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,&nbsp;Wickremesinghe said&nbsp;acute shortages of food, fuel, and medicine will continue in the&nbsp;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."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lanka-fuel-crisis-worsens-487895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1&lt;/div">&amp;times;</iframe></div>

&nbsp;
</div>

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

Because there isn't enough fuel for parents and teachers to transport children to classes, cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Sunday extended school closures for one week. The energy minister pleaded with the nation's expats to transfer money home through banks to finance additional oil purchases.

Due to a substantial foreign debt, none of the island's gasoline providers are ready to offer fuel on credit. According to officials, the existing inventories, which are only enough to last a few days, would be used to support vital services like food distribution, public transportation, and workers in the health and port industries.

"Finding money is difficult. It's an enormous problem, "Kanchana Wijesekera, the minister of power and energy, told reporters.

He claimed that the government has placed an order for fresh fuel supplies, and that the first ship carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel is anticipated to arrive on Friday and the first ship carrying gasoline on July 22.

There are plenty of other fuel supplies on the way. He added that the government is having trouble coming up with $587 million to cover the cost of the fuel. According to Wijesekera, Sri Lanka owes seven fuel suppliers around $800 million.

Due to fuel shortages, schools were shuttered for a day last month across the country and had been closed for the previous two weeks in metropolitan areas. The last day of classes is Friday.

Because they are unable to deliver enough fuel to power producing plants, authorities have announced up to three-hour daily nationwide power outages starting on Monday. Massive power outages and acute shortages of necessities like cooking gas, medications, and food imports have been a drag on Sri Lanka's economy for months.

Wijesekera claimed that the lack of dollars is the primary issue and urged the 2 million Sri Lankans who are employed overseas to transmit their foreign exchange earnings through regular channels rather than illegal ones. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

Because there isn't enough fuel for parents and teachers to transport children to classes, cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Sunday extended school closures for one week.

Because there isn't enough fuel for parents and teachers to transport children to classes, cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Sunday extended school closures for one week. The energy minister pleaded with the nation's expats to transfer money home through banks to finance additional oil purchases. Due to a substantial foreign debt, none of the island's gasoline providers are ready to offer fuel on credit. According to officials, the existing inventories, which are only enough to last a few days, would be used to support vital services like food distribution, public transportation, and workers in the health and port industries. "Finding money is difficult. It's an enormous problem, "Kanchana Wijesekera, the minister of power and energy, told reporters. He claimed that the government has placed an order for fresh fuel supplies, and that the first ship carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel is anticipated to arrive on Friday and the first ship carrying gasoline on July 22. There are plenty of other fuel supplies on the way. He added that the government is having trouble coming up with $587 million to cover the cost of the fuel. According to Wijesekera, Sri Lanka owes seven fuel suppliers around $800 million. Due to fuel shortages, schools were shuttered for a day last month across the country and had been closed for the previous two weeks in metropolitan areas. The last day of classes is Friday. Because they are unable to deliver enough fuel to power producing plants, authorities have announced up to three-hour daily nationwide power outages starting on Monday. Massive power outages and acute shortages of necessities like cooking gas, medications, and food imports have been a drag on Sri Lanka's economy for months. Wijesekera claimed that the lack of dollars is the primary issue and urged the 2 million Sri Lankans who are employed overseas to transmit their foreign exchange earnings through regular channels rather than illegal ones. 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 economic crisis: Govt keeps schools closed until Friday amid fuel shortage

Sri Lanka has been in turmoil. The Island nation, as per many experts, are going through the worst economic crisis in seven decades. Thus, the essential supply such as food, fuel, and electricity have been in limited numbers.

Amid all this, the Sri Lanka cricketers are doing their bit to help the country in such tumultous times. In this regard, Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) spinner Maheesh Theekshana won hearts by with a noble gesture for his homeland. With the help of the MS Dhoni-led Yellow Army, the 21-year-old wily spinner&nbsp;donated essential medical supplies to a Colombo hospital.

"I am blessed and humbled to contribute towards this desperate hour of their need," Theekshana told News9 while dwelling about his heartfelt gesture.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Maheesh Theekshana has donated Tissue vault, cell and freezing bags to Human heart value and tissue bank at Lady Ridgeway hospital for children today. Glad you have decided to allocate part of your IPL earnings to this. It's a generous gesture indeed 🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/children?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#children</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/maheesht61?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maheesht61</a> 💙 <a href="https://t.co/GOGQLam2vG">pic.twitter.com/GOGQLam2vG</a>
— Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) <a href="https://twitter.com/akalugalage/status/1541385386928140294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-w-vs-sl-w-chamari-athapaththus-80-guides-sl-to-consolation-win-prevents-india-from-series-whitewash-492323">Ind-W vs SL-W: Chamari Athapaththu's 80 guides SL to consolation win, prevents India from series whitewash</a>

For the unversed, Theekshana&nbsp;contributed by donating tissue vault, cell, and freezing bags to the Human Heart Valve and Tissue Bank at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo. As per a report by News18, he donated a part of his IPL 2022 earnings to help his crisis-hit Island nation.

Theekshana was signed by the four-time champions CSK for INR 70 lakhs (i.e. INR 7 million) ahead of IPL 15. He ended up with a fruitful debut season with the popular franchise, churning out 12 scalps in nine games. CSK, however, ended the IPL 2022 edition by finishing at the ninth spot and failed to win their fifth title. Theekshana was also part of Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka's recent 3-2 ODI series win over Australia in their own backyard, where he impressed one and all.

Sri Lanka has been in turmoil. The Island nation, as per many experts, are going through the worst economic crisis in seven decades. Thus, the essential supply such as food, fuel, and electricity have been in limited numbers.

Sri Lanka has been in turmoil. The Island nation, as per many experts, are going through the worst economic crisis in seven decades. Thus, the essential supply such as food, fuel, and electricity have been in limited numbers. Amid all this, the Sri Lanka cricketers are doing their bit to help the country in such tumultous times. In this regard, Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) spinner Maheesh Theekshana won hearts by with a noble gesture for his homeland. With the help of the MS Dhoni-led Yellow Army, the 21-year-old wily spinner donated essential medical supplies to a Colombo hospital. "I am blessed and humbled to contribute towards this desperate hour of their need," Theekshana told News9 while dwelling about his heartfelt gesture. Maheesh Theekshana has donated Tissue vault, cell and freezing bags to Human heart value and tissue bank at Lady Ridgeway hospital for children today. Glad you have decided to allocate part of your IPL earnings to this. It's a generous gesture indeed 🙏 #children @maheesht61 💙 pic.twitter.com/GOGQLam2vG — Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) June 27, 2022 × ALSO READ | Ind-W vs SL-W: Chamari Athapaththu's 80 guides SL to consolation win, prevents India from series whitewash For the unversed, Theekshana contributed by donating tissue vault, cell, and freezing bags to the Human Heart Valve and Tissue Bank at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo. As per a report by News18, he donated a part of his IPL 2022 earnings to help his crisis-hit Island nation. Theekshana was signed by the four-time champions CSK for INR 70 lakhs (i.e. INR 7 million) ahead of IPL 15. He ended up with a fruitful debut season with the popular franchise, churning out 12 scalps in nine games. CSK, however, ended the IPL 2022 edition by finishing at the ninth spot and failed to win their fifth title. Theekshana was also part of Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka's recent 3-2 ODI series win over Australia in their own backyard, where he impressed one and all.

Maheesh Theekshana, MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings help crisis-hit Sri Lanka, donate medical supplies

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;

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-indian-officials-hold-talks-on-additional-aid-491069/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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 |&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>

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.&nbsp;

"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:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

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

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the debt-laden country has “completely collapsed” and warned of “a possible fall to rock bottom” after months of shortages of fuel, electricity and other essential commodities and failure to service its debts.

“Our economy has completely collapsed,” the prime minister told the parliament on Wednesday.

He said that the government was seeking help from its global partners and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize the economy.

Wickremesinghe further warned the island nation of 22 million that it was "facing a far more serious situation" beyond the shortages.

Wickremesinghe also admitted that Sri Lanka is unable to purchase imported fuel due to the heavy debt owed by its petroleum corporation.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is $700m in debt, he told lawmakers. “As a result, no country or organisation in the world is willing to provide fuel to us. They are even reluctant to provide fuel for cash.”

In the wake of shortages of fuel and essential commodities, the government had a four-day work week for three months to save fuel and grow their own fruits and vegetables. The inflation rate for food is 57 per cent, according to the official data.

