Sri Lanka's Presidential office will be ready to open today. The colonial era building had been cleared of protesters on Friday hours after Ranil Wickremesinghe took his Presidential oath.

Sri Lanka President's office to reopen after crackdown on protesters

The besieged Sri Lankan Presidential office reopened on Monday days after the military crackdown on the anti-government protesters. The presidential palace was occupied earlier this month by protesters angered by the island nation's unprecedented economic crisis.

Sri Lanka's besieged presidential office reopens days after crackdown on protesters

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Secretariat set to resume operations today

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>(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)</strong></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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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

From Military personnel guiding local residents during Wanan Air Raid Drill in Taiwan to Yemeni women looking at paintings at an art exhibition, here are some impactful images from around the world on 25 July 2022.

World in Pictures: Military guide Taiwan residents during drill; Yemeni women look at paintings

<p>Over 1,000 precious artefacts, including rare antiques of&nbsp;high values, have reportedly been stolen from Sri Lanka’s Presidential Palace and Prime Minister’s official residence at Temple Trees after the protesters had raided these premises earlier this month.</p>

<p>Colombo Page news outlet, quoting police sources, said that special investigation teams have been formed to trace the rare artefacts that have gone missing.</p>

<p>However, even before they could begin the investigation, the probe officers have already hit a roadblock.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology has failed to make a detailed record of the antiques and different artefacts at the Presidential Palace, even though it has been gazetted as a place of archaeological importance, the report said.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Sunday Lankadeepa newspaper, a senior official of the Department of Archaeology said that even though there is an estimation that over 1,000 artefacts have been stolen, it would be difficult to get specific and clear information about the exact number of antiques.</p>

<p>Scores of anti-government protesters had stormed the residences of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe on July 9 and occupied their premises as a way of expressing their discontent over the mismanagement of the economic affairs.</p>

<p>Shortly after taking oath, Wickremesinghe vowed to crack down on protesters, asserting that he will not allow another government building like the Presidential Palace or the Prime Minister’s private residence to be occupied.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/499296" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka: Protesters protest outside secretariat as parl elects Wickremsinghe</a></p>

<p>The 73-year-old leader has granted sweeping powers to Sri Lanka’s armed forces and the police to take whatever action necessary to prevent people from storming public facilities and obstructing Parliament.</p>

<p>“Don’t obstruct the parliamentarians and the parliament from carrying out their duty,” he said this week.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/499433" hreflang="en">Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as 8th President of Sri Lanka</a></p>

<p>Following this, the Sri Lankan security forces attacked a site of anti-government protesters at Galle Face early Friday where several government offices are located. At least nine persons were injured.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Over 1,000 precious artefacts, including rare antiques of high values, have reportedly been stolen from Sri Lanka’s Presidential Palace and Prime Minister’s official residence at Temple Trees after the protesters had raided these premises earlier this month.

Over 1,000 precious artefacts, including rare antiques of high values, have reportedly been stolen from Sri Lanka’s Presidential Palace and Prime Minister’s official residence at Temple Trees after the protesters had raided these premises earlier this month. Colombo Page news outlet, quoting police sources, said that special investigation teams have been formed to trace the rare artefacts that have gone missing. However, even before they could begin the investigation, the probe officers have already hit a roadblock. The Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology has failed to make a detailed record of the antiques and different artefacts at the Presidential Palace, even though it has been gazetted as a place of archaeological importance, the report said. Speaking to the Sunday Lankadeepa newspaper, a senior official of the Department of Archaeology said that even though there is an estimation that over 1,000 artefacts have been stolen, it would be difficult to get specific and clear information about the exact number of antiques. Scores of anti-government protesters had stormed the residences of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe on July 9 and occupied their premises as a way of expressing their discontent over the mismanagement of the economic affairs. Shortly after taking oath, Wickremesinghe vowed to crack down on protesters, asserting that he will not allow another government building like the Presidential Palace or the Prime Minister’s private residence to be occupied. Also read | Sri Lanka: Protesters protest outside secretariat as parl elects Wickremsinghe The 73-year-old leader has granted sweeping powers to Sri Lanka’s armed forces and the police to take whatever action necessary to prevent people from storming public facilities and obstructing Parliament. “Don’t obstruct the parliamentarians and the parliament from carrying out their duty,” he said this week. Also read | Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as 8th President of Sri Lanka Following this, the Sri Lankan security forces attacked a site of anti-government protesters at Galle Face early Friday where several government offices are located. At least nine persons were injured. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka: Over 1,000 precious artefacts ‘stolen’ after protesters stormed Presidential Palace, PM house

<p>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.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-in-shooting-at-philippines-university-graduation-ceremony-suspect-in-custody-500265">Three dead in shooting at Philippines university graduation ceremony</a></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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></p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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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 presidential office will reopen in Sri Lanka on Monday. The colonial era building has now been cleared of all protesters just hours after Ranil Wickremesinghe took his presidential oath.

