Stock Groups

Sri Lanka lifts curfew after violent protests over economic crisis -Breaking

by Mike Robinson

[ad_1]

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO. Demonstrators leave the tear gas police used near Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s home during protests against him. Many parts of the country, which was hit by the worst economic crisis in recent years, were without power for up to 13 hours due to shortages.

Uditha Rajasinghe and Dinuka Liliyanawatte

COLOMBO, (Reuters) – Police in Sri Lanka’s capital removed a curfew after demonstrations during which dozens were detained and many police officers were injured near President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s home. The protests were over the handling of an economic crisis.

A Reuters witness reported that hundreds of protestors gathered in front Rajapaksa’s home in a Colombo suburb on Thursday night before being dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons.

Over the unrest of last night, we have detained 54 persons. Several police and army vehicles were set on fire by protesters,” Senior Superintendent Nihal Thalduwa told Reuters.

A 22-million population island is facing its most severe economic crisis. The government doesn’t have sufficient foreign reserves to purchase fuel imports, resulting in rolling blackouts that last up to 13 hour per day.

Thalduwa stated that five police officers were hospitalized after being injured. She also said there was no report of any injuries to protesters.

On Friday morning, streets in the capital were peaceful. According to Reuters witnesses, police were seen combing through two burned-out buses close to Rajapaksa’s residence.

Disclaimer: Fusion MediaWe remind you that this site does not contain accurate or real-time data. CFDs include stocks, futures, indexes and Forex. Prices are provided not by the exchanges. Market makers provide them. Therefore, prices can be inaccurate and differ from actual market prices. These prices should not be used for trading. Fusion Media does not accept any liability for trade losses you may incur due to the use of these data.

Fusion MediaFusion Media and anyone associated with it will not assume any responsibility for losses or damages arising from the use of this website’s data including quotes and charts. You should be aware of all the potential risks and expenses associated with trading in the financial market. It is among the most dangerous investment types.

[ad_2]