The Sri Lankan economy is facing one of its worst crises since its independence in 1948. The crisis is a result of a combination of factors such as heavy debts, lost tourism revenue due to the pandemic, as well as surging costs for commodities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crisis-hit-sri-lanka-plans-donor-conference-interim-budget-in-august-490696" hreflang="en">Crisis-hit Sri Lanka plans donor conference, interim budget in August</a>

As a result, the country is heading towards bankruptcy, with hardly any money to import gasoline, milk, cooking gas, medicines and toilet paper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crisis-hit-sri-lanka-reduces-age-limit-to-21-for-women-to-work-overseas-490205" hreflang="en">Crisis-hit Sri Lanka reduces age limit of women allowed to work overseas to 21</a>

Sri Lanka has already suspended repayment of $7 billion in foreign debt due this year, pending the outcome of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on a rescue package. It must pay $5bn on average annually until 2026.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the debt-laden country has “completely collapsed” and warned of “a possible fall to rock bottom” after months of shortages of fuel, electricity and other essential commodities and failure to service its debts.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the debt-laden country has “completely collapsed” and warned of “a possible fall to rock bottom” after months of shortages of fuel, electricity and other essential commodities and failure to service its debts. “Our economy has completely collapsed,” the prime minister told the parliament on Wednesday. He said that the government was seeking help from its global partners and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize the economy. Wickremesinghe further warned the island nation of 22 million that it was "facing a far more serious situation" beyond the shortages. Wickremesinghe also admitted that Sri Lanka is unable to purchase imported fuel due to the heavy debt owed by its petroleum corporation. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is $700m in debt, he told lawmakers. “As a result, no country or organisation in the world is willing to provide fuel to us. They are even reluctant to provide fuel for cash.” In the wake of shortages of fuel and essential commodities, the government had a four-day work week for three months to save fuel and grow their own fruits and vegetables. The inflation rate for food is 57 per cent, according to the official data. The Sri Lankan economy is facing one of its worst crises since its independence in 1948. The crisis is a result of a combination of factors such as heavy debts, lost tourism revenue due to the pandemic, as well as surging costs for commodities. Also read | Crisis-hit Sri Lanka plans donor conference, interim budget in August As a result, the country is heading towards bankruptcy, with hardly any money to import gasoline, milk, cooking gas, medicines and toilet paper. Also read | Crisis-hit Sri Lanka reduces age limit of women allowed to work overseas to 21 Sri Lanka has already suspended repayment of $7 billion in foreign debt due this year, pending the outcome of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on a rescue package. It must pay $5bn on average annually until 2026. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka’s economy has completely collapsed, says PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka will call China, India and Japan to a donor conference to drum up more foreign assistance and present an interim budget in August, the prime minister said on Wednesday, amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The island nation of 22 million people is struggling with its worst economic crisis in seven decades, unable to import essentials including food, fuel and medicines because of a severe shortage of foreign exchange.

An interim budget will be presented in August, seeking to put public finances on a more sustainable path and increase funds to the poor who have been hardest hit, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament.

"The interim budget will set the path forward. This, together with an IMF programme and debt sustainability, will lay the foundation for Sri Lanka to return to economic stability," he said.

In late May, Wickremesinghe had told Reuters he would present an interim budget within six weeks, cutting government spending down "to the bone".

The dearth of basic necessities and spiralling inflation has stroked public unrest, pushing Wickremesinghe's government to redouble efforts to bring in assistance from the likes of the IMF and friendly countries.

"We need the support of India, Japan and China who have been historic allies. We plan to convene a donor conference with the involvement of these countries to find solutions for Sri Lanka’s crisis," Wickremesinghe told parliament.

"We will also seek help from the U.S.," he said, adding that his administration will use $70 million from the World Bank for buying cooking gas, which has been in short supply, setting off sporadic protests.

A high-level delegation from India will arrive on Thursday for talks on additional support from New Delhi, and a team from the U.S. Treasury will visit next week, Wickremesinghe said.

India has so far provided around $4 billion worth of assistance, the prime minister said, including a $400 million swap and credit lines totalling $1.5 billion.

China, which has traditionally jostled with New Delhi for influence over the Indian Ocean island, is considering an appeal from Sri Lanka to renegotiate the terms of a yuan-denominated swap worth $1.5 billion to fund essential imports.

IMF TALKS

The government also delayed publication of its first quarter GDP data, due on Wednesday, because its census and statistics department did not receive all required inputs on time, an official said.

"We are working to get the growth numbers out as soon as possible but it will probably take a few days due to delays and staff shortages," said Anura Kumara, director general of the Census and Statistics Department.

Negotiations with an IMF team, which arrived in Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo this week, have made progress, with a staff-level agreement with the lender likely by the end of the month, Wickremesinghe said.

"We have discussed multiple points including fiscal policy, debt restructuring and direct cash transfers," he said.

"Parallel to this we have also started talks on a debt restructuring framework, which we hope will be completed in July."

Sri Lanka, which suspended payment on $12 billion of foreign debt in April, is seeking around $3 billion from the IMF to put its public finances on track and access bridge financing.

Wickremesinghe said that once an agreement with the IMF was reached, his government would focus on a plan to increase Sri Lanka's exports and stabilise the economy.

"It is no easy task to revive a country with a completely collapsed economy," he said, calling for opposition support for his economic recovery plan.

Sri Lanka will call China, India and Japan to a donor conference to drum up more foreign assistance and present an interim budget in August, the prime minister said on Wednesday, amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sri Lanka will call China, India and Japan to a donor conference to drum up more foreign assistance and present an interim budget in August, the prime minister said on Wednesday, amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The island nation of 22 million people is struggling with its worst economic crisis in seven decades, unable to import essentials including food, fuel and medicines because of a severe shortage of foreign exchange. An interim budget will be presented in August, seeking to put public finances on a more sustainable path and increase funds to the poor who have been hardest hit, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament. "The interim budget will set the path forward. This, together with an IMF programme and debt sustainability, will lay the foundation for Sri Lanka to return to economic stability," he said. In late May, Wickremesinghe had told Reuters he would present an interim budget within six weeks, cutting government spending down "to the bone". The dearth of basic necessities and spiralling inflation has stroked public unrest, pushing Wickremesinghe's government to redouble efforts to bring in assistance from the likes of the IMF and friendly countries. "We need the support of India, Japan and China who have been historic allies. We plan to convene a donor conference with the involvement of these countries to find solutions for Sri Lanka’s crisis," Wickremesinghe told parliament. "We will also seek help from the U.S.," he said, adding that his administration will use $70 million from the World Bank for buying cooking gas, which has been in short supply, setting off sporadic protests. A high-level delegation from India will arrive on Thursday for talks on additional support from New Delhi, and a team from the U.S. Treasury will visit next week, Wickremesinghe said. India has so far provided around $4 billion worth of assistance, the prime minister said, including a $400 million swap and credit lines totalling $1.5 billion. China, which has traditionally jostled with New Delhi for influence over the Indian Ocean island, is considering an appeal from Sri Lanka to renegotiate the terms of a yuan-denominated swap worth $1.5 billion to fund essential imports. IMF TALKS The government also delayed publication of its first quarter GDP data, due on Wednesday, because its census and statistics department did not receive all required inputs on time, an official said. "We are working to get the growth numbers out as soon as possible but it will probably take a few days due to delays and staff shortages," said Anura Kumara, director general of the Census and Statistics Department. Negotiations with an IMF team, which arrived in Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo this week, have made progress, with a staff-level agreement with the lender likely by the end of the month, Wickremesinghe said. "We have discussed multiple points including fiscal policy, debt restructuring and direct cash transfers," he said. "Parallel to this we have also started talks on a debt restructuring framework, which we hope will be completed in July." Sri Lanka, which suspended payment on $12 billion of foreign debt in April, is seeking around $3 billion from the IMF to put its public finances on track and access bridge financing. Wickremesinghe said that once an agreement with the IMF was reached, his government would focus on a plan to increase Sri Lanka's exports and stabilise the economy. "It is no easy task to revive a country with a completely collapsed economy," he said, calling for opposition support for his economic recovery plan.

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka plans donor conference, interim budget in August

In an exclusive interview with WION, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, WA Wijewardena talked about the economic crisis in the country.

