Sri Lanka crisis Live Updates: Protests continue despite curfew

Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker on Tuesday requested embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reconvene the House this week to discuss the current situation amid unprecedented violence and widespread protest against the government over the country' worst economic crisis in decades.

Authorities were seen clearing damaged vehicles from the streets of Colombo on Tuesday as several hundred people defied a nationwide curfew to protest against Sri Lanka's government.

Embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop "violence and acts of revenge" against fellow citizens and vowed to address the political and economic crisis facing the nation, even as the death toll rose to eight in the unprecedented violence that erupted after supporters of former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked anti-government protesters

Protesters set up checkpoint on road leading to airport

Sri Lanka's ex-PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family have taken shelter at a naval base, according to reports. Meanwhile, a protest was reported near the Trincomalee Navy base where Rajapaksa and his family members are suspected to have taken shelter.

Sri Lanka's Attorney General on Tuesday asked the police chief to conduct an urgent and full-fledged investigation into the violent clashes between anti- and pro-government protesters in the country that has killed at least eight people and injured over 200 others. Violence erupted in Sri Lanka on Monday after supporters of former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters demanding his ouster over the country's worst economic crisis that led to acute shortages of staple food, fuel and power. Over 200 people have also been injured in the violence in Colombo and other cities.

The Colombo Stock Exchange has declared Tuesday as a market holiday due to settlement difficulties, nearly a month after it remained closed for a week amid the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka. The decision also came a day after Sri Lanka witnessed unprecedented violence and political crisis following the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. “The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has been informed that the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka will not be operated today (10th May 2022)," a CSE circular said. "Therefore, the Central Depository System (CDS) of the CSE is unable to complete the fund settlement and the securities settlement falling on 10th May 2022 as per the DVP settlement mechanism," it said. "In the circumstances, the CSE has declared today (10th May 2022) as a market holiday due to the aforesaid operational reasons,” the circular said.

Tweeting about the deteriorating economic situation in Sri Lanka, the UK embassy in Sri Lanka asked its citizens to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The advisory said the UK's citizens in Sri Lanka should avoid all protests and follow the advice of local authorities. Sarah Hulton, the UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, strongly condemned the violence against peaceful protestors. Urging the authorities to safeguard citizens’ rights to protest peacefully, Hulton asked the government to "hold the perpetrators of violence to account". "Violence against peaceful protestors in Sri Lanka is unacceptable. Those responsible for attacks should be held to account," she tweeted.

Calling on the Sri Lankan government to conduct a full investigation, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, said the government must ensure the "arrest and prosecution of anyone who incited violence". "We condemn the violence against peaceful protestors today, and call on the government to conduct a full investigation, including the arrest and prosecution of anyone who incited violence. Our sympathies are with those injured today and we urge calm and restraint across the island," Chung tweeted.

Amid the anti-government protests across the islands nation, a government MP was found dead with gunshot injuries after he fled the spot when his vehicle was blocked by the protesters on whom he allegedly opened fire. Unconfirmed reports claimed that the MP -- Amarakeerthi Athukorala -- took his own life while hiding in a building in Nittambuwa town, around 40 km from Colombo. A CCTV footage, which captured the MP running along the pavement with his bodyguard armed with a pistol, went viral on social media. One of the two protesters, who were allegedly shot at by the MP, is in a critical condition.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres wants Sri Lankans to find a solution through dialogue to the crisis in their country, whose Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned amid violent clashes spurred by an economic crisis, his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Monday. "We continue to encourage all Sri Lankan stakeholders to find a solution to the current challenges through dialogue and with the interests of the country and the people in mind," Haq said.

Sri Lankan Airlines on Monday urged passengers to produce their air ticket and passport at checkpoints to reach Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after authorities imposed nationwide curfew and deployed the Army in Colombo following clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters amidst the political turmoil in the island nation. "In view of the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, passengers departing Colombo can produce their air ticket and passport to the security personnel at checkpoints to reach BIA," SriLankan Airlines, the country's flag carrier, tweeted, assuring travellers, especially foreigners who visit the picturesque island nation.

Sri Lanka is currently in the throes of unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. The crisis is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency, which has meant that the country cannot afford to pay for imports of staple foods and fuel, leading to acute shortages and very high prices. Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9 seeking the resignation of President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Monday, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters outside embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office, leaving at least 78 people injured and prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy army troops in the capital. At least two Cabinet ministers have also announced their resignations. Prime Minister Mahinda, 76, sent his resignation letter to the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after violent scenes were witnessed in Colombo.

Three people were killed, including a ruling party MP, and more than 150 injured in violence in the capital. There have been protests over soaring prices and power cuts since last month. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.

Protesters attacked the house of Badulla District parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachch and later set it on fire. The house of Puttalam MP Santha Nishantha was completely destroyed due to an arson attack. The arson attacks came as the island was placed under curfew after violent clashes between Mahinda Rajapaksa supporters and anti-government protesters in Colombo.

Several properties of ministers and lawmakers of the ruling coalition were destroyed by the protesters. Sri Lankan media also reported that a fire has broke out near the back gate of Temple Trees, the official residence of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister.

Authorities deployed armed troops in the capital Colombo on Monday hours after government supporters attacked protesters who have been camped outside the offices of the country's president and prime minister.