/1547873001537880069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Let's rebuild Sri Lanka 🇱🇰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#srilankadollarchallenge</a> <a href="https://t.co/zyICesBd9m">pic.twitter.com/zyICesBd9m</a>
— Thushanka Sandeepa (@thushankas99) <a href="https://twitter.com/thushankas99/status/1547835484881420289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I urge every Sri Lankan who lives abroad to remit money to family, friends or relatives thru official channels. If everyone could send money thru official channels, we could resolve the balance of payment crisis within few months. 🇱🇰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankadollarchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankadollarchallenge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>
— Geethma Sooriyawansha (@geeethma) <a href="https://twitter.com/geeethma/status/1547965592677666818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brothers' tenure, Sri Lankans endured chronic gasoline and diesel shortages as well as skyrocketing costs for staples like bread and vegetables for months.

Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brothers' tenure, Sri Lankans endured chronic gasoline and diesel shortages as well as skyrocketing costs for staples like bread and vegetables for months. Now, as the country's citizens are waiting for lawmakers to choose a new president on July 20, its diaspora has taken it upon themselves to do something for their homeland. To assist Sri Lanka in overcoming its present economic challenges and foreign exchange crisis, a new challenge called as the #SriLankaDollarChallenge has been launched on social media. Under this challenge, Sri Lankans settled abroad are sending Dollars back to their home country. The remittances seek to help Sri Lanka's struggling economy. Watch | Sri Lanka's economic crisis continues to worsen; SLPP announces support to Wickremesinghe According to a 2019 study by Weber State University's Nazneen Ahmad and others, remittances do significantly boost economic production. Also read | Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa defends himself The Mint reports that based on data from 80 poor countries from the World Development Indicators 2019 database for the years 1974 to 2014, they demonstrate that, on average, a 1 per cent increase in remittances improves real GDP by roughly 0.07 per cent over time. As per some claims floating on Twitter, in the last couple of days, Sri Lankans settled overseas have sent close to $30,000 to their country. Tweets/posts online urge the diaspora to contribute by sending "money to family, friends or relatives thru official channels. If everyone could send money thru official channels, we could resolve the balance of payment crisis within few months." Also read | Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa defends himself According to a report by India Today citing local media, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has recommended that all expats utilise only lawful official banking channels to remit dollars. Earlier in April, Central bank governor Nandalal Weerasinghe had requested Sri Lankans abroad to “support the country at this crucial juncture by donating much needed foreign exchange”. Here are some tweets supporting the #SriLankaDollarChallenge: We united, we protested and we chased him away. Now again it’s our own turn to reconstruct the homeland. Every small step counts. Do whatever you can. Say no to black market! 🇱🇰💪🏼 “United we stand, Divided we fall.”#srilankadollarchallenge #oecsldollarchallenge pic.twitter.com/Pe0ZV3T4tJ — Mohammed Shafnas (@Shafnas95me) July 15, 2022 × The fellow sri lankans has done their part and now there is no GOTA anymore. This is our turn as sri lankans who lives in overseas. Lets do our part and kindly invite all of your friends or family or anyone to take part in the #SriLankaDollarChallenge And Lets build our country — Imesh Chathura #අරගලයටජය 🇱🇰💕 (@ImeshChathura) July 15, 2022 × As promised we will continue to do our best to the motherland ❤️ #srilankadollarchallenge #GoHomeGota2022 #GoHomeRanil2022 pic.twitter.com/bOlDub5HgO — Lakmal (@lakmalnira) July 15, 2022 × #SriLankadollarchallenge is inspiring! If possible @CBSL should share the figures on daily basis to encourage more expats & Entrepreneur 🙌 — Muhammed Gazzaly 🇱🇰 (@gazly) July 15, 2022 × Send the money to our country in a legal way and Restore the Nation Together.#srilankadollarchallenge — I'm Mujeeb (@hm_mujeebrahman) July 15, 2022 × Gota resigned and now people are sending Dollars to Sri Lanka. We can do this. Let’s get together and save our country 🇱🇰❤️#srilankadollarchallenge — Waruna Hapugoda (@Waruna44) July 15, 2022 × Let's rebuild Sri Lanka 🇱🇰#srilankadollarchallenge pic.twitter.com/zyICesBd9m — Thushanka Sandeepa (@thushankas99) July 15, 2022 × I urge every Sri Lankan who lives abroad to remit money to family, friends or relatives thru official channels. If everyone could send money thru official channels, we could resolve the balance of payment crisis within few months. 🇱🇰#SriLankadollarchallenge #SriLanka — Geethma Sooriyawansha (@geeethma) July 15, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

#SriLankaDollarChallenge: Sri Lankans abroad try to save country's economy via viral internet trend

Sri Lanka's political crisis: What happens next?

