Colombo: Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency today as massive protests engulfed Colombo after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flew to the Maldives following months of protests against an economic crisis.
Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed Prime Minister Wickremesinghe as the acting President while he is abroad.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa had promised over the weekend to resign on Wednesday and clear the way for a "peaceful transition of power" after fleeing his official residence in Colombo just before tens of thousands of protesters overran it.
As president, Rajapaksa enjoys immunity from arrest, and he is believed to have wanted to go abroad before stepping down to avoid the possibility of being detained
Here are the Highlights on the Sri Lanka Crisis:
Jul 13, 2022 17:49 (IST)
India's trade with Sri Lanka 'at standstill': Exporters
India's trade with Sri Lanka has nearly stopped following the unrest in the island nation, leaving exporters worried about their payments.
"Our exports and imports have come to a complete standstill. Exporters are very cautious because of the political crisis and payment issues," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Vice-Chairman Khalid Khan said.
Jul 13, 2022 15:34 (IST)
Sri Lanka PM Tells Military and Police To 'Restore Order'
In a televised address, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today asked the military and police to restore order.
Jul 13, 2022 14:12 (IST)
Lankan National TV Channel suspends broadcast
Sri Lanka's national TV channel Rupavahini Corporation has suspended its broadcast after protesters entered its premises in Colombo, sources said.
Jul 13, 2022 10:54 (IST)
Protesters stage demonstrations in Colombo
Protesters took to the streets in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo demanding Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation as news emerged that he has fled to the Maldives. Security Forces used water cannons to disperse the crowd
Jul 13, 2022 09:40 (IST)
We haven't received Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation yet, but we hope to get it in a day: Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament
Jul 13, 2022 08:50 (IST)
The Prime Minister's Office confirms that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left the country.