In a significant and unusual move, Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has extended his support to the ongoing protests demanding political reform, which have been taking place at Galle Face Green in Colombo for over a month. The protests, collectively known as ‘Gota Go Home’, are calling for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa due to his alleged mishandling of the country’s worst economic crisis in decades.
The Prime Minister, who took office on Thursday, expressed solidarity with the protesters during an interview with the BBC Sinhala Service on Saturday. He affirmed that the protests should continue as a catalyst for political change, particularly advocating for the youth to lead the charge in reforming the nation’s political system.
Committee to Support Protesters
Wickremesinghe revealed that he had established a special committee to ensure the welfare of the protesters, who have set up a makeshift camp called ‘Gota Go Gama’ at the beachfront site since April 9. He pledged that their concerns would be addressed, and their input would be sought in shaping future policy decisions. The committee’s creation marks a stark contrast to previous government responses to the protests, which were marred by violence and repression.
“The protesters are expressing the voice of the youth, and we must listen to them. They want a change in the political system, and I am here to safeguard their interests,” Wickremesinghe stated. “I encourage them to continue their peaceful demonstrations, as it is critical that we allow the youth to take responsibility for the future of our country.”
Political Turmoil and Economic Crisis
Wickremesinghe’s appointment came in the wake of widespread unrest, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the elder brother of the President. Mahinda stepped down on May 9 after violent clashes between government supporters and anti-government protesters escalated into deadly riots. Nine people were killed, and over 200 others were injured, as anger boiled over across the country. In response to these violent incidents, the Rajapaksa loyalists faced retaliatory attacks, with at least 78 parliamentarians, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, having their private properties targeted by arsonists.
The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, were sparked by Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. A severe shortage of foreign reserves has crippled the country, leading to long queues for fuel, cooking gas, and other essential supplies. Power cuts and skyrocketing food prices have compounded the suffering of the Sri Lankan people, driving them to the streets in protest.
Political Support and Challenges for Wickremesinghe
While Wickremesinghe was appointed as Prime Minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in an effort to quell the unrest and restore stability, his appointment has faced challenges. Although the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Party (SLPP), led by the Rajapaksas, has offered support for Wickremesinghe, most other parties in the 225-member Parliament have stated that they will not formally join his government. However, they have indicated a willingness to support his efforts to resolve the economic crisis.
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On Saturday, Wickremesinghe began appointing his interim Cabinet, with four ministers already named and two more expected to join soon. Despite these efforts, tensions remain high, and many parliamentarians fear for their safety, as the recent unrest has left the political landscape unstable.
During a government parliamentary group meeting held on Saturday, there was criticism of the Inspector General of Police, with attendees accusing the police of failing to prevent the arson attacks on government officials’ properties.
A Call for Political Reform
The economic collapse has triggered a broader political crisis, with the powerful Rajapaksa family at the center of public anger. Despite sacking his Cabinet and appointing a younger team in an attempt to placate the protesters, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has refused to step down. Nevertheless, the protests demanding his resignation continue, now with the tacit support of the new Prime Minister.
Wickremesinghe’s backing of the ‘Gota Go Gama’ protesters signals an important shift in Sri Lanka’s political environment, as the country grapples with both an economic and political crisis of unprecedented proportions.