In an exclusive interview with WION, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, WA Wijewardena talked about the economic crisis in the country. In the latest development, Sri Lanka closed schools and halted non-essential government services on Monday (June 20), starting a two-week shutdown to conserve fast-depleting fuel reserves. Also, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team began bailout talks in Sri Lanka. But, Wijewardena said that there are fears that we are moving towards a situation where Sri Lanka or systems in the nation will come to a standstill without any warning. WION: Dr Wijewardena, the economic situation of Sri Lanka is very bleak, even as of right now given that the fuel crisis has now raged to new lows with motorists camping out for days with the hope of obtaining even a little bit of fuel. What are your comments on this? Wijewardena- This is not something unexpected because when Sri Lanka lost all reserves, and now Sri Lanka cannot finance the fuel imports unless some friendly country would come to its rescue, a country like India. We had an Indian credit line under which we were able to import that has fully exhausted now. So, unless India would like to extend another credit line to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka will have to manage whatever is available in its stocks. That's why there's an acute shortage of fuel, all types of fuels- petrol, diesel. We don't have it now, so we are moving towards a situation where Sri Lanka or systems in Sri Lanka will come to a standstill. Now without any warning, one day - the hospital system, educational system, public service, transport system, banking system, agriculture, industry, and exports, everything will come to a standstill without any warning and that is the fear that we are having in Sri Lanka today. WION: A lot of people ask or focus their attention on IMF discussions that kicked off today with the PM. It's a 10-member delegation and what can we sort of expect in the coming few weeks knowing that high focus and finalising the agreement with the IMF? Wijewardena: It is actually a good sign that the IMF came to Sri Lanka to start negotiations with the political authorities. Earlier the negotiations were taken at the technical level with the staff of the central bank and staff of the IMF. Now they have moved a little further forward and they are going to have discussions with the political authorities and in this case, the minister of finance and PM Ranil, they are meeting him. They will be meeting President and all the key ministers. So, it would be a very encouraging sight for Sri Lanka to have this mission field, Sri Lanka, by IMF but it will not help Sri Lanka immediately. The main reason not the preconditions for the support for Sri Lanka from IMF is the completion of the debt restructuring programme. It takes time because they have come with certain demands in the debt restructuring programme. One demand is that both China and India are not in the Paris club under which Sri Lanka will have to negotiate with all bilateral and multilateral credit to Sri Lanka. Then we have the London cup under which Sri Lanka will have to negotiate with the international holders, so both will have to proceed with both India and China on both. So, if Sri Lanka would give certain preference to China, all the ISB holders will demand that they should also be given the same treatment. Here we have come across very pertinent MP demand and unless this particular debt restructuring programme is under the IMF credit to Sri Lanka will be not given to us. This is where we have the problem right now. So, in my view, the debt restructuring might take a longer time period for which they need a stable government because the creditors will point out that there should be a stable government and whatever the agreement that they would agree with Sri Lanka, it should be taken by any government that would come to power in the future. It is very unlikely right now because of the political instability and failure of both Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil to form an over-party government in Sri Lanka. All other parties have not during the all-party government ministers have been appointed by just looking at some people of the parties which should not satisfy the agenda. As a result, the creditors will insist that for them to come to an agreement that the government of Sri Lanka, there should be a stable government which should be supported by all the political parties there. This is one of the demands that we are facing today and probably this may be the leading matter to be discussed in the IMF mission which is in Colombo now. WION: How successful do you think, Sri Lanka will be in fulfilling these parameters and these requirements that are being set down by the IMF? Wijewardena: These are difficult things but of course not impossible. If we have the will to do that and of course, both president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and PM Ranil will have to take the position parties into confidence and get their support. So, it is actually a kind of a political mantuary than an economic manurey. So, if they are successful in doing that, probably we will be able to support maybe in the first quat of next year but not early than that. So, our problem is how to survive the remaining 6–9-month time period without any foreign exchange available in the country. So as a result, the country's situation would become worse day by day and as I mentioned earlier, there is a likelihood that we might come to a standstill without any warning. WION: PM Wickramasinghe was seen saying that it's only this top situation that the country is in right now that will only last for a maximum of 2-3 weeks, but according to you Dr Wijewardena, it pretty much seems that the entire year is in limbo in terms of financing the country? Wijewardena: Well if we look at the present situation in Sri Lanka, we have a massive gap in our balance of payments, which means, the foreign exchange is pretty much lower than the outflow of foreign exchange. Even with the debt restructuring, the Sri Lanka minister of finance announced that they would not repay any of the debts in the next time period, even with that, there's a massive gap in the balance of payments. During the first four months, it was 2.5 billion US Dollars. During the balance plot, it is likely that the balance of payments would be more than 8 billion US Dollars. So without this huge gap to be filled, I don't think PM Ranil would be able to complete these tasks within the 2-3 weeks time period because what happened was when he was sworn in as the PM, he promised to the nation that he will be able to bring about 5 billion US Dollars immediately to Sri Lanka and these dollars are to be received by the country even after one month. Unless he's able to get support from some source, to fill the gap that is there in the payment, it will not be over within the 2-3 weeks time period as he has hoped and of course, it will take longer than that and we guess that it will be mostly 6-9 months' time period. 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.

Amid economic crisis, Sri Lanka might come to standstill without warning: Wijewardena tells WION

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 |&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>

“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 |&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>

“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 |&nbsp;Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe exclusively on WION with Palki Sharma

<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>

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

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Tuesday asked the International Monetary Fund to arrange a creditor meeting for $6 billion in loans to help keep the country afloat during its unprecedented economic crisis.

Months of daily blackouts, long queues for petrol and record inflation have made daily life a misery in the South Asian island nation of 22 million people.

The government has already defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt, and a critical shortage of foreign currency has left traders unable to import adequate supplies of food, fuel and other essential goods.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-vows-to-finish-term-but-wont-run-for-re-election-485665">Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election</a>

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the country needed $5 billion for its daily needs in the next six months, along with another billion to stabilise Sri Lanka's rapidly depreciating rupee.

"We call on the International Monetary Fund to hold a conference to help unite our lending partners," the premier told parliament.&nbsp;

He said a meeting under IMF auspices with China, Japan and India -- Sri Lanka's three biggest bilateral lenders -- would be a "great strength" in helping source more loans.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is already in talks with the IMF for a bailout and has appointed international experts to help restructure its debt, about half of which is in international sovereign bonds.

Wickremesinghe again warned the country was heading for serious food shortages and said the United Nations had agreed to issue an urgent appeal on Thursday to raise humanitarian funds.

A disastrous ban on agricultural chemical imports, introduced by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last year, dramatically curtailed crop yields and led to protests by farmers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-21st-amendment-to-constitution-to-be-submitted-to-cabinet-for-approval-on-monday-485240">Sri Lanka's 21st Amendment to Constitution to be submitted to cabinet for approval on Monday</a>

The policy was reversed months later, but Sri Lanka is now out of foreign currency to import fertiliser, pesticides and other much-needed farming chemicals.

Wickremesinghe became premier in May after his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the elder brother of the president, stepped down after months of protests against the government's economic mismanagement.

At least nine people were killed and many more wounded in riots that followed an attack on peaceful demonstrators outside President Rajapaksa's office in Colombo last month.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Tuesday asked the International Monetary Fund to arrange a creditor meeting for $6 billion in loans to help keep the country afloat during its unprecedented economic crisis.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Tuesday asked the International Monetary Fund to arrange a creditor meeting for $6 billion in loans to help keep the country afloat during its unprecedented economic crisis. Months of daily blackouts, long queues for petrol and record inflation have made daily life a misery in the South Asian island nation of 22 million people. The government has already defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt, and a critical shortage of foreign currency has left traders unable to import adequate supplies of food, fuel and other essential goods. Also read | Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the country needed $5 billion for its daily needs in the next six months, along with another billion to stabilise Sri Lanka's rapidly depreciating rupee. "We call on the International Monetary Fund to hold a conference to help unite our lending partners," the premier told parliament. He said a meeting under IMF auspices with China, Japan and India -- Sri Lanka's three biggest bilateral lenders -- would be a "great strength" in helping source more loans. Sri Lanka is already in talks with the IMF for a bailout and has appointed international experts to help restructure its debt, about half of which is in international sovereign bonds. Wickremesinghe again warned the country was heading for serious food shortages and said the United Nations had agreed to issue an urgent appeal on Thursday to raise humanitarian funds. A disastrous ban on agricultural chemical imports, introduced by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last year, dramatically curtailed crop yields and led to protests by farmers. Also read | Sri Lanka's 21st Amendment to Constitution to be submitted to cabinet for approval on Monday The policy was reversed months later, but Sri Lanka is now out of foreign currency to import fertiliser, pesticides and other much-needed farming chemicals. Wickremesinghe became premier in May after his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the elder brother of the president, stepped down after months of protests against the government's economic mismanagement. At least nine people were killed and many more wounded in riots that followed an attack on peaceful demonstrators outside President Rajapaksa's office in Colombo last month. 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 urgently seeks $6 billion to keep economy afloat

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will finish the remaining two years of his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster but won’t stand for re-election, he told Bloomberg.

Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis in decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-denies-detaining-russian-plane-after-moscow-lodges-diplomatic-protest-485097">Also Read |&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;PM proposes more cabinet accountability amid economic crisis</a>

"I have been given a mandate for five years. I will not contest again," Rajapaksa said on Monday in an interview at his official residence in Colombo.

Anti-government protestors blame Rajapaksa and his family for decisions that led to severe shortages of everything from fuel to medicine, stoking inflation of 40 per cent&nbsp;and forcing a historic debt default.

Watch |&nbsp;World At War: Will Gotabaya Rajapaksa resort to oppression to stay in power?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-at-war-will-gotabaya-rajapaksa-resort-to-oppression-to-stay-in-power-478981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands of demonstrators have camped outside the president’s seaside office since mid-March, forcing him to retreat to his barricaded official residence about a Kilometre&nbsp;away.

