Sri Lanka crisis LIVE: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reaches Singapore; soldiers authorised to use ‘necessary force’

Protesters agree to vacate official buildings. but agitation set to continue

Sri Lanka’s anti-government demonstrators agree to end their occupation of official buildings, as they vow to press on with their bid to bring down the president and prime minister in the face of a dire economic crisis

Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and ex-finance minister Basil won’t leave Sri Lanka until SC hears petition

Sri Lanka’s former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and ex-finance minister Basil Rajapaksa on Thursday gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court through their lawyers that they will not leave the crisis-hit country until the Fundamental Rights petition filed against them is heard on Friday, a media report said on Thursday.

A five-judge bench of Lankan Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Vijith Malalgoda, and Justice LTB Dehideniya are scheduled to hear on Friday the petition against the two members of the erstwhile powerful Rajapaksa family

Sri Lanka’s Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in Singapore

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife will stay in Singapore and not travel further to the Middle East. According to various media reports, the Sri Lankan President and his wife, who took Saudia Airlines flight SV788 to Singapore, were expected to travel to Jeddah. Rajapaksa is expected to arrive in Singapore by 7 pm today.

Army tanks deployed near Sri Lankan Parliament as crisis worsens

Sri Lanka Army deployed tanks near Parliament on Thursday to prevent protesters from entering the Parliament. Protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s Office on Flower Road in Sri Lanka on Wednesday after clashes with army personnel. The island nation has been hit with a severe economic and political crisis.

Yet to receive resignation letter from President Rajapaksa, says Sri Lankan Speaker

Sri Lanka’s Parliament Speaker Yapa Abeywardena today said that he is yet to receive a resignation letter from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The 73-year-old had gone into hiding after crowds of protesters stormed his residence on July 9. He had announced his intention to formally resign on Wednesday. Later, President Rajapaksa had escaped to the Maldives along with his wife. Subsequently, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as the interim President of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka soldiers authorised to use necessary force

Sri Lanka soldiers have reportedly been authorised to use necessary force to prevent the destruction of property and life. The embattled government has imposed a curfew in Colombo district from 12 noon on July 14 to 5 am on Friday.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: One dead, 84 injured in protests

As anti-government protests intensified in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, one person died and 84 others were injured, media reports have said. The 26-year-old man died from breathing difficulties after police lobbed teargas at protesters to disperse them, BBC reported. The injured included protesters who were outside the prime minister’s office as well as those who were outside parliament later in the evening on Wednesday.

Sources refute reports of travel to Jeddah, Rajapaksa and his wife to remain in Singapore

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife boarded Saudia Airlines flight SV788 to Singapore from Male at 1130 hrs. They will arrive in Singapore by 7 pm today. Sources also refute media reports of onward travel to Jeddah. Rajapaksa and his wife will remain in Singapore.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flies to Singapore from Maldives

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken a special Saudi Airlines flight to fly to Singapore from the Maldives, where he arrived with his family on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: War-like situation in Colombo, say reports

There has been a war-like situation in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo amid the ongoing unrest. Tanks and Armoured vehicles deployed on the streets of the capital city, according to reports.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa taking flight to Singapore and then Saudi Arabia, say Maldives officials

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is taking Saudi Airlines plane to Singapore and then Saudi Arabia, news agency AP has reported citing Maldives officials. Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives with his family early morning on Wednesday, according to reports. He was scheduled to board a flight for Singapore on Wednesday night but could not due to security concerns.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Government imposes curfew in Colombo from 12 pm today to 5 am tomorrow

Sri Lankan government has imposed a curfew in the capital city, Colombo, from 12 pm today to 5 am tomorrow, news agency Reuters has reported citing Sri Lanka’s government. Earlier yesterday, a nationwide curfew was imposed until today morning in the island nation in the wake of intensifying protests against the government. The notification was issued by Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday. The curfew remained in force till 5 am today.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Protesters agree to leave official buildings

The anti-government protestors in Sri Lanka have agreed to hand back official buildings they seized, reported news agency AFP. “We are peacefully withdrawing from the Presidential Palace, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office with immediate effect, but will continue our struggle,” a spokeswoman for the protesters said. Protesters overran President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s palace at the weekend and also stormed the office of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Hundreds of thousands have visited the compound since it was opened out to the public after Rajapaksa fled and his security guards backed down. The premier, whom Rajapaksa named as acting president in his absence, has demanded the evacuation of state buildings and instructed security forces to do “what is necessary to restore order”.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Speaker seeks President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation

Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has informed Gotabaya Rajapaksa that he should submit his letter of resignation as the President as soon as possible or else he will consider other options to remove him from the office, according to a media report. On Wednesday, the Parliament Speaker said that the President in a telephone conversation had informed that he would tender his letter of resignation during the day, before midnight. However, he has not done it yet. Speaker Abeywardena said that he informed President Rajapaksa to submit his letter of resignation as soon as possible, citing that he too is under pressure, News First Lanka has reported.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Private jet arrives in Maldives to fly President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Singapore

