top of page
Writer's pictureDaily news stories by Lucas

Sri Lanka mired in maelstrom of political unrest

{O/C} To Sri Lanka, where a swarm of protesters occupied the president's official residence, demanding the leaders step down.


And the demonstrators have got their way as the country's economy languishes in tatters.


Opposition leaders will meet to form a new government to pour oil over troubled waters.


{Take SOT}

Unfettered political backlash over the country's worst economic crisis in history has ensnared the island nation.


And when the going gets tough, the tough get going.


{Upsound 00:13 - 00:14}


Thousands of protesters breached president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's fortified residence.


{Soundbite}

Lawyer and Protester Demanding Political Change:

At the moment I think people's struggle is moving successfully. At the end we will make a good change for our country.


{Upsound 00:28 - 00:29}


{VO}

The triumphant crowds soaked it up in the garden pool, on beds, capturing the "historic" moment.


Rajapaksa's whereabouts remain unknown,


{Upsound 00:40 - 00:41}


but it is clear the mob set the prime minister's private residence ablaze.


Then, both the president and prime minister offered to step aside.

Opposition parties are now scrambling to form a governing coalition. 113 members of parliament are needed to request the installation of a new government.


Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the parliamentary speaker, will take over as interim president.


Provided the widespread acrimony, leaders are fighting to come up with a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund despite the country's bankrupt status.


The protests have largely annihilated the Rajapaksa dynasty, snubbed for mismanagement and corruption.


All this, while Rajapaksa will stay temporarily to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.



17 views0 comments

Comments


Post: Blog2 Post
bottom of page