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as interim president, after Parliament speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena accepted the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka Crisis: Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as acting President after Gotabaya's resignation

The streets of Colombo are full of color. After months of gloom, there's some joy for Sri Lankans as thousands of citizens hit the streets to celebrate Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation.

Sri Lankans celebrate ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation

Gotabaya Rajapaksa is on the run. But his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to stay in Sri Lanka. Reports say, he is already planning his next comeback. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The Rajapaksas are planning a comeback already

A day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives to avoid popular revolt against an economic crisis blamed on his government’s poor management, Sri Lankans await his resignation. Rajapaksa has frequently assured the Speaker of the House of his resignation on Wednesday, but as of early Thursday, his resignation letter had still not arrived, according to an aide to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. The president was anticipated to travel to Singapore next, however, it’s unclear about his final destination. The leader along with his wife and two bodyguards departed from the primary international airport in a military plane, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The situation in Sri Lanka got worse as more protests began after Rajapaksa’s decision to name his ally Ranil Wickremesinghe, as interim president. The protesters stormed the premier’s office and demanded his resignation as well. The current acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency and enforced it in the western province but was lifted early on Thursday (July 15). However, he also announced his desire to step down from his position amid the ongoing turmoil in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-us-demands-peaceful-transfer-of-power-within-the-boundaries-497173">Sri Lanka crisis: US demands peaceful transfer of power within the boundaries</a>

As per Hospital sources, nearly 45 people were taken to hospital during a standoff on Wednesday (July 13) night near the parliament building between the police and protesters who were demanding the resignation of both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe.&nbsp;A 26-year-old protester was hospitalized after being tear-gassed and died because of breathing problems.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-state-broadcaster-stops-live-telecast-as-protests-intensify-497154">Sri Lanka state broadcaster stops live telecast as protests intensify</a>

Hundreds and thousands of people occupied the government building in Colombo last weekend as a part of the protest over the worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. The protesters are blaming the Rajapaksas and their allies for rampant inflation, shortages, and corruption.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives to avoid popular revolt against an economic crisis blamed on his government’s poor management, Sri Lankans await his resignation.

A day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives to avoid popular revolt against an economic crisis blamed on his government’s poor management, Sri Lankans await his resignation. Rajapaksa has frequently assured the Speaker of the House of his resignation on Wednesday, but as of early Thursday, his resignation letter had still not arrived, according to an aide to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. The president was anticipated to travel to Singapore next, however, it’s unclear about his final destination. The leader along with his wife and two bodyguards departed from the primary international airport in a military plane, Reuters reported. The situation in Sri Lanka got worse as more protests began after Rajapaksa’s decision to name his ally Ranil Wickremesinghe, as interim president. The protesters stormed the premier’s office and demanded his resignation as well. The current acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency and enforced it in the western province but was lifted early on Thursday (July 15). However, he also announced his desire to step down from his position amid the ongoing turmoil in the country. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis: US demands peaceful transfer of power within the boundaries As per Hospital sources, nearly 45 people were taken to hospital during a standoff on Wednesday (July 13) night near the parliament building between the police and protesters who were demanding the resignation of both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe. A 26-year-old protester was hospitalized after being tear-gassed and died because of breathing problems. Also read | Sri Lanka state broadcaster stops live telecast as protests intensify Hundreds and thousands of people occupied the government building in Colombo last weekend as a part of the protest over the worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. The protesters are blaming the Rajapaksas and their allies for rampant inflation, shortages, and corruption. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka: Protesters await Rajapaksa’s resignation after fleeing

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has arrived in Singapore on a flight from the Maldives. Singapore's government has confirmed that he had been allowed entry into the country on a private visit.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's fleeing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in Singapore from Maldives

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