Private jet arrives in Maldives to take Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Singapore, reports Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror. Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives with his family early morning on Wednesday, despite stating that he will announce his resignation on the day, according to reports. He was scheduled to board a flight for Singapore on Wednesday night but could not due to security concerns. The public in Sri Lanka has been calling for the President’s resignation over the current economic crisis. After leaving the country without tendering his resignation, he appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Acting President.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Protesters in talks to end occupation

The anti-government protestors are in talks today to vacate official buildings they seized, said protest representatives. However, they insisted that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe both quit in the face of an economic crisis. Protesters occupied Rajapaksa’s palace at the weekend, forcing him to flee to the Maldives on Wednesday. The activists also stormed the office of PM Wickremesinghe. The premier, whom Rajapaksa named as acting president in his absence, has demanded the evacuation of state buildings and instructed security forces to do “what is necessary to restore order”.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Nation lifts curfew, no signs of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation

Sri Lankan authorities have lifted the curfew today, which was imposed in the Western province after the eruption of violence in the capital city, even as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has fled to the Maldives, was yet to submit his resignation letter. The 73-year-old leader who had promised to resign on Wednesday, appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the acting President hours after he fled the country, escalating the political crisis and triggering a fresh wave of protests. Authorities had to impose a curfew in the Western province following the eruption of violence.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blames Russia: ‘No one knows now how it’ll end’

Amid the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed Russia as he pointed out that the blocking of food products during the invasion of Ukraine has resulted in unrest all around the world. Address the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul on Wednesday, the Ukrainian President said that one of the tactics Russia has used in its invasion of Ukraine is the creation of an “economic shock”.

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Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Ministers hold meeting to resolve ongoing crisis

In order to tackle the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, leaders of political parties have met and decided that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should resign immediately to resolve the current situation in the country. It was discussed at the special meeting held in Parliament on July 13 with the participation of the members of the Committee on Parliamentary Business and the party leaders that the Prime Minister should resign from his position as soon as possible to resolve the current crisis situation in the country.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: Here’s what Sri Lanka refugees say on ongoing crisis

The ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to both rebuild the nation economically and fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil people, refugees from the island nation have said. A new breed of leaders who shun hegemony and ethnicity based politics should lead the government formation initiatives and in their effort, they should involve all sections of people, including the Tamils and Muslims. This would lead to collaborative and determined action, they have told news agency PTI. The current crisis in the island nation, which encompasses a terrible shortage of food and fuel, riling power cuts and absence of job opportunities, is all nothing new for the Tamil people in the north and east provinces, an inmate of a refugee camp has said. “This is not new for the Tamil people. At least for 40 years, Tamils lived without electricity and faced shortages of every kind,” R Padmanathan has said.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: UN chief urges all party leaders to embrace ‘spirit of compromise’ for peaceful, democratic transition

Amid the ongoing unrest in Sri Lanka, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he is following the situation “very closely”. Noting that it is important that the root causes of the conflict and protestors’ grievances are addressed, the UN chief has urged all party leaders to embrace the ‘spirit of compromise’ for a peaceful and democratic transition. “I continue to follow the situation in Sri Lanka very closely. It is important that the root causes of the conflict and protestors’ grievances are addressed. I urge all party leaders to embrace the spirit of compromise for a peaceful and democratic transition,” he has tweeted.

Sri Lanka Crisis LIVE Updates: US condemns all violence, urges for peaceful transfer of power within country

Amid the ongoing economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has urged for the peaceful transfer of power within the country’s constitutional framework and said that the US condemns all violence and calls for the rule of law to be upheld in the crisis-hit island nation. “We condemn all violence and call for the rule of law to be upheld,” she said in a tweet, while stressing that a peaceful transfer of power within the nation’s democratic and constitutional framework is essential so the people’s demands for accountability, transparency, democratic governance and a better future can be realized. Julie Chung also requested parties to work together to bring economic and political stability in Sri Lanka. “We urge all parties to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation and to work quickly to implement solutions that will bring long-term economic & political stability,” she said in a Tweet.

Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury asks Centre to convene all-party meet on Sri Lankan crisis

Amid the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has asked the Centre to convene an all-party meeting over the issue.”The ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka is a matter of concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should call for an all-party meeting for the national security interest,” Chowdhury told news agency ANI. Chowdhury further said India should take proactive measures as India and Sri Lanka have always shared a good relationship. “Since Sri Lanka is close to South India, there are chances that due to this ongoing crisis people from the island nation may come to take refuge in these places. India needs to look upon the kind of situation in a healthier and more proactive manner unitedly,” added Chowdhury.

