Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis and Protest
international affairs

11-Jul-2022, Updated on 7/13/2022 5:44:56 AM

Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis and Protest

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s the Sri Lankan government struggles to solve its sovereign debt crisis, social unrest and protests have swept the nation. With the economy crippled and essential imports hard to come by, thousands of Sri Lankans have taken to the streets to force change. While the government has made some progress in stabilising and reinstating fuel supplies, much more is needed to heal the wounds of this economic crisis. If you're interested in following the latest developments in this complex and troubled nation, read on!

 

What is happening in Sri Lanka?

 

Since the government announced plans to increase taxes by 50% on many items, including cigarettes and alcohol, there has been a protest movement in Sri Lanka. The protests are over the government's decision to increase taxes rather than listen to the people's concerns. The protesters are calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, who they say is not listening to their concerns. 

 

Why is Sri Lanka's economy in crisis?

 

Since the economic crisis in Sri Lanka first began in January of this year, people have been protesting and demanding change. The problems are primarily the result of government spending on luxury items and foreign loans, which has put the country in debt. Jobs are scarce, and prices are rising, leading to increased anger and unrest. The situation is likely to worsen before it gets better.

 

2022 Sri Lankan protests - Wikipedia

Does the government have a plan to solve the crisis?

 

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is only getting worse. The government has been struggling to devise a solution, and the protests are only getting bigger. So far, there have been protests throughout the country, with the most significant in Colombo. The government has tried to use force to stop the protests, but it seems to have had no effect. It's unclear how this crisis will be solved.

 

How much foreign debt must Sri Lanka repay?

 

The government of Sri Lanka has announced that it plans to repay $3 billion worth of foreign debt over the next two years. This comforted the economic crisis that has plagued the country in recent months, with numerous protests and riots ensuing. If this debt isn't repaid, it will increase tariffs on Sri Lankan products exported to China. Sri Lanka has a total foreign debt of $14 billion, of which $5.4 billion is owed to China. This is important to ensure debt sustainability.

 

Sri Lanka president drops brother as FM amid protests over crisis |<img data-img-src='https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/000_327K38T.jpg?resize=770%2C513' src='/Images/yourviews-thumnail.jpg' alt='Sri Lanka president drops brother as FM amid protests over crisis | Politics News | Al Jazeera' />|<img data-img-src='https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/000_327K38T.jpg?resize=770%2C513' src='/Images/yourviews-thumnail.jpg' alt='Sri Lanka president drops brother as FM amid protests over crisis | Politics News | Al Jazeera' /></p><h3>Rage filled the streets in Sri Lanka’s capital</h3><p> </p><p>Since the economic crisis began a year ago, the people of Colombo have been protesting tirelessly. Their anger and desperation have turned the streets of their capital into a raging inferno. The government has failed the people, and they will no longer stand for it. The future doesn't look very bright for Sri Lanka, but its citizens are waiting for the government to fix the country's broken system; they want change now. And so, they will continue to protest until they get it.</p><p> </p><h3>Protests and riots in Sri Lanka</h3><p> </p><p>Since protests and riots started in Sri Lanka in April, the situation has been fraught with turmoil. Updates on the ongoing case will be provided as they become available, but for now, the main points to take away are as follows: The economic crisis is one of the main factors contributing to the unrest, as is the lack of political progress. Several high-profile officials were arrested during the unrest, including the Prime Minister. The situation is still unfolding, so we will have to wait and see how it pans out. Stay tuned to our blog for updates as they come in!</p><p> </p><p><img data-img-src='https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/c_fill,g_auto,w_1200,h_675,ar_16:9/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cnn.com%2Fcnnnext%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F220405002141-01-sri-lanka-protest-04042022.jpg' src='/Images/yourviews-thumnail.jpg' alt='Sri Lanka' /></p><h3>What led to the protests and riots?</h3><p> </p><p>There are several reasons why protests and riots have recently occurred in Sri Lanka. Political instability, social inequality, economic crisis, and lack of education and opportunity play a part. While some people may be comfortable with these conditions due to their financial security or social status, many others are unhappy and look for ways to show it.</p><p> </p><h3>The economic consequences of the protests and riots</h3><p> </p><p>Massive protests and riots have recently occurred in Sri Lanka, with the unrest primarily driven by economic grievances. Since the unrest began in April, over 200 people have been killed and thousands more injured. Property damage has also reached alarming levels, with reports of entire villages being ransacked and torched. The government's response to the protests has been heavy-handed, with arrests and the use of torture commonplace. However, it is not just the government that is at fault here—businesses are also guilty of contributing to social ills by profitably exploiting workers while failing to provide decent living conditions or benefits. It is time for all parties to get their act together and help restore peace and stability in Sri Lanka.</p><p> </p><p><img data-img-src='https://i.dawn.com/primary/2022/04/6248bd21ca138.jpg' src='/Images/yourviews-thumnail.jpg' alt='Sri Lanka imposes curfew amid protests over price hike - World - DAWN.COM' /></p><h3>Human rights abuses during the protests and riots</h3><p> </p><p>Since 2013, violent protests and riots have been taking place in Sri Lanka as protestors voice their anger against the economic crisis and human rights abuses during the transition period. The protests are mainly against the government's decision to remove President Mahinda Rajapaksa from power.</p><p> </p><p>The Sri Lankan government has responded with a heavy-handed approach, using force to quell the unrest. The death toll has risen to over 200 people, and more than 5,000 have been injured. Despite international pressure, Sri Lanka seems determined to continue its crackdown, even at the cost of human lives.</p><p> </p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p> </p><p>The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is causing unrest and anger among the people. The government has failed to devise a plan to solve the problem and is now facing protests and riots. While it is too early to tell how this situation will play out, all parties must take steps to de-escalate it.</p><p> </p><p>Also Read: <a href= Pakistan and Sri Lanka are towards their economic crash amid high inflation

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