The economic tailspin spiralled into political turmoil with the resignation of the president’s older brother -- Mahinda Rajapaksa -- as the nation’s prime minister after clashes between government supporters and the protesters turned bloody in May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-mahinda-rajapaksas-residence-set-on-fire-nationwide-curfew-imposed-477738">Also Read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka economic crisis: Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence set on fire, nationwide curfew imposed</a>

Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are now seeking about four billion dollars in aid this year from the International Monetary Fund and countries including&nbsp;India&nbsp;and China.

Sri Lanka’s rupee has lost about 82&nbsp;per cent over the past year and the central bank on Monday flagged the possibility of a further correction. The nation’s debt is trading in the deeply-distressed territory.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will finish the remaining two years of his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster but won’t stand for re-election, he told Bloomberg.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will finish the remaining two years of his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster but won’t stand for re-election, he told Bloomberg. Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis in decades. Also Read | Sri Lanka PM proposes more cabinet accountability amid economic crisis "I have been given a mandate for five years. I will not contest again," Rajapaksa said on Monday in an interview at his official residence in Colombo. Anti-government protestors blame Rajapaksa and his family for decisions that led to severe shortages of everything from fuel to medicine, stoking inflation of 40 per cent and forcing a historic debt default. Watch | World At War: Will Gotabaya Rajapaksa resort to oppression to stay in power? Thousands of demonstrators have camped outside the president’s seaside office since mid-March, forcing him to retreat to his barricaded official residence about a Kilometre away. The economic tailspin spiralled into political turmoil with the resignation of the president’s older brother -- Mahinda Rajapaksa -- as the nation’s prime minister after clashes between government supporters and the protesters turned bloody in May. Also Read | Sri Lanka economic crisis: Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence set on fire, nationwide curfew imposed Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are now seeking about four billion dollars in aid this year from the International Monetary Fund and countries including India and China. Sri Lanka’s rupee has lost about 82 per cent over the past year and the central bank on Monday flagged the possibility of a further correction. The nation’s debt is trading in the deeply-distressed territory. 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 president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election

Under political reforms to solve Sri Lanka's political crisis, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has invited the protesting youngsters to join governance.

Clipping the power of the president and strengthening those of parliamentarians, Wickremesinghe said ''The youth are calling for a change in the existing system.''

''They also want to know the current issues. Therefore, I propose to appoint four youth representatives to each of these 15 committees,'' according to Wickremesinghe.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-proposes-accountable-cabinet-483324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sri Lanka, which has a population of 22 million, is experiencing the worst economic crisis since it gained independence from Britain in 1948.

Youngsters in Sri Lanka are protesting against the shortage of fuel, electricity, and other basic facilities and have been camped out outside the president’s office for more than 50 days.

Holding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family responsible for the country's economic crisis, they want an overhaul of the system of governance and are demanding his resignation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-police-fires-tear-gas-shells-at-students-during-anti-government-protests-483330" hreflang="en">Lankan police fires tear gas at students during anti-government protests</a>

Sri Lanka, which is on the brink of bankruptcy, has already defaulted on its foreign loans of nearly $7 billion with its remaining foreign currency reserves capable of purchasing only two weeks of needed imports.

Planning to appoint youngsters to the ''youth parliament'', Wickremesinghe said “The methodology used to choose these individuals can be decided by the youth organisations themselves.”&nbsp;

Although broader reforms such as reducing presidential powers would need the approval of the Supreme Court and a two-thirds parliamentary majority, setting up new broad-based parliamentary committees apparently can be done under the current constitution.

Seeking an economic bailout package from the International Monetary Fund, Sri Lankan officials have been mulling an economic reform plan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1">&amp;times;</iframe></div>

&nbsp;
</div>

Under political reforms to solve Sri Lanka's political crisis, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has invited the protesting youngsters to join governance. Clipping the power of the president and strengthening those of parliamentarians, Wickremesinghe said ''The youth are calling for a change in the existing system.

Under political reforms to solve Sri Lanka's political crisis, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has invited the protesting youngsters to join governance. Clipping the power of the president and strengthening those of parliamentarians, Wickremesinghe said ''The youth are calling for a change in the existing system.'' ''They also want to know the current issues. Therefore, I propose to appoint four youth representatives to each of these 15 committees,'' according to Wickremesinghe. Sri Lanka, which has a population of 22 million, is experiencing the worst economic crisis since it gained independence from Britain in 1948. Youngsters in Sri Lanka are protesting against the shortage of fuel, electricity, and other basic facilities and have been camped out outside the president’s office for more than 50 days. Holding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family responsible for the country's economic crisis, they want an overhaul of the system of governance and are demanding his resignation. Also read | Lankan police fires tear gas at students during anti-government protests Sri Lanka, which is on the brink of bankruptcy, has already defaulted on its foreign loans of nearly $7 billion with its remaining foreign currency reserves capable of purchasing only two weeks of needed imports. Planning to appoint youngsters to the ''youth parliament'', Wickremesinghe said “The methodology used to choose these individuals can be decided by the youth organisations themselves.” Although broader reforms such as reducing presidential powers would need the approval of the Supreme Court and a two-thirds parliamentary majority, setting up new broad-based parliamentary committees apparently can be done under the current constitution. Seeking an economic bailout package from the International Monetary Fund, Sri Lankan officials have been mulling an economic reform plan. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'Youth are calling for a change': Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe invites protestors to join governance

"As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, including financial support, fuel, food, medicines and other essential items" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, referring to the island nation's ongoing economic crisis.

The prime minister was at an event in Chennai to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for government projects, including highways, railways, gas pipelines and housing, worth over Rs. 31,000 crores.&nbsp;

The prime minister's emphasis on India's assistance to Sri Lanka gains significance, given the deep cultural and linguistic ties shared between the people of Tamil Nadu and the Sri Lankan Tamils.

It is notable that Tamil Nadu is the most proximate Indian state to Sri Lanka and that Lankan nationals have been fleeing, via fishing boats, from their homeland to illegally enter the southern state. So far, nearly 70 people, including senior citizens, women and infants, have fled since the economic crisis began there.&nbsp;

Modi also elaborated on the assistance that Indian organisations and private individuals have been offering to Sri Lanka, especially the Lankan Tamil community that is spread across the north, east and central highland regions of the Indian Ocean littoral state.

Further, he listed out that the Indian government is undertaking projects that are spread across the domains of healthcare, transportation, housing and culture, to support the Tamil people of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since March 2022, Sri Lanka has been witnessing skyrocketing prices of essentials and a massive shortage of foreign currency that has further crippled its ability to import fuel and other commodities.

This economic crisis has also sparked severe protests and political unrest in the island nation, with common people&nbsp;occupying the entrance to the president's office and demanding his resignation.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from the prime minister’s post earlier this month. Following this, veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had already served as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for five terms, was re-appointed as the country's premiere.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, including financial support, fuel, food, medicines and other essential items" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, referring to the island nation's ongoing economic crisis.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, including financial support, fuel, food, medicines and other essential items" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, referring to the island nation's ongoing economic crisis. The prime minister was at an event in Chennai to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for government projects, including highways, railways, gas pipelines and housing, worth over Rs. 31,000 crores. The prime minister's emphasis on India's assistance to Sri Lanka gains significance, given the deep cultural and linguistic ties shared between the people of Tamil Nadu and the Sri Lankan Tamils. It is notable that Tamil Nadu is the most proximate Indian state to Sri Lanka and that Lankan nationals have been fleeing, via fishing boats, from their homeland to illegally enter the southern state. So far, nearly 70 people, including senior citizens, women and infants, have fled since the economic crisis began there. Modi also elaborated on the assistance that Indian organisations and private individuals have been offering to Sri Lanka, especially the Lankan Tamil community that is spread across the north, east and central highland regions of the Indian Ocean littoral state. Further, he listed out that the Indian government is undertaking projects that are spread across the domains of healthcare, transportation, housing and culture, to support the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. Since March 2022, Sri Lanka has been witnessing skyrocketing prices of essentials and a massive shortage of foreign currency that has further crippled its ability to import fuel and other commodities. This economic crisis has also sparked severe protests and political unrest in the island nation, with common people occupying the entrance to the president's office and demanding his resignation. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from the prime minister’s post earlier this month. Following this, veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had already served as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for five terms, was re-appointed as the country's premiere. 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.

As a close friend & neighbour, India providing all possible assistance to Sri Lanka, says PM Modi

Australian players have raised ethical concerns about travelling to Sri Lanka for a full-fledged tour amid the economic crisis and political unrest in the country. Australia are scheduled to play 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests in Sri Lanka in June-July. Ahead of the team's departure next week, some of the members of the Australian team have raised concerns over travelling to the Island nation at such a time but will support the decision taken by the officials of Cricket Australia.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg revealed the players have raised ethical concerns but confirmed that the tour will go ahead as per schedule. Sri Lanka is currently battling one of its worst-ever economic crises with inflation soaring across the country and an acute shortage of resources like fuel and electricity.

The ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka has occurred majorly due to a severe shortage of foreign currency reserves. While COVID-19 impacted the tourism sector in the country, the reduction in exports also took a heavy toll on Sri Lanka's economy. Sri Lanka was under curfew earlier this month after protests in the country turned violent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-kaif-lauds-hardik-pandya-as-gt-reach-final-havent-seen-a-better-captain-than-him-in-ipl-2022-482077">Mohammad Kaif lauds Hardik Pandya as GT reach final: Haven't seen a better captain than him in IPL 2022</a>

With the Sri Lankans battling such difficult conditions at present, some of the Australian players feel it won't augur well to tour the country in the current situation. At a time when there is a fuel shortage&nbsp;and regular power cuts, Australia are scheduled to play 3 T20Is against Sri Lanka under the lights in Colombo before moving to Pallekele for 5 ODIs and Galle for two Test matches.

However, Cricket Australia believes the tour can help Sri Lanka financially as the Aussies have not toured the country since 2016 and a full-fledged series can help in attracting big crowds to the stadiums. CA CEO Greenberg said Australian players are aware of the situation in Sri Lanka and there is a level of discomfort among them but they will follow the advice from CA.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-india-spinner-amit-mishra-takes-brutal-dig-at-shahid-afridi-after-latters-tweet-on-yasin-malik-482053">Ex-India spinner Amit Mishra takes brutal dig at Shahid Afridi after latter's tweet on Yasin Malik</a>

“The players are very aware of the situation in Sri Lanka and it’s fair to say there is a level of discomfort around touring in conditions that contrast those faced by the people of Sri Lanka, such as rising food prices, power cuts and fuel rationing,” Greenberg told AAP.

“Ultimately our players want to continue to play cricket and will take direction, guidance and advice from CA about tour arrangements and planning," he added.

Australia's tour of Sri Lanka will begin on June 07 with the first T20I at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Australia have already announced string squads across all three formats for the series and it remains to be seen if the tour will go ahead smoothly amid the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka.

Australian players have raised ethical concerns about travelling to Sri Lanka for a full-fledged tour amid the economic crisis and political unrest in the country.

Australian players have raised ethical concerns about travelling to Sri Lanka for a full-fledged tour amid the economic crisis and political unrest in the country. Australia are scheduled to play 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests in Sri Lanka in June-July. Ahead of the team's departure next week, some of the members of the Australian team have raised concerns over travelling to the Island nation at such a time but will support the decision taken by the officials of Cricket Australia. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg revealed the players have raised ethical concerns but confirmed that the tour will go ahead as per schedule. Sri Lanka is currently battling one of its worst-ever economic crises with inflation soaring across the country and an acute shortage of resources like fuel and electricity. The ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka has occurred majorly due to a severe shortage of foreign currency reserves. While COVID-19 impacted the tourism sector in the country, the reduction in exports also took a heavy toll on Sri Lanka's economy. Sri Lanka was under curfew earlier this month after protests in the country turned violent. Also Read: Mohammad Kaif lauds Hardik Pandya as GT reach final: Haven't seen a better captain than him in IPL 2022 With the Sri Lankans battling such difficult conditions at present, some of the Australian players feel it won't augur well to tour the country in the current situation. At a time when there is a fuel shortage and regular power cuts, Australia are scheduled to play 3 T20Is against Sri Lanka under the lights in Colombo before moving to Pallekele for 5 ODIs and Galle for two Test matches. However, Cricket Australia believes the tour can help Sri Lanka financially as the Aussies have not toured the country since 2016 and a full-fledged series can help in attracting big crowds to the stadiums. CA CEO Greenberg said Australian players are aware of the situation in Sri Lanka and there is a level of discomfort among them but they will follow the advice from CA. Also Read: Ex-India spinner Amit Mishra takes brutal dig at Shahid Afridi after latter's tweet on Yasin Malik “The players are very aware of the situation in Sri Lanka and it’s fair to say there is a level of discomfort around touring in conditions that contrast those faced by the people of Sri Lanka, such as rising food prices, power cuts and fuel rationing,” Greenberg told AAP. “Ultimately our players want to continue to play cricket and will take direction, guidance and advice from CA about tour arrangements and planning," he added. Australia's tour of Sri Lanka will begin on June 07 with the first T20I at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Australia have already announced string squads across all three formats for the series and it remains to be seen if the tour will go ahead smoothly amid the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka.

Australian cricketers raise ethical concerns ahead of team's tour of Sri Lanka amid economic crisis in country

Sri Lanka on Friday announced that it will temporarily&nbsp;lift&nbsp;the nationwide curfew which was imposed in response to chaos and violence that erupted during the protest against the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Public Security Ordinance, the government will lift restrictions Saturday from 6 am for 12 hours, the President’s Media Division announced.

The curfew will then be re-imposed at 6 pm Saturday and will be in effect until 5 am Sunday (May 15).

The violence was triggered after pro-government mobs attacked the protesters in Colombo. The conflict left at least eight people dead and left several injured on May 9.

The attack prompted authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy army troops in the capital.

Following this, Mahinda Rajapaksa had to resign as the Sri Lankan prime minister on the same day, while brother President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains in office with widespread powers and command over the security forces.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Ranil&nbsp;Wickremesinghe was appointed as the new prime minister by the president.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Crisis &amp; Chaos: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe struggles to form unity govt

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-crisis-chaos-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-struggles-to-form-unity-govt-478698/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But despite the curbs, the anti-government protest unabated despite a shoot-at-sight order by the officials.

The large-scale protests came after the Coronavirus pandemic hammered the island's vital income from tourism and remittances, which starved the country of foreign currency needed to pay off its debt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-interference-in-anti-president-protest-cabinet-members-yet-to-be-decided-sl-pm-wickremesinghe-478440" hreflang="en">No interference in anti-president protest: SL PM Wickremesinghe</a>

This forced the government to ban many imports, leading to severe shortages, inflation and lengthy power blackouts.

Good, medicine and fuel have run out or become unaffordable. Some people have died waiting at petrol stations to fill up their tanks, BBC reported.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sri-lanka-crisis-rajapaksas-in-fight-for-survival-as-the-situation-worsens-478272" hreflang="en">In Pics | Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksas fight for survival as situation worsens</a>

In April, Sri Lanka announced it was defaulting on its $51 billion foreign debt. The island country is currently negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sri Lanka on Friday announced that it will temporarily lift the nationwide curfew which was imposed in response to chaos and violence that erupted during the protest against the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government.

Sri Lanka on Friday announced that it will temporarily lift the nationwide curfew which was imposed in response to chaos and violence that erupted during the protest against the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government. In accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Public Security Ordinance, the government will lift restrictions Saturday from 6 am for 12 hours, the President’s Media Division announced. The curfew will then be re-imposed at 6 pm Saturday and will be in effect until 5 am Sunday (May 15). The violence was triggered after pro-government mobs attacked the protesters in Colombo. The conflict left at least eight people dead and left several injured on May 9. The attack prompted authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy army troops in the capital. Following this, Mahinda Rajapaksa had to resign as the Sri Lankan prime minister on the same day, while brother President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains in office with widespread powers and command over the security forces. On Thursday, Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as the new prime minister by the president. Watch | Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe struggles to form unity govt But despite the curbs, the anti-government protest unabated despite a shoot-at-sight order by the officials. The large-scale protests came after the Coronavirus pandemic hammered the island's vital income from tourism and remittances, which starved the country of foreign currency needed to pay off its debt. Also read | No interference in anti-president protest: SL PM Wickremesinghe This forced the government to ban many imports, leading to severe shortages, inflation and lengthy power blackouts. Good, medicine and fuel have run out or become unaffordable. Some people have died waiting at petrol stations to fill up their tanks, BBC reported. Also see | In Pics | Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksas fight for survival as situation worsens In April, Sri Lanka announced it was defaulting on its $51 billion foreign debt. The island country is currently negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sri Lanka to lift nationwide curfew on Saturday for 12 hours

Sri Lankans attempt to flee as economic crisis escalates

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday. 
Nine people have died and more than 300 have been injured this week in violent street protests against the government of the Indian Ocean nation, which is battling the worst economic crisis in its history.

Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its travel advice on Sri Lanka on Wednesday, instructing potential visitors to reconsider their need to travel because of the security situation. 
"We are keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka and talking regularly with DFAT and Sri Lanka Cricket," Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

"Our players and support staff have been briefed and will continue to be kept up to date. There are three weeks until the scheduled departure of the squad and at this stage there are no changes to the schedule." 
DFAT has also been advising potential visitors to Pakistan to reconsider their need to travel since March, in that case because of "the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and violence".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-will-keep-fighting-afghanistan-women-footballers-train-in-australia-after-fleeing-taliban-rule-478206">'We will keep fighting': Afghanistan women footballers train in Australia after fleeing Taliban rule</a>

The Australia test side completed its first cricket tour of Pakistan since 1998 under "presidential-level" security last month. Australia announced three strong squads last month for the tour of Sri Lanka, which includes a Twenty20 series, five one-day internationals as well as two tests in Galle. An Australia "A" team will also play four matches.

Two of the T20 matches that kick off the tour early next month, three of the one-day internationals and two of the "A" matches are in the capital Colombo, where the worst of the violence has taken place. 
Cricket Australia`s security chief visited Sri Lanka last month, when a state of emergency was first declared, and gave the all-clear for the tour.

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday.

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday. Nine people have died and more than 300 have been injured this week in violent street protests against the government of the Indian Ocean nation, which is battling the worst economic crisis in its history. Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its travel advice on Sri Lanka on Wednesday, instructing potential visitors to reconsider their need to travel because of the security situation. "We are keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka and talking regularly with DFAT and Sri Lanka Cricket," Cricket Australia said on Thursday. "Our players and support staff have been briefed and will continue to be kept up to date. There are three weeks until the scheduled departure of the squad and at this stage there are no changes to the schedule." DFAT has also been advising potential visitors to Pakistan to reconsider their need to travel since March, in that case because of "the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and violence". ALSO READ | 'We will keep fighting': Afghanistan women footballers train in Australia after fleeing Taliban rule The Australia test side completed its first cricket tour of Pakistan since 1998 under "presidential-level" security last month. Australia announced three strong squads last month for the tour of Sri Lanka, which includes a Twenty20 series, five one-day internationals as well as two tests in Galle. An Australia "A" team will also play four matches. Two of the T20 matches that kick off the tour early next month, three of the one-day internationals and two of the "A" matches are in the capital Colombo, where the worst of the violence has taken place. Cricket Australia`s security chief visited Sri Lanka last month, when a state of emergency was first declared, and gave the all-clear for the tour.

Sri Lanka crisis: Cricket Australia monitor situation in Island nation ahead of tour

Sri Lanka is in a sorry state right now. The island nation has been reeling under severe chaos following the never-seen-before economic crisis. As a result, the&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister of the nation, Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently resigned and flee to the country's naval base.

Thus, the citizens of the Asian country have taken to the roads and are burning public properties and creating total chaos outside as they remain clueless with regard to what the future holds for them in the nation. Amid all this, Sri Lankan cricket great Mahela Jayawardene reacted to the country's economic crisis and the violence it has caused in recent times.

Jayawardene, who is currently involved with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in IPL 2022,&nbsp;urged his countrymen to not take the route of violence and maintain peace and harmony amid such testing and uncertain times.

“History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfill own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong. Always think as Sri Lankan !!”, he tweeted.

“Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power”, he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfil own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong 🙏🏻 Always think as Sri Lankan !!
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1524080705680015360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power 🙏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHomeGota2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHomeGota2022</a>
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1524022147848581121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-rahul-dravid-attend-a-bjp-event-in-poll-bound-himachal-team-india-head-coach-responds-477858">Will Rahul Dravid attend a BJP event in poll-bound Himachal? Team India head coach responds</a>

Sri Lanka has been known for its people, as a travel destination and for maintaining peace and harmony with its Asian neighbours. Nonetheless, the situation has taken a turn for the worse in recent times in the aftermath of the economic crisis. Thus, the&nbsp;situation has become so alarming that reportedly&nbsp;the armed forces of the country have been given the green signal to shoot at sight at any person who is found responsible for&nbsp;damaging public property or threatening lives.

Amid such times, it is definitely tough for the Sri Lanka players involved in IPL 15 to contribute to their respective franchises as their worry and concern is absolutely justified with what is transpiring back home.

Sri Lanka is in a sorry state right now. The island nation has been reeling under severe chaos following the never-seen-before economic crisis. As a result, the Prime Minister of the nation, Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently resigned and flee to the country's naval base.

Sri Lanka is in a sorry state right now. The island nation has been reeling under severe chaos following the never-seen-before economic crisis. As a result, the Prime Minister of the nation, Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently resigned and flee to the country's naval base. Thus, the citizens of the Asian country have taken to the roads and are burning public properties and creating total chaos outside as they remain clueless with regard to what the future holds for them in the nation. Amid all this, Sri Lankan cricket great Mahela Jayawardene reacted to the country's economic crisis and the violence it has caused in recent times. Jayawardene, who is currently involved with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in IPL 2022, urged his countrymen to not take the route of violence and maintain peace and harmony amid such testing and uncertain times. “History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfill own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong. Always think as Sri Lankan !!”, he tweeted. “Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power”, he added. History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfil own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong 🙏🏻 Always think as Sri Lankan !! — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 10, 2022 × Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power 🙏🏻 #GoHomeGota2022 — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 10, 2022 × ALSO READ | Will Rahul Dravid attend a BJP event in poll-bound Himachal? Team India head coach responds Sri Lanka has been known for its people, as a travel destination and for maintaining peace and harmony with its Asian neighbours. Nonetheless, the situation has taken a turn for the worse in recent times in the aftermath of the economic crisis. Thus, the situation has become so alarming that reportedly the armed forces of the country have been given the green signal to shoot at sight at any person who is found responsible for damaging public property or threatening lives. Amid such times, it is definitely tough for the Sri Lanka players involved in IPL 15 to contribute to their respective franchises as their worry and concern is absolutely justified with what is transpiring back home.

Sri Lanka crisis: 'Violence will not achieve.....' - Mahela Jayawardene reacts as his homeland reels in chaos

Sri Lankan singer Yohan may be in Mumbai, expanding her professional base and collaborating with Indian musicians, but her heart remains with the people of her country during these trying times.&nbsp; 
 
Sri Lanka is facing one of its most severe economic crises and Yohani, whose real name is Yohani Diloka de Silva, admits she is heartbroken.&nbsp; 
 
“Right now, my country is going through a tough time, and it needs all the help. It doesn’t have to be financial help, any sort of help which can help people is important,” Yohani told The Hindustan Times in an interview.&nbsp; 
 
“It is really important for me to use my voice and fame to help people of my country. That’s why it is really important for me to speak about it. My roots tracing back the country is compelling me to speak up, and lend my voice to it. And I will continue to do so." 
 
Yohani shot to fame last year when her song Manike Mage Hithe went viral and was adapted into various Indian languages.&nbsp; 
 
“I am very passionate about my country. Even though I am in Mumbai at the moment, my parents are there, my sister is there, my friends are there, and my whole team is there. In fact, the musicians and producers with whom I worked are there," Yohani further said.&nbsp; 
 
“And I know what they are going through. At the moment, Sri Lanka is going through a lot. I know their feelings, and it breaks my heart. And that is why I will continue to do all that I can to help and raise my voice for the betterment of my country," said the singer who aspires to work with AR Rahman in her career.&nbsp; 
 
Last month, the viral singer posted a video appealing to her fans to contribute to a project through which she and other musicians are trying to raise $1 million for Sri Lanka. 
 
“As an ambassador to my country, with an international platform, I’ve decided to break my silence and lend my voice to my people back home considering the gravity of the situation,” she wrote in her post. 
 
While speaking to WION, the singer had said she hoped her Indian fans would support the project and help her amplify it.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-singer-and-songwriter-yohani-speaks-to-wion-on-sri-lanka-crisis-469191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sri Lankan singer Yohan may be in Mumbai, expanding her professional base and collaborating with Indian musicians, but her heart remains with the people of her country during these trying times.

Sri Lankan singer Yohan may be in Mumbai, expanding her professional base and collaborating with Indian musicians, but her heart remains with the people of her country during these trying times. Sri Lanka is facing one of its most severe economic crises and Yohani, whose real name is Yohani Diloka de Silva, admits she is heartbroken. “Right now, my country is going through a tough time, and it needs all the help. It doesn’t have to be financial help, any sort of help which can help people is important,” Yohani told The Hindustan Times in an interview. “It is really important for me to use my voice and fame to help people of my country. That’s why it is really important for me to speak about it. My roots tracing back the country is compelling me to speak up, and lend my voice to it. And I will continue to do so." Yohani shot to fame last year when her song Manike Mage Hithe went viral and was adapted into various Indian languages. “I am very passionate about my country. Even though I am in Mumbai at the moment, my parents are there, my sister is there, my friends are there, and my whole team is there. In fact, the musicians and producers with whom I worked are there," Yohani further said. “And I know what they are going through. At the moment, Sri Lanka is going through a lot. I know their feelings, and it breaks my heart. And that is why I will continue to do all that I can to help and raise my voice for the betterment of my country," said the singer who aspires to work with AR Rahman in her career. Last month, the viral singer posted a video appealing to her fans to contribute to a project through which she and other musicians are trying to raise $1 million for Sri Lanka. “As an ambassador to my country, with an international platform, I’ve decided to break my silence and lend my voice to my people back home considering the gravity of the situation,” she wrote in her post. While speaking to WION, the singer had said she hoped her Indian fans would support the project and help her amplify it.

