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

Lankan MPs will be electing the country's next President on July 20. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe is running for office. It's a three-way race. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka set to elect a new President

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

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 Crisis Live Updates: Ranil Wickremesinghe elected as the new President

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 President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka lawmakers elect six-time former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new president. What key decisions are expected from Ranil Wickremesinghe to fight economic crisis in Sri Lanka?

What key decisions are expected from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to fight economic crisis in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka lawmakers elect six-time former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new President. To get more insights on this latest news from the island nation, WION is joined by Jehan Perera, executive director, National Peace council of Sri Lanka.

Ranil Wickremesinghe elected as Lankan President with 134 votes, protesters gather outside office

Sri Lanka’s main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday withdrew his candidature for President of the island nation and said he is supporting rival candidate Dullas Alahapperuma.

Sri Lanka: Leader of opposition Premadasa withdraws Presidential candidacy

Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickrenesinghe declared an emergency to tackle widespread protests against his government. How does the emergency empower the government? Will it backfire? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka declares emergency to contain protests

Sri Lanka’s acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a fresh state of emergency, as the interim government seeks to quell unrest ahead of a vote in parliament later this week to elect a new leader.

Sri Lanka: Acting president Wickremesinghe declares fresh state of emergency

<p>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.</p>

<p>During Easter celebrations on April 21, 2019 simultaneous suicide bombings on three churches killed 42 foreigners from 14 countries.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>Blaming friction between the country’s former president and former prime minister, Wickremesinghe said they failed to act on the intelligence warnings.</p>

<p>After Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleed to Singapore following over 100 days of protest due an economic crisis, Wickremesinghe automatically became acting president.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Just a year before the pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the Sri Lankan economy, the attacks shattered the country’s tourism industry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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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

Political and economic turmoil continue in Sri Lanka. In the latest, acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency in the country, this comes as Sri Lanka is now set to pick a new President.

Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces emergency to quell public unrest, maintain order

Political and economic wars continue in Sri Lanka. In the latest, acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency in the country, this comes as Sri Lanka is now set to pick a new President.

Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe declares state of emergency

Sri Lanka is reeling under its worst economic crisis since independence. The crisis continues to worsen even after President stepped down. Now, SLPP has announced support for Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka's economic crisis continues to worsen; protest movement reaches 100 days

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned as Sri Lanka's President. The protests have turned into celebrations. But, will they be be short-lived? Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken over as acting-President for 5 days. A new President will be appointed on July 20. Will the new leader be accepted? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns as Sri Lanka's President

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

<p>Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil&nbsp;Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the caretaker president until the Parliament elects Gotabaya Rajapaksa's&nbsp;successor.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Acting-President a short while ago by Sri Lankan Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/odjNmfd4cf">pic.twitter.com/odjNmfd4cf</a></p>
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<p>Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the acting president of Sri Lanka before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.</p>

<p>The 73-year-old leader act as the acting president until a new president is elected by the parliament. Sri Lanka's Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena&nbsp;has said that the new president will be elected in the next seven days after parliament convenes on July 20. The last date for filing the nominations is July 19.</p>

<p>Gotabaya Rajapaksa had appointed Wickremesinghe as the acting president hours after he fled to the Maldives earlier this week.</p>

<p>Earlier today, the&nbsp;resignation of Gotbaya was accepted, prompting relief and rejoice among the protesters who had camped outside his former offices.</p>

<p>According to AFP news agency, he emailed his notice from Singapore after flying from the Maldives.&nbsp;"The president has officially resigned from his position," speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gotabaya's much-sought exit came after months of intense protests against his mismanagement of the island nation's economy, low foreing reserves, and acute shortage of essential commodities, leading to severe hardships for its 22 million people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, his wife Ioma and their two bodyguards arrived in Singapore from the Maldives on board a Saudia airline flight, according to reports.</p>

<p>Media reports states that Gotabaya has not sought asylum in Singapore and is staying in the city-state for a "private visit".</p>

