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Sri Lanka: Thousands protest amid deteriorating economic conditions, fuel shortage

The march came as Sri Lankan Parliament debated the national budget for 2022.

Edited by: AP Colombo Published : Nov 17, 2021 12:05 IST, Updated : Nov 17, 2021 12:49 IST
Sri Lanka, protest, sri lanka economic conditions, sri lanka fuel shortage, latest international new
Image Source : AP.

Sri Lankans supporting opposition leader Sajith Premadasa march during a protest against govt accusing it of not taking action to curb rising cost of living in Colombo. 

Highlights

  • Demonstrations in Colombo led by country’s main opposition political party, United People’s Force
  • Protest came as Sri Lankan Parliament debated national budget for 2022
  • Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves dwindled to just 2-months worth of imports in August

Thousands of people on Tuesday protested in Sri Lanka’s capital against deteriorating economic conditions amid fuel and other shortages.

The demonstrations in Colombo were led by the country’s main opposition political party, the United People’s Force, which has blamed the economic crisis on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government.

The march came as Sri Lankan Parliament debated the national budget for 2022.

Protesters said Rajapaksa’s policies have led to foreign reserves dwindling, high food prices, and shortages of essentials such as milk powder, cooking gas and fuel.

India Tv - Sri Lanka, protest, sri lanka economic conditions, sri lanka fuel shortage, latest international new

Image Source : AP. Sri Lanka: Thousands protest amid deteriorating economic conditions, fuel shortage.

Opposition supporters claimed the government’s decision to turn the country toward organic farming and to ban chemical fertilizer imports has threatened to create a food crisis.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka economic emergency: What caused the crisis - explained

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves dwindled to just two months worth of imports in August and the local rupee currency depreciated 7.4% against the U.S. dollar in the first eight months of this year, according to the World Bank.

The government tried price controls and even declared a stage of emergency appointing an ex-military officer in charge of essential services but has so far failed to keep prices under control or stop hoarding.

Also Read: Sri Lanka seeks $500 million loan from India for fuel purchase

 

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