Yohani on Sri Lanka's economic crisis: Important to use my voice to help my country

Sri Lankan singer, songwriter, and music producer Yohani speaks to WION on Sri Lanka's current situation. Listen to this conversation to know more about the Sri Lanka crisis.

Sri Lankan singer and songwriter Yohani speaks to WION on Sri Lanka crisis

India on Thursday dismissed speculations on sending troops to Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said it fully supports Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery. The denial came after "fake and blatantly false" reports emerged following reports of Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family fleeing to India.

"The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of India," the Indian mission said.

"The spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs of India clearly stated yesterday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery," it added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of 
the Government of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. (1/2)
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1524252859428220928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India's foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi added that "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes".

At least eight people have died and over 250 wounded amid clashes between security forces and protesters even as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop the violence.

Sri Lanka's economy began to plunge after the pandemic two years ago as foreign remittances dried up and tourists stopped coming into the country.

Last month the government said it won't be able to pay its foreign debts as the IMF stepped in. The country&nbsp;has been a hit with a significant shortage of food and fuel along with high inflation as protesters hit the streets last month demanding the resignation of the current government fueling clashes with authorities.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

India on Thursday dismissed speculations on sending troops to Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said it fully supports Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

India on Thursday dismissed speculations on sending troops to Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said it fully supports Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery. The denial came after "fake and blatantly false" reports emerged following reports of Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family fleeing to India. "The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of India," the Indian mission said. "The spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs of India clearly stated yesterday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery," it added. The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about #India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of #India. (1/2) — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) May 11, 2022 × India's foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi added that "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes". At least eight people have died and over 250 wounded amid clashes between security forces and protesters even as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop the violence. Sri Lanka's economy began to plunge after the pandemic two years ago as foreign remittances dried up and tourists stopped coming into the country. Last month the government said it won't be able to pay its foreign debts as the IMF stepped in. The country has been a hit with a significant shortage of food and fuel along with high inflation as protesters hit the streets last month demanding the resignation of the current government fueling clashes with authorities. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Categorically deny speculative reports about sending troops to Sri Lanka: India

7 people were killed and more than 200 wounded in a wave of violence in Sri Lanka where the prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned after weeks of protests over the worsening economic crisis.

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: 7 dead and 200 injured in clashes, protesters defy curfew

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's home in Kurunegala, in the country's northwestern area, was set on fire just hours after he submitted his resignation.

Increased civic unrest and a crippling economic crisis are currently plaguing the country.

Sanath Nishantha, Ramesh Pathirana, Mahipala Herath, Thissa Kuttiarachchi, and Nimal Lanza, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando, and MPs Sanath Nishantha, Ramesh Pathirana, Mahipala Herath, Thissa Kuttiarachchi, and Nimal Lanza many people came to the streets, including members of the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF), and assaulted Sri Lanka's Podujana Peramuna MPs. Certain Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) offices were set on fire, according to the Daily Mirror.

Furthermore, two people were shot dead and five others were injured at the home of the Chairman of the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha, according to local authorities.

Watch | Gravitas: How Mahinda Rajapaksa became a political liability

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-mahinda-rajapaksa-became-a-political-liability-477715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The events occur as the Prime Minister has resigned and called for the formation of an interim all-party administration to address the country's severe economic crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bar-association-of-sri-lanka-expresses-grave-concern-on-the-state-of-emergency-477068" hreflang="en">Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency</a>

The military has been deployed on the roads to maintain peace despite an island-wide curfew.

The developments come as anti-government protests have intensified in recent days, leading to an increase in clashes with security forces stationed at protest sites.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-eu-to-provide-humanitarian-funding-bangladesh-provides-medical-supplies-477132" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies</a>

More than a hundred demonstrators were injured during violent clashes at the Galle Face demonstration location on Monday, triggering a countrywide curfew across the country.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's home in Kurunegala, in the country's northwestern area, was set on fire just hours after he submitted his resignation.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's home in Kurunegala, in the country's northwestern area, was set on fire just hours after he submitted his resignation. Increased civic unrest and a crippling economic crisis are currently plaguing the country. Sanath Nishantha, Ramesh Pathirana, Mahipala Herath, Thissa Kuttiarachchi, and Nimal Lanza, Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando, and MPs Sanath Nishantha, Ramesh Pathirana, Mahipala Herath, Thissa Kuttiarachchi, and Nimal Lanza many people came to the streets, including members of the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF), and assaulted Sri Lanka's Podujana Peramuna MPs. Certain Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) offices were set on fire, according to the Daily Mirror. Furthermore, two people were shot dead and five others were injured at the home of the Chairman of the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha, according to local authorities. Watch | Gravitas: How Mahinda Rajapaksa became a political liability The events occur as the Prime Minister has resigned and called for the formation of an interim all-party administration to address the country's severe economic crisis. Also read | Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency The military has been deployed on the roads to maintain peace despite an island-wide curfew. The developments come as anti-government protests have intensified in recent days, leading to an increase in clashes with security forces stationed at protest sites. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies More than a hundred demonstrators were injured during violent clashes at the Galle Face demonstration location on Monday, triggering a countrywide curfew across the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence set on fire, nationwide curfew imposed

In a recent update on the Sri Lanka crisis, president Gotabaya has asked prime minister Mahinda to step down. The request came at a special cabinet meeting in Colombo. For more details, we're joined by Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, MP of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya seeks PM Mahinda's resignation?

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (May 9th) announced that he'll be stepping down from his post.

This comes amid countrywide protests and public calls for him and his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to quit as the country's economic situation worsens.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Political Crisis: Final announcement on PM Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation today

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-political-crisis-final-announcement-on-pm-mahinda-rajapaksas-resignation-today-477574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sri Lankan Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PresRajapaksa</a> resigns after weeks of anti-government protest. <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> accesses the letter of resignation, putting to rest all speculation. <a href="https://t.co/eOImRrhlZ3">pic.twitter.com/eOImRrhlZ3</a>
— Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1523619487647379456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per a Reuters report citing unnamed sources, "The prime minister has sent his letter of resignation to the president."

The 76-year-old delivered his letter of resignation to his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, paving the way for a "new unity government," according to spokesperson Rohan Weliwita.

Months of blackouts, as well as acute food, fuel, and medical shortages, have wreaked havoc on the South Asian island, which is going through its worst economic downturn since 1948.
</div>

The country has been facing this economic crisis since 2019, but the coronavirus pandemic exasperated the hardship manyfold. It is mainly attributed to economic mismanagement by its incumbent government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bar-association-of-sri-lanka-expresses-grave-concern-on-the-state-of-emergency-477068" hreflang="en">Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency</a>

In April, the country declared default on its $51 billion foreign debt.

Over the past week, there have been reports that owing to the widespread protests in the country, PM Mahinda has been asked to step down by his brother, President.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-eu-to-provide-humanitarian-funding-bangladesh-provides-medical-supplies-477132" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies</a>

However, the Prime Minister continued to deny the reports, insisting that no such request had been made and refused to resign.

Now, according to reports, the Prime Minister has decided to resign from his position after multiple meetings among the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) and its member parties.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (May 9th) announced that he'll be stepping down from his post. This comes amid countrywide protests and public calls for him and his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to quit as the country's economic situation worsens.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday (May 9th) announced that he'll be stepping down from his post. This comes amid countrywide protests and public calls for him and his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to quit as the country's economic situation worsens. Watch | Sri Lanka Political Crisis: Final announcement on PM Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation today Sri Lankan Prime Minister @PresRajapaksa resigns after weeks of anti-government protest. @WIONews accesses the letter of resignation, putting to rest all speculation. pic.twitter.com/eOImRrhlZ3 — Palki Sharma (@palkisu) May 9, 2022 × As per a Reuters report citing unnamed sources, "The prime minister has sent his letter of resignation to the president." The 76-year-old delivered his letter of resignation to his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, paving the way for a "new unity government," according to spokesperson Rohan Weliwita. Months of blackouts, as well as acute food, fuel, and medical shortages, have wreaked havoc on the South Asian island, which is going through its worst economic downturn since 1948. The country has been facing this economic crisis since 2019, but the coronavirus pandemic exasperated the hardship manyfold. It is mainly attributed to economic mismanagement by its incumbent government. Also read | Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency In April, the country declared default on its $51 billion foreign debt. Over the past week, there have been reports that owing to the widespread protests in the country, PM Mahinda has been asked to step down by his brother, President. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies However, the Prime Minister continued to deny the reports, insisting that no such request had been made and refused to resign. Now, according to reports, the Prime Minister has decided to resign from his position after multiple meetings among the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) and its member parties. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka economic crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as pressure mounts up

Sri Lankan energy companies said on Monday they were running low on stocks of liquid petroleum gas mainly used in cooking, as shortages of foreign exchange put renewed pressure on the island nation.

