Mass protests broke out in Batticaloa as students at the Eastern Medical University and members of the TNA demanded that Sri Lanka’s President resign as the country faces a dire economic crisis.
People in the eastern town of #Batticaloa, led by #Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian @ShanakiyanR staged a protest near #Kallady bridge today, calling for the resignation of #SriLanka president @GotabayaR & his government. @TNAmediaoffice pic.twitter.com/oUy2mnfDdW
— JDS (@JDSLanka) April 4, 2022
He was joined by Tamil National Alliance MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Batticaloa Mayor Saravanabawan Thiyagarajah, Deputy Chief Minister Deputy Chief Minister K. Satyaseelan. Ex Member of Parliament P. Ariyanethran. They were also accompanied by members of the city council and the Tamil youth.
Rasamanickam also led demonstrations to SLFP MP Pillayan's house to demand that he resign from all positions in the government. Rasamanickam had previously supported Pilliayan.
Read more here: Ruling coalition partner withdraws support amidst political crisis
Demonstrations were held by Batticaloa Eastern University medical students; in front of the Gandhi Park; and near the Kallady bridge where protesters demanded that Sri Lanka’s President resign from his post.
Demonstrators chanted “Misery for us, celebration for you”; