Sri Lanka crisis: Curfew imposed in entire country with immediate effect

Curfew has been imposed in entire Sri Lanka with immediate effect, police spokesperson, according to PTI. 

The country’s embattled Rajapaksa brothers, President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda, appealed to the people on Monday to exercise restraint and remember that violence only begets violence, saying the economic crisis needs an economic solution which his government is committed to resolving.

Their statement came amidst violence in the country in which at least 23 people were injured as supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked anti-government demonstrators gathered at a protest site near his official residence, prompting the police to enforce a curfew in the capital.

“Strongly condemn the violent acts taking place by those inciting & participating, irrespective of political allegiances. Violence won’t solve the current problems. I request all citizens to remain calm & exercise restraint. I urge everyone to work together in solving this crisis,” the President said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister also urged the people to exercise restraint. “While emotions are running high in #lka, I urge our general public to exercise restraint & remember that violence only begets violence. The economic crisis we’re in needs an economic solution which this administration is committed to resolving,” Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Twitter.

There were reports on Monday that Mahinda Rajapaksa may resign, as pressure mounts on the embattled government led by his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to form an interim administration to overcome the worst economic crisis facing the country.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, who is under intense pressure from within his own Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) ranks to resign, was gathering his supporters to apply counterpressure not to stand down.

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