<p>"He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum,"&nbsp;Singapore's foreign ministry was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP quoting Sri Lankan security forces said that Gotabaya would most likely stay in Singapore for a few days, before potentially moving to the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the caretaker president until the Parliament elects Gotabaya Rajapaksa's successor. #WATCH | Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Acting-President a short while ago by Sri Lankan Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya#SriLanka pic.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the caretaker president until the Parliament elects Gotabaya Rajapaksa's successor. #WATCH | Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Acting-President a short while ago by Sri Lankan Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya#SriLanka pic.twitter.com/odjNmfd4cf — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2022 × Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the acting president of Sri Lanka before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, the prime minister’s office said in a statement. The 73-year-old leader act as the acting president until a new president is elected by the parliament. Sri Lanka's Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has said that the new president will be elected in the next seven days after parliament convenes on July 20. The last date for filing the nominations is July 19. Gotabaya Rajapaksa had appointed Wickremesinghe as the acting president hours after he fled to the Maldives earlier this week. Earlier today, the resignation of Gotbaya was accepted, prompting relief and rejoice among the protesters who had camped outside his former offices. According to AFP news agency, he emailed his notice from Singapore after flying from the Maldives. "The president has officially resigned from his position," speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana told reporters. Gotabaya's much-sought exit came after months of intense protests against his mismanagement of the island nation's economy, low foreing reserves, and acute shortage of essential commodities, leading to severe hardships for its 22 million people. He, his wife Ioma and their two bodyguards arrived in Singapore from the Maldives on board a Saudia airline flight, according to reports. Media reports states that Gotabaya has not sought asylum in Singapore and is staying in the city-state for a "private visit". "He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum," Singapore's foreign ministry was quoted as saying. AFP quoting Sri Lankan security forces said that Gotabaya would most likely stay in Singapore for a few days, before potentially moving to the United Arab Emirates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Sri Lanka's acting president

Even as chaos and anarchy takes over Sri Lanka, there is still no sign of resignation from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Angry protesters stormed PM office; opposition targets President, PM and speaker.

Sri Lanka: Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe calls for protecting parliament

The situation in Sri Lanka is dangerous. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled to the Maldives. Emergency has been imposed. A chopper was seen hovering over the protesters in Colombo today. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka: Military Chopper hovers over protesters

<p>Sri Lanka's national broadcaster SLRC also know as Jathika Rupavahini suspended live telecast on Wednesday (July 13) due to protesters surrounding its premises. The development came after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country. He has appointed PM Ranil Wickremesinghe as interim President of Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>A state of emergency was declared after protesters came prepared to face tear gas shelling by security forces outside Wickremesinghe's residence. A curfew has been declared in the western province of the country.</p>

<p>Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said that the PM cannot exercise the powers of the President, and cannot declare a curfew or a state of emergency.</p>

<p><strong>WION Fineprint | The rise and fall of Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa</strong></p>

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<p>"PM becomes acting President only if the President appoints him as such, or if the office of President is vacant, or if the CJ in consultation with the Speaker forms the view that the President is unable to act," Premadasa tweeted.</p>

<p>"In the absence of any of these, the PM cannot exercise the powers of President, and cannot declare curfew or a state of emergency," he said in another tweet.</p>

<p>Tear gas shells were used to disperse protesters trying to scale the wall to enter residence of Sri Lankan PM in capital Colombo.</p>

<p>The crisis-hit island country`s Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that he was yet to receive resignation letter from Gotabaya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We haven`t received President Gotabaya`s resignation yet, but we hope to get one in a day," Abeywardena told ANI.</p>

<p>73-year-old Gotabaya Rajapaksa had gone into hiding after crowds of protestors stormed his residence on July 9 and he had announced that he will resign on July 13.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sri Lanka's national broadcaster SLRC also know as Jathika Rupavahini suspended live telecast on Wednesday (July 13) due to protesters surrounding its premises. The development came after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country.