The shocking food and fuel price hikes led to a social explosion in Sri Lanka: Ukraine President Zelenskyy blames Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for causing the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka as he pointed out that blocking of food products during the invasion of Ukraine has resulted in unrest all around the world.During his address at the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul, Zelensky said that one of the tactics Russia has used in its invasion of Ukraine is the creation of an “economic shock”. With countries experiencing food and fuel shortages due to the ongoing crisis and disruption in the supply chain, they have fallen into unrest, and this has benefitted Russia’s agenda.And this concerns not only us. Look at just one example – the events in Sri Lanka. The shocking food and fuel price hikes led to a social explosion. No one knows now how it will end. However, you all know that the same explosions are possible in other countries affected by food and energy crises,” Zelensky said during his address to the Asian countries according to a report by Ukinform.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka appeals to security forces not to implement Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s orders, reports Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka appealed to security forces not to implement unconstitutional and unlawful orders given by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who introduced himself as the Acting President. He said in a statement that there was a rumour that shooting orders have been issued to security forces and that there would be a serious escalation of clashes between the civilians and the security forces. He urged the armed forces as a lawful and disciplined army, not to open fire at unarmed civilians and that their weapons should be pointed at the corrupt politicians. He said he was in the struggle and committed to achieve the victory of the people’s struggle.

Military attempts to regain control of the Prime Minister’s Office

Military attempted to regain control of the Prime Minister’s Office a few minutes ago but the protesters managed to get back in, reports Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror quoting GGG activist Venerable Kassapa Thero

Rajapaksa and his wife Ioma Rajapaksa did not board Singapore Airlines flight due to security reasons

Sources from Maldives said that Rajapaksa and his wife Ioma Rajapaksa along with their two security officers were expected to leave for Singapore on board SQ437 from Male to Singapore tonight but did not board the aircraft due to security concerns. Talks are now ongoing to secure a private aircraft for the Sri Lankan President to depart from the Maldives to Singapore.

Rajapaksa waits for a private jet to depart from Maldives, reports Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror

Rajapaksa has not departed for Singapore on the scheduled Singapore Airlines flight from Male to Singapore but instead will now await to travel on a private aircraft.

Military crackdown on protesters could worsen Sri Lanka situation: Experts

The situation in Sri Lanka is very fragile and any military crackdown on protesters could further worsen the overall atmosphere, strategic affairs experts warned on Wednesday as the island nation looks at a new political phase after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country following months of protests. It is very important that political anarchy is avoided in Sri Lanka and all the stakeholders must work together to restore political stability, they said. Rajapaksa and his wife flew to the Maldives bowing to months of mass protests over the island nation’s worst economic crisis in decades.

Sri Lanka’s Army Chief requests citizens to support armed forces to maintain law and order

mid ongoing protests, Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva requested all citizens to give their support to the armed forces to maintain law and order in the crisis-ridden country. “Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva requests all citizens to give their support to armed forces & police to maintain the law & order in the country,” tweeted Daily Mirror.

Sri Lanka crisis: Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe imposes curfew till 5 am tomorrow

Gazette Notification issued by acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe imposing islandwide curfew till 5 am tomorrow, reports Sri Lanka’s Newswire.

Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa issues ‘Extraordinary Gazette’ appointing Wickremesinghe as acting President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued an Extraordinary Gazette appointing Ranil Wickremesinghe, to exercise, perform and discharge the powers, and duties of the Office of President during the period of his absence.

Police fire tear gas, use water cannons to disperse protestors near Speaker’s residence: Report

Police had to fire tear gas and use water cannons to disperse protestors near Speaker’s residence close to Parliament, reports Sri Lanka’s Newswire.

Nominate a PM who is acceptable to both Govt, Opposition: Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka’s acting President and PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday asked Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to nominate a PM who is acceptable to both the Government and Opposition. “On Monday (11th) Sri Lankan PM held a meeting with the Members of the Cabinet. All ministers who participated were of the opinion that as soon as there is an agreement to form an all-party government, they’ll hand over the responsibilities to that government,” says Sri Lanka’s PM’s Media Division. “Accordingly, the ruling party and opposition must form an all-party government. Acting President and PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to nominate a Prime Minister who is acceptable to both the Government and Opposition,” it added.

Sri Lanka crisis: Protester dies after being tear-gassed outside Prime Minister’s Office

A 26-year-old protestor who was hospitalised after being tear-gassed outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Flower Road today has died after developing breathing difficulties, reports Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror. The protestor was receiving treatment in a private hospital in Colombo, it adds.

We strongly request acting President, security forces to immediately establish full law & order: SLPP

We strongly request the acting President and security forces to immediately establish full law and order in the country and we’re ready to support that. Our opinion is that the behaviour of the violent groups facing the country should be taken seriously, says Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Sri Lanka issue is a matter of concern for India: Congress leader AR Chowdhury

Amid the political and economic turmoil in Sri Lanka, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Wednesday said that the crisis in the island nation is a matter of concern for India. “The Government of India should be more proactive to deal with this situation in Sri Lanka diplomatically, economically, and politically…There may be a refugee influx because the northern part of Sri Lanka is close to South Indian states,” he said. “They may come to India, not as an infiltrator, but compelled to come over because now Sri Lanka is going through a very precarious condition…I will certainly propose to the Govt that an all-party meeting should be held so that we can also express our own views,” the Congress leader added.

‘Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will leave for Singapore later today’

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who left for the Maldives early this morning is to leave for Singapore later today, Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror reports citing sources.