Sri Lanka's presidential office to reopen soon

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka crisis: First cabinet meeting under newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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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

Sri Lanka held its first cabinet meeting under newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Cabinet was informed about securing a month-long fuel supply.

Sri Lanka crisis: First cabinet meeting under newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe

The swearing-in of a new cabinet was overshadowed by a pre-dawn crackdown on protesters in Sri Lanka. Beyond angry protesters, President Ranil Wickremesinghe faces another challenge - hidden Chinese loans. Can Wickremesinghe stabilise Sri Lanka? Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Hidden Chinese loans complicates Sri Lanka's bailout

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed Dinesh Gunawardena as the Prime Minister in a bid to restore political stability and mitigate the worst economic crisis.

Dinesh Gunawardena sworn in as Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister

Sri Lankan army personnel cleared the Galle seafront protest site on Friday and took control of the presidential secretariat. Newly-elected president Ranil Wickremesinghe deployed the army as well as Sri Lankan air force and navy personnel to maintain law and order across the island-nation.

Sri Lanka: Security forces raid Galle face protest site, 8 arrested

Anti-government protesters have returned to the streets of Sri Lanka after parliament elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country’s new president in a secret ballot on Wednesday. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan protesters to continue demanding resignation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka's new President Ranil Wickremesinghe swears in his Cabinet on Friday comprising members of the previous government. Dinesh Gunewardena takes oath as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Gunawardena, 73 had earlier served as the foreign minister and education minister.

Sri Lanka Live News: New President Ranil Wickremesinghe swears in new cabinet

There seems to be no end to the ongoing political unrest in Sri Lanka. In the latest, the Lankan Police arrested at least eight people following a joint operation carried out early on Friday to remove protestors who were occupying the main entrance to the President’s Office and the surrounding area.

Sri Lankan forces raid protest camp; at least 8 people arrested, dozens injured

As Ranil Wickremesinghe takes charge as Sri Lanka's new President, the chief of CIA has blamed Lanka's 'dumb bets' on China for the ongoing economic crisis. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: CIA chief blames Lanka's 'dumb bets' for crisis

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid6QYQBx8RJohj" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Sri Lankan armed forces raided a camp set up by anti-government protesters in the capital Colombo, media reported on Friday (July 22). This comes a day after Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the new president of the crisis-hit country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a report by BBC, security forces raided the main anti-government protest camp in the country's capital and started pulling down tents. Images and videos posted on social media also suggest the same as they show armed forces marching towards tents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amnesty International South Asia tweeted: "We're receiving reports of 'Gotagogama,' the peaceful protest site in Colombo, Sri Lanka being attacked by the Police and the Military in the early hours of Friday after surrounding it and arresting demonstrators."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Troops are storming the protest village at Galle Face in Colombo <a href="https://t.co/B1YpuldSZ7">https://t.co/B1YpuldSZ7</a></p>
— Maddie Klett (@maddieklett) <a href="https://twitter.com/maddieklett/status/1550272915429642240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A tense situation was reported at the main protest site in Colombo (Near Gota Go Gama). The soldiers who stormed in have removed the tents.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaProtests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaProtests</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjcR98mNuE">pic.twitter.com/bjcR98mNuE</a></p>
— Pagetamil (@Pagetamil) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pagetamil/status/1550272318257381376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis. On Wednesday, the country's lawmakers voted elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the South Asian nation, people have 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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled abroad last week after his palace was stormed by hundreds of angry protesters demanding that he take responsibility for acute shortages of medicines, food and fuel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, people hope that Ranil's experience in government will help pull the country out of a crippling economic and political crisis.</p>

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Sri Lankan armed forces raided a camp set up by anti-government protesters in the capital Colombo, media reported on Friday (July 22). This comes a day after Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the new president of the crisis-hit country.