Hit hard by the pandemic, rising oil prices and tax cuts by the populist government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has as little as $50 million of useable foreign reserves, Finance Minister Ali Sabry said last week.

Shortages of fuel, which is mostly imported, food and medicines have led to more than a month of mostly peaceful anti-government protests, although Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency for the second time in five weeks on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-eu-to-provide-humanitarian-funding-bangladesh-provides-medical-supplies-477132">Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies</a>

State-run Litro Gas chairman Vijitha Herath told Reuters Sri Lanka's foreign exchange crisis was causing a severe gas shortage with the company struggling to find adequate dollars for payments.

"With the involvement of the President we will get $7 million from the central bank to pay for a 3,500 metric tonne (MT) shipment, which is expected to arrive on Tuesday," he said.

Sri Lanka needs minimum 40,000 MT a month for gas, which at current prices costs about $40m.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Sources: Mahinda Rajapaksa asked to step down

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sources-mahinda-rajapaksa-asked-to-step-down-476970/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Long queues for cooking gas seen in recent days have frequently turned into impromptu protests as frustrated consumers block roads.

The second player in Sri Lanka's duopoly, Laugfs Gas, has less than 2000 MT of gas, which has been reserved for industries and hospitals. The company is also struggling to find dollars and is currently in talks to use its overseas assets to open letters of credit.

"We are a bankrupt nation. Banks don't have sufficient dollars for us to open lines of credit and we cannot go to the black market. We are struggling to keep our businesses afloat," Laugfs chairman W.H.K Wegapitiya said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

He estimated it would take at least another week for the company to secure a gas shipment.

On Monday, several hundred ruling party supporters rallied outside the official residence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, after reports in local media saying he may step down to alleviate pressure on the president, who is his younger brother.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bar-association-of-sri-lanka-expresses-grave-concern-on-the-state-of-emergency-477068">Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency</a>

"Whose power? Mahinda's power!" they shouted as the compound gates swung open to allow them inside.

Sri Lanka has approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, and will begin a virtual summit on Monday with officials from the multilateral lender aimed at securing emergency assistance.

Sri Lankan energy companies said on Monday they were running low on stocks of liquid petroleum gas mainly used in cooking, as shortages of foreign exchange put renewed pressure on the island nation.

Sri Lankan energy companies said on Monday they were running low on stocks of liquid petroleum gas mainly used in cooking, as shortages of foreign exchange put renewed pressure on the island nation. Hit hard by the pandemic, rising oil prices and tax cuts by the populist government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has as little as $50 million of useable foreign reserves, Finance Minister Ali Sabry said last week. Shortages of fuel, which is mostly imported, food and medicines have led to more than a month of mostly peaceful anti-government protests, although Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency for the second time in five weeks on Friday. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies State-run Litro Gas chairman Vijitha Herath told Reuters Sri Lanka's foreign exchange crisis was causing a severe gas shortage with the company struggling to find adequate dollars for payments. "With the involvement of the President we will get $7 million from the central bank to pay for a 3,500 metric tonne (MT) shipment, which is expected to arrive on Tuesday," he said. Sri Lanka needs minimum 40,000 MT a month for gas, which at current prices costs about $40m. Watch | Gravitas: Sources: Mahinda Rajapaksa asked to step down Long queues for cooking gas seen in recent days have frequently turned into impromptu protests as frustrated consumers block roads. The second player in Sri Lanka's duopoly, Laugfs Gas, has less than 2000 MT of gas, which has been reserved for industries and hospitals. The company is also struggling to find dollars and is currently in talks to use its overseas assets to open letters of credit. "We are a bankrupt nation. Banks don't have sufficient dollars for us to open lines of credit and we cannot go to the black market. We are struggling to keep our businesses afloat," Laugfs chairman W.H.K Wegapitiya said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: He estimated it would take at least another week for the company to secure a gas shipment. On Monday, several hundred ruling party supporters rallied outside the official residence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, after reports in local media saying he may step down to alleviate pressure on the president, who is his younger brother. Also read | Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency "Whose power? Mahinda's power!" they shouted as the compound gates swung open to allow them inside. Sri Lanka has approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, and will begin a virtual summit on Monday with officials from the multilateral lender aimed at securing emergency assistance.

Sri Lanka runs low on gas as supporters rally for embattled prime minister

Political instability continues to haunt Mahinda Rajapaksa's government in Sri Lanka as thousands hit the streets demanding the prime minister's resignation. The Sri Lankan government has defended imposition of emergency amid flak from the opposition.

Sri Lankan crisis: Government defends imposition of emergency amid flak from opposition

Cascading effect of Sri Lanka's ongoing economic crisis has led to deepening political instability. Protests continue in the Island nation for weeks now with people coming to the streets to demand resignation of the Rajapaksa regime. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa was heckled by the protesters today during Anuradhapura Visit.

Political turmoil in Sri Lanka: PM Mahinda heckled during Anuradhapura Visit

Protests continue in Sri Lanka for weeks now with people coming to the streets to demand the resignation of the Rajapaksa regime. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa was heckled by the protesters today during Anuradhapura's Visit today. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Ambika Satkunanathan, former commissioner of the Human rights commission of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa to meet top Buddhist leaders?

Expressing 'grave concern' about the state of emergency, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to repeal it.

"We call upon His Excellency to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people... are respected and protected," the BASL said in a statement.

Following an escalation in&nbsp;anti-government protests with demonstrators attempting to storm Sri Lanka's parliament, the president declared a state of emergency.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-protestors-in-sri-lanka-demand-presidents-resignation-477026/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a statement released by his office, "The President has taken this decision due to the public emergency situation in Sri Lanka and in the interests of public security, the protection of public order, and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community."

Sri Lanka, a South Asian island nation with a population of 22 million, has been facing its worst economic crisis since its independence.

The country has defaulted on all of its foreign debt and doubled its interest rate as it is seeking help from the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-declares-state-of-emergency-again-as-anti-govt-protest-rages-on-476951" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka declares state of emergency again as anti-govt protest rages on</a>

United States ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in a tweet "Concerned by another state of emergency. The voices of peaceful citizens need to be heard."

"Every adult must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid exposing children to any form of violence, including during protests," aid agency UNICEF said.

Masahiro Nozaki, the IMF's mission chief for Sri Lanka, said on Saturday that the international financial institution will meet with Sri Lankan officials in a virtual meeting beginning on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Expressing 'grave concern' about the state of emergency, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to repeal it. "We call upon His Excellency to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people.

Expressing 'grave concern' about the state of emergency, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to repeal it. "We call upon His Excellency to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people... are respected and protected," the BASL said in a statement. Following an escalation in anti-government protests with demonstrators attempting to storm Sri Lanka's parliament, the president declared a state of emergency. According to a statement released by his office, "The President has taken this decision due to the public emergency situation in Sri Lanka and in the interests of public security, the protection of public order, and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community." Sri Lanka, a South Asian island nation with a population of 22 million, has been facing its worst economic crisis since its independence. The country has defaulted on all of its foreign debt and doubled its interest rate as it is seeking help from the International Monetary Fund for a bailout. Also read | Sri Lanka declares state of emergency again as anti-govt protest rages on United States ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in a tweet "Concerned by another state of emergency. The voices of peaceful citizens need to be heard." "Every adult must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid exposing children to any form of violence, including during protests," aid agency UNICEF said. Masahiro Nozaki, the IMF's mission chief for Sri Lanka, said on Saturday that the international financial institution will meet with Sri Lankan officials in a virtual meeting beginning on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Bar Association of Sri Lanka expresses 'grave concern' on the state of emergency

In a recent update on the Sri Lanka crisis, an emergency has been declared in Sri Lanka for the second time since April. This has been done to maintain law and order.

Sri Lankan crisis: Emergency in Sri Lanka for the second time since April

Dissent against Sri Lankan President is growing as a group of students tried to storm into the Sri Lankan Parliament. The protests were being staged by the inter-university students federation. Police fired tear gas on student protesters.

Sri Lanka crisis & chaos: WION Correspondent hit by tear gas

sri-lanka-economic-crisis

Sri Lanka Economic Crisis, News on Sri Lanka Economic Crisis, stories on Sri Lanka Economic Crisis, articles on Sri Lanka Economic Crisis, Sri Lanka Economic Crisis stories at Wion, Sri Lanka Economic Crisis news, Sri Lanka Economic Crisis latest news

sri lanka-economic-crisis