State of Emergency Declared in Sri Lanka Amid Escalating Protests

[claireokc]

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared Friday an island-wide state of emergency for the second time since April amid sustained protests demanding his resignation. The emergency was imposed in the interests of public security, the protection of public order, and the maintenance of supplies and essential services, the Presidential Media Division said in a statement. The move follows student-led demonstrations outside the parliament building demanding Rajapaksa and his administration resign. The protest began Thursday after a government-backed deputy speaker was elected in parliament. According to local reports, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to break through the blockade. Hundreds of protesters remained camped outside the building, hindering members of parliament as they exited the building. ...

Source: https://www.theepochtimes.com/state-of- ... 51488.html