Sri Lanka's national broadcaster SLRC also know as Jathika Rupavahini suspended live telecast on Wednesday (July 13) due to protesters surrounding its premises. The development came after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country. He has appointed PM Ranil Wickremesinghe as interim President of Sri Lanka. A state of emergency was declared after protesters came prepared to face tear gas shelling by security forces outside Wickremesinghe's residence. A curfew has been declared in the western province of the country. Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said that the PM cannot exercise the powers of the President, and cannot declare a curfew or a state of emergency. WION Fineprint | The rise and fall of Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa × "PM becomes acting President only if the President appoints him as such, or if the office of President is vacant, or if the CJ in consultation with the Speaker forms the view that the President is unable to act," Premadasa tweeted. "In the absence of any of these, the PM cannot exercise the powers of President, and cannot declare curfew or a state of emergency," he said in another tweet. Tear gas shells were used to disperse protesters trying to scale the wall to enter residence of Sri Lankan PM in capital Colombo. The crisis-hit island country`s Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that he was yet to receive resignation letter from Gotabaya. "We haven`t received President Gotabaya`s resignation yet, but we hope to get one in a day," Abeywardena told ANI. 73-year-old Gotabaya Rajapaksa had gone into hiding after crowds of protestors stormed his residence on July 9 and he had announced that he will resign on July 13. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

Sri Lanka state broadcaster stops live telecast as protests intensify

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the country's acting President after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe takes over as acting President

Police and military forces used tear gas to disperse a growing crowd outside the office of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, who was the top leader in the country after the President fled. Protesters tried to push through the gates of the office of PM Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka: Police uses tear gas to disperse protesters as crowds swell

Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives as protesters took to the country’s streets. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered a curfew in the country’s Western Province.

Emergency imposed in Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya fled the country

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the country's acting President after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on a military jet.

Sri Lanka Crisis: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe to act on President Gotabaya's behalf

In the latest update on the Sri Lankan crisis, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house has been set on fire. PM's office has said that the protesters started fire.

Fire engulfs Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's private home in Colombo

In a latest update on Sri Lankan crisis, protests have taken an ugly and violent turn. Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe house has been set on fire.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's house set on fire

The Buddhist monks, a powerful group of the island nation Sri Lanka have taken to the streets and have called for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka: Buddhist monks stage protests demanding President Rajapaksa's resignation

<p>Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament Tuesday that Sri Lanka is bankrupt and the acute pain of its unprecedented economic crisis will linger until at least the end of next year.</p>

<p>After the government ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods, the island nation's 22 million people have endured months of galloping inflation and lengthy power cuts.</p>

<p>Warning of a deep recession,&nbsp;Wickremesinghe said&nbsp;acute shortages of food, fuel, and medicine will continue in the&nbsp;once-prosperous country.</p>

<p>Addressing the Sri Lankan parliament, the premier said "We will have to face difficulties in 2023 as well. This is the truth. This is the reality."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Depending on finalising a debt restructuring plan with creditors by August, Sri Lanka's ongoing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund will determine its future.</p>

<p>"We are now participating in the negotiations as a bankrupt country," Wickremesinghe said.</p>

<p>"Due to the state of bankruptcy our country is in, we have to submit a plan on our debt sustainability to them separately. Only when (the IMF) are satisfied with that plan can we reach an agreement."</p>

<p>However, before a deal is struck on a funding arrangement to address its balance of payments crisis, more work is needed to set the nation's finances right and repair its runaway fiscal deficit, according to IMF.</p>

<p>In an effort to conserve fuel, Sri Lanka is currently almost completely without petrol and the government has shut down non-essential public services.</p>

<p>To cope with food shortages and record prices, the United Nations estimates that about 80 per cent of the public are skipping meals.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament Tuesday that Sri Lanka is bankrupt and the acute pain of its unprecedented economic crisis will linger until at least the end of next year.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament Tuesday that Sri Lanka is bankrupt and the acute pain of its unprecedented economic crisis will linger until at least the end of next year. After the government ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods, the island nation's 22 million people have endured months of galloping inflation and lengthy power cuts. Warning of a deep recession, Wickremesinghe said acute shortages of food, fuel, and medicine will continue in the once-prosperous country. Addressing the Sri Lankan parliament, the premier said "We will have to face difficulties in 2023 as well. This is the truth. This is the reality." × Depending on finalising a debt restructuring plan with creditors by August, Sri Lanka's ongoing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund will determine its future. "We are now participating in the negotiations as a bankrupt country," Wickremesinghe said. "Due to the state of bankruptcy our country is in, we have to submit a plan on our debt sustainability to them separately. Only when (the IMF) are satisfied with that plan can we reach an agreement." However, before a deal is struck on a funding arrangement to address its balance of payments crisis, more work is needed to set the nation's finances right and repair its runaway fiscal deficit, according to IMF. In an effort to conserve fuel, Sri Lanka is currently almost completely without petrol and the government has shut down non-essential public services. To cope with food shortages and record prices, the United Nations estimates that about 80 per cent of the public are skipping meals. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Ranil Wickremesinghe admits Colombo is bankrupt

<p>Sri Lanka's troubles seem to be getting worse. On Saturday, while apologising for the country's worsening fuel crisis, Kanchana Wijesekera, the South Asian nation's energy minister said that several expected shipments were facing&nbsp;unexpected delays. As per an AFP report,&nbsp;Sri Lanka is virtually running out of petrol and diesel.&nbsp;The minister said that oil cargoes which were due last week failed to turn up while those expected next week will also not reach the country thanks to some "banking and logistical reasons" reasons.&nbsp;He further added that the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), is unable to predict when new oil supplies will arrive on the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to a lack of crude oil, the CPC also closed its sole refinery, he continued. 90,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil purchased on a two-month credit basis through Coral Energy in Dubai was used by the refinery to begin operations earlier this month.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sri Lanka economic crisis: Indian officials hold talks on additional aid</strong></p>

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<p>The nation is facing a serious shortage of foreign exchange and has barely any to finance even the most essential imports like food, fuel and medicines. To alleviate the situation the country had to resort to appealing for international handouts.</p>

<p>As hundreds of thousands of drivers waited for hours for gasoline and diesel across the poor country, the minister apologised "for the delay and inconvenience."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-limits-forex-possession-by-citizens-to-support-diminishing-reserves-491733" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka limits forex possession by citizens to support diminishing reserves</a></strong></p>

<p>The 22 million-person South Asian nation would continue to experience challenges for a few more months, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned parliament on Wednesday. He also advised people to utilise fuel carefully.</p>

<p>"Our economy has faced a complete collapse," Wickremesinghe said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are now facing a far more serious situation beyond the mere shortages of fuel, gas, electricity and food."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sri Lanka's troubles seem to be getting worse. On Saturday, while apologising for the country's worsening fuel crisis, Kanchana Wijesekera, the South Asian nation's energy minister said that several expected shipments were facing unexpected delays.

Sri Lanka's troubles seem to be getting worse. On Saturday, while apologising for the country's worsening fuel crisis, Kanchana Wijesekera, the South Asian nation's energy minister said that several expected shipments were facing unexpected delays. As per an AFP report, Sri Lanka is virtually running out of petrol and diesel. The minister said that oil cargoes which were due last week failed to turn up while those expected next week will also not reach the country thanks to some "banking and logistical reasons" reasons. He further added that the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), is unable to predict when new oil supplies will arrive on the island. In response to a lack of crude oil, the CPC also closed its sole refinery, he continued. 90,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil purchased on a two-month credit basis through Coral Energy in Dubai was used by the refinery to begin operations earlier this month. Watch | Sri Lanka economic crisis: Indian officials hold talks on additional aid The nation is facing a serious shortage of foreign exchange and has barely any to finance even the most essential imports like food, fuel and medicines. To alleviate the situation the country had to resort to appealing for international handouts. As hundreds of thousands of drivers waited for hours for gasoline and diesel across the poor country, the minister apologised "for the delay and inconvenience." Also read | Sri Lanka limits forex possession by citizens to support diminishing reserves The 22 million-person South Asian nation would continue to experience challenges for a few more months, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned parliament on Wednesday. He also advised people to utilise fuel carefully. "Our economy has faced a complete collapse," Wickremesinghe said. "We are now facing a far more serious situation beyond the mere shortages of fuel, gas, electricity and food." (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 fuel crisis worsens: Nation runs out of petrol and diesel