Sri Lankan armed forces raided a camp set up by anti-government protesters in the capital Colombo, media reported on Friday (July 22). This comes a day after Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the new president of the crisis-hit country. As per a report by BBC, security forces raided the main anti-government protest camp in the country's capital and started pulling down tents. Images and videos posted on social media also suggest the same as they show armed forces marching towards tents. Amnesty International South Asia tweeted: "We're receiving reports of 'Gotagogama,' the peaceful protest site in Colombo, Sri Lanka being attacked by the Police and the Military in the early hours of Friday after surrounding it and arresting demonstrators." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. BREAKING: Troops are storming the protest village at Galle Face in Colombo https://t.co/B1YpuldSZ7 — Maddie Klett (@maddieklett) July 22, 2022 × A tense situation was reported at the main protest site in Colombo (Near Gota Go Gama). The soldiers who stormed in have removed the tents.#lka #SriLankaProtests #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/bjcR98mNuE — Pagetamil (@Pagetamil) July 22, 2022 × Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis. On Wednesday, the country's lawmakers voted elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new president. In the South Asian nation, people have 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. Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled abroad last week after his palace was stormed by hundreds of angry protesters demanding that he take responsibility for acute shortages of medicines, food and fuel. Now, people hope that Ranil's experience in government will help pull the country out of a crippling economic and political crisis. 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 Lankan security forces demolish main anti-government protest camp: Report

Sri Lanka's new President Ranil Wickremesinghe swears in his Cabinet on Friday comprising members of the previous government. Dinesh Gunawardena takes oath as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on Friday. Gunawardena, 73 had earlier served as the foreign minister and education minister.

Dinesh Gunawardena takes oath as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

<p>Former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected to be Sri Lanka’s president by country’s parliament on July 20. He will succeed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country amid intense civil unrest after a severe economic crisis in the island nation. About a hundred people protested outside the Presidential Secretariat as Sri Lankan lawmakers voted to choose the president.<br />
<br />
The protesters who had demanded Rajapaksa’s ouster had wanted Wickremesinghe gone too as he is widely viewed as an ally of the Rajapaksas.<br />
<br />
Sri Lanka is currently facing an unprecedented economic crisis that has resulted in acute shortage of fuel, food and medicines. The angry citizens have been protesting for months. Earlier in July, they occupied presidential secretariat along with president’s official residence. This forced former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. He flew first to Maldives and then to Singapore and only then tendered his resignation.<br />
<br />
Protesters had also stormed Wickremesinghe’s private house and office. He was prime minister then. After Rajapaksa’s resignation, Wickremesinghe had become acting president. After his election by the parliament, he will now serve remainder of Rajapaksa’s tenure.<br />
<br />
During the election, Wickremesinghe was backed by Rajapaksa’s SLPP party, still the largest party in parliament. He is also seen as a proxy for the former leader. He has now vowed to crack down on the lawbreakers.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of heavily armed troops and police stood guard outside the parliament, but there were no signs of demonstrators.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected to be Sri Lanka’s president by country’s parliament on July 20. He will succeed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country amid intense civil unrest after a severe economic crisis in the island nation.

Former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected to be Sri Lanka’s president by country’s parliament on July 20. He will succeed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country amid intense civil unrest after a severe economic crisis in the island nation. About a hundred people protested outside the Presidential Secretariat as Sri Lankan lawmakers voted to choose the president. The protesters who had demanded Rajapaksa’s ouster had wanted Wickremesinghe gone too as he is widely viewed as an ally of the Rajapaksas. Sri Lanka is currently facing an unprecedented economic crisis that has resulted in acute shortage of fuel, food and medicines. The angry citizens have been protesting for months. Earlier in July, they occupied presidential secretariat along with president’s official residence. This forced former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. He flew first to Maldives and then to Singapore and only then tendered his resignation. Protesters had also stormed Wickremesinghe’s private house and office. He was prime minister then. After Rajapaksa’s resignation, Wickremesinghe had become acting president. After his election by the parliament, he will now serve remainder of Rajapaksa’s tenure. During the election, Wickremesinghe was backed by Rajapaksa’s SLPP party, still the largest party in parliament. He is also seen as a proxy for the former leader. He has now vowed to crack down on the lawbreakers. Hundreds of heavily armed troops and police stood guard outside the parliament, but there were no signs of demonstrators. (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 Lankans protest outside secretariat as parliament elects Wickremesinghe as prez

Ranil Wickremesinghe took oath as Sri Lanka President on Thursday after winning the presidential poll on Wednesday. He is the ninth President of the island nation.

Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as Sri Lanka's 9th President

Ranil Wickremesinghe has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president. But what will come next as the seasoned Ranil Wickremesinghe inherits the complicated, corrupt and often violent political system. New President will be taking oath in Lankan parliament shortly.

Sri Lanka: Ranil Wickremesinghe to take oath in Lankan parliament shortly

<p>Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), blamed ‘dumb bets’ made by Sri Lanka on China for the country’s current economic crisis. Since Sri Lanka ran out of foreign currency to import necessities, the South Asia Island has experienced log blackout, food, and fuel shortages, and soaring prices. In other news, US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are scheduled to speak in the next 10 days. Currently, there is a lot of friction between the US and China particularly related to Taiwan. Finally, numerous influential figures from Central America have been added to a list of ‘corrupt and undemocratic’ people in the US. The names include former and current politicians, legislators, and business tycoons.</p>

<p>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cia-chief-bill-burns-says-sri-lanka-made-dumb-bets-on-heavy-chinese-investment-499310">CIA chief Bill Burns says Sri Lanka made 'dumb bets' on heavy Chinese investment</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/10/278087-untitled-design-14.png" /></p>

<p>Now, Burns said that high-debt Chinese investment by Sri Lanka's leaders was one of the major factors that led to the South Asian country's economic collapse. He noted that the Chinese have a lot of weight to throw around and they can make a very appealing case for their investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-plans-to-speak-with-his-chinese-counterpart-xi-jinping-499312">US President Joe Biden plans to speak with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/21/280803-joe-biden-and-xi-jinping.png" /></p>

<p>After returning from a trip to Massachusetts, Biden told reporters: "I think I'll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days." During his Massachusetts trip, Biden weighed in on climate change and its impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Foreign relations experts have claimed that it is extremely important for US and China to maintain cordial relations. But last month, Washington even called China a security challenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judges-lawmakers-and-more-us-adds-dozens-of-central-american-big-wigs-to-a-list-of-corrupt-people-499326">Judges, lawmakers and more, US adds dozens of Central American big-wigs to a list of 'corrupt' people</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/21/280819-0009kj3x3.jpg" /></p>

<p>El Salvadorians, Hondurans, Guatemalans, and Nicaraguans who Washington charges with wrongdoing are included on the so-called Engel List, which was established under a statute that Eliot Engel, a then-US Representative, sponsored.&nbsp;The State Department publishes the list every year. Those on the list will have their US visas cancelled and won't be allowed to enter the country.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did the CIA kill Lal Bahadur Shastri?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-the-cia-kill-lal-bahadur-shastri-499294/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Watch | United Kingdom: Fight between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss for 10 Downing street</strong></div>

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Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), blamed ‘dumb bets’ made by Sri Lanka on China for the country’s current economic crisis. Since Sri Lanka ran out of foreign currency to import necessities, the South Asia Island has experienced log blackout, food, and fuel shortages, and soaring prices.

Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), blamed ‘dumb bets’ made by Sri Lanka on China for the country’s current economic crisis. Since Sri Lanka ran out of foreign currency to import necessities, the South Asia Island has experienced log blackout, food, and fuel shortages, and soaring prices. In other news, US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are scheduled to speak in the next 10 days. Currently, there is a lot of friction between the US and China particularly related to Taiwan. Finally, numerous influential figures from Central America have been added to a list of ‘corrupt and undemocratic’ people in the US. The names include former and current politicians, legislators, and business tycoons. Click on headlines to read more: CIA chief Bill Burns says Sri Lanka made 'dumb bets' on heavy Chinese investment Now, Burns said that high-debt Chinese investment by Sri Lanka's leaders was one of the major factors that led to the South Asian country's economic collapse. He noted that the Chinese have a lot of weight to throw around and they can make a very appealing case for their investments. US President Joe Biden plans to speak with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping After returning from a trip to Massachusetts, Biden told reporters: "I think I'll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days." During his Massachusetts trip, Biden weighed in on climate change and its impact. Foreign relations experts have claimed that it is extremely important for US and China to maintain cordial relations. But last month, Washington even called China a security challenge. Judges, lawmakers and more, US adds dozens of Central American big-wigs to a list of 'corrupt' people El Salvadorians, Hondurans, Guatemalans, and Nicaraguans who Washington charges with wrongdoing are included on the so-called Engel List, which was established under a statute that Eliot Engel, a then-US Representative, sponsored. The State Department publishes the list every year. Those on the list will have their US visas cancelled and won't be allowed to enter the country. Watch | Gravitas: Did the CIA kill Lal Bahadur Shastri? Watch | United Kingdom: Fight between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss for 10 Downing street

Morning news brief: CIA chief blames Sri Lanka's ‘dumb bets’ for economic crisis, Biden-Xi to meet and more

From Sri Lanka getting a new President to UK boosting arms supply to Ukraine, here are some impactful images from around the world on July 21, 2022.

World in Pictures: Sri Lanka gets a new president; UK boosts arms supply to Ukraine

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