Economic crisis in Sri Lanka as millions suffer shortages of essential items
By France24
23 July 2022 |
3:01 pm
As Sri Lanka's protest movement reaches 100 days, the people proudly and defiantly said that their fight is not over. Indeed, in addition to political uncertainty, the country faces a long list of problems, with years of mismanagement coupled with external shocks. The coronavirus pandemic has battered the tourism industry, and the war in Ukraine has contributed to soaring inflation. On the ground, there are also long queues for food and fuel. For more, we speak to France 24's correspondent Navodita Kumari in Colombo.
In this article
Related
17 Apr 2022
Fuel shortages across Sri Lanka have prompted fuel rationing. For the seventh day in a row, protesters demonstrated in front of the president's office.
21 Apr 2022
It is the first reported shooting by Sri Lankan police since the start of this wave of protests against sharp fuel price hikes. An economic crisis is leading to a fast deteriorating situation in the country.
6 May 2022
Black flags have been raised across the country as millions of workers go out on strike in Sri Lanka. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues to ignore calls for him to step down.
9 May 2022
Colombo has seen clashes between government supporters and protesters outside the offices of the president and prime minister. Hours later, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offered to step down.
15 May 2022
As protesters tried to enter Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence overnight, police escorted him out on Tuesday morning. The flare up of violence has left at least five people dead and scores injured.
11 May 2022
The president has warned against "racial and religious disharmony." Police have received orders to use live ammunition against protesters deemed to be participating in violence.
21 May 2022
Sri Lanka is in the grip of its worst economic crisis in decades, facing depleted petrol reserves, food shortages and a chronic lack of medical supplies. More than a month of mainly peaceful protests against the government's handling of the economy turned deadly last week when supporters of the former prime minister stormed an anti-government protest site in the commercial capital Colombo. We discuss the depth of protesters’ grievances, as well as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s chances of weathering the storm, with Sri Lankan human rights lawyer and activist Bhavani Fonseka.
31 May 2022
Sri Lanka is facing one of the worst economic crises in recent decades, triggering public anger and mass protests, which have fostered unity across ethnic and religious lines.
3 Jun 2022
Addressing the global food crisis stemming from the pandemic and Russia's war on Ukraine, the assistant director-general of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said there will be no famine but definitely a food shortage for quite some time, especially for countries with low production capacity.
24 Jun 2022
The billionaire was named prime minister for the fourth time and asked to form a government to save the country from financial collapse. He urged fractious politicians to set aside differences to secure an IMF deal.
2 Jul 2022
Fuel will be rationed for two weeks as shortages and inflation continue to wreak havoc on Sri Lanka. Colombo is hoping Russian energy can solve its problems.
3 Jul 2022
The International Monetary Fund has concluded "constructive" talks with the government of Sri Lanka over a possible bailout. The island is facing its worst economic crisis on record, with protests over food, fuel and medicine shortages. Also on the show: why France is faring better than its neighbours when it comes to inflation. Plus FRANCE 24's Madrid correspondent Sarah Morris reports on the Spanish companies suffering from a diplomatic spat with Algeria.
Latest
4 hours ago
Michelle Yeoh battles her way through a multiverse, Angela Bassett leads a grieving nation at war, and Cate Blanchett deviously manipulates members of a world-class orchestra.
4 hours ago
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the German arms manufacturer has seen its share price more than double.
4 hours ago
Last month's deadly earthquakes sped up efforts by Arab nations to reconcile with Damascus after years of civil war. President Bashar Assad needs international help to rebuild his country but many roadblocks remain.
4 hours ago
As Honduras contemplates switching diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, experts say unofficial ties with remaining allies are stable but it's important to maintain formal relations, amid pressure from Beijing.
5 hours ago
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is in Tokyo this weekend for German-Japanese intergovernmental consultations. The two countries have recognized that they share economic and strategic interests. DW's Nina Haase reports from Tokyo.