<p>Sri Lanka is currently going through the worst economic crisis since gaining their independence in 1948 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe believes that it is the fault of the previous governments and the politicians. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Wickremesinghe called it a “man-made economic crisis” and pointed out that the politicians in the country need to come together and change in order to rectify the current situation.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-enriching-uranium-at-an-unprecedented-rate-dangerously-close-to-nukes-israeli-pm-bennett-487478" hreflang="en">Iran enriching uranium at unprecedented rate, dangerously close to nukes: Israeli PM Bennett</a></p>

<p>“There is a man-made economic crisis. The politicians they say and certainly the governments that were in power earlier. I think most in the government carried on. Not only previous government, but the politicians are also responsible. Yes, in a way we have to admit we all have the responsibility for the downfall of the system, and we should change now. That is the challenge to all our members of parliament, that you are willing to change or not. Some are, others are not. So, the politics of Sri Lanka will be decided by those who are willing to change and come a new and those who are not,” Wickremesinghe said.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan PM also provided a sneak peek into their plans for restructuring of the economy. He explained that Sri Lanka is open to loans from both donors as well as private investors and they will also be discussing the situation with India and China.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-india-working-on-peace-along-lac-says-chinese-defence-minister-wei-fenghe-487531" hreflang="en">China and India working on peace along LAC, says Chinese defence minister</a></p>

<p>“We have to take restructuring loans both from the donors as well as the private investors. In case of the donors, we have to ensure, all of them agree to the restructuring program. Because only Japan is in the Paris club. China and India are out of the Paris Club. We got to get agreement. Matter has been taken up. I have not discussed it yet but will be discussing with China. There has been no response so far. Because Ambassador to Beijing is also discussing it with the government there,” he explained.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe exclusively on WION with Palki Sharma</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lSlHqqwRqAo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>


Sri Lanka is currently going through the worst economic crisis since gaining their independence in 1948 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe believes that it is the fault of the previous governments and the politicians.

Sri Lanka is currently going through the worst economic crisis since gaining their independence in 1948 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe believes that it is the fault of the previous governments and the politicians. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Wickremesinghe called it a “man-made economic crisis” and pointed out that the politicians in the country need to come together and change in order to rectify the current situation. Also read | Iran enriching uranium at unprecedented rate, dangerously close to nukes: Israeli PM Bennett “There is a man-made economic crisis. The politicians they say and certainly the governments that were in power earlier. I think most in the government carried on. Not only previous government, but the politicians are also responsible. Yes, in a way we have to admit we all have the responsibility for the downfall of the system, and we should change now. That is the challenge to all our members of parliament, that you are willing to change or not. Some are, others are not. So, the politics of Sri Lanka will be decided by those who are willing to change and come a new and those who are not,” Wickremesinghe said. The Sri Lankan PM also provided a sneak peek into their plans for restructuring of the economy. He explained that Sri Lanka is open to loans from both donors as well as private investors and they will also be discussing the situation with India and China. Also read | China and India working on peace along LAC, says Chinese defence minister “We have to take restructuring loans both from the donors as well as the private investors. In case of the donors, we have to ensure, all of them agree to the restructuring program. Because only Japan is in the Paris club. China and India are out of the Paris Club. We got to get agreement. Matter has been taken up. I have not discussed it yet but will be discussing with China. There has been no response so far. Because Ambassador to Beijing is also discussing it with the government there,” he explained. WATCH | Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe exclusively on WION with Palki Sharma

Exclusive | There is a man-made economic crisis in Sri Lanka, says PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

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