In the grips of an unprecedented economic crisis, Sri Lanka has, for several weeks now, been witnessing widespread protests from its citizens demanding the resignation of the ruling Rajapaksa family – both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
To find out how political and economic normalcy can be restored in the island nation, The Wire’s Karan Thapar speaks to Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, founding executive director of Sri Lanka’s Centre for Policy Alternatives.
As the country faces bankruptcy, over 50% of the country’s population now face poverty, leading Saravanamuttu to opine that if the Rajapaksas do not go soon, violence could break out across the nation.
To this end, the opposition had introduced a no-confidence motion in Parliament, however, as Saravanamuttu explains, even if the motion is passed overwhelmingly, the President cannot be removed. The only way forward, then, is for President Rajapaksa to resign, or for him to be impeached.
Amidst the chaos, Saravanamuttu also notes how the nation-wide protests have helped bridge the sectarian divides in the country, bringing Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims together.
Watch the video to get a fuller perspective of the economic and political crisis Sri Lanka is facing today.
