Governments in India’s two neighboring countries Pakistan and Sri Lanka have fallen into crisis. On one hand, the ouster of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is being considered fixed, on the other hand, there are fierce demonstrations against the Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is facing a terrible economic crisis. The life of the common people has become miserable.
Protesters gathered in front of his residence on Thursday, demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, on which police fired tear gas and water cannons. Shortage of foreign exchange in Sri Lanka has led to shortage of essential commodities like fuel. There has also been a shortage of LPG and power cuts are being done for 13 hours a day.
The Rajapaksa family held the top positions of power
President Rajapaksa’s elder brother Mahinda is serving as the prime minister while the youngest brother Tulsi holds the finance portfolio. The eldest brother Chamal is the agriculture minister while the nephew Namal holds the cabinet post for sports. The protesters raised slogans against the Rajapaksa government. Those involved in the protest said that the foreign exchange crisis has become more serious due to the mismanagement of the government.
Severe shortage of foreign exchange in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, an island country with a population of 20 million, is in the grip of the worst recession since independence. There has been a shortage of foreign exchange even to pay for the import of the most essential commodities. The situation is so bad that on Thursday, diesel, the main fuel for buses and commercial vehicles, was not available anywhere across the country. According to officials and media reports, public transport in the country has been paralyzed. A resident told that I am not able to go home as there are barricades in our area.
No-confidence motion against Imran Khan in Parliament on Sunday
At the same time, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite losing the majority in the National Assembly, said that he will not resign and will “play till the last ball”. He said he would face a vote on the no-confidence motion to be held on Sunday, which would decide in which direction the country would go. Taking a pledge to face the no-confidence motion in Parliament, Khan said, “I will fight against the conspiracy and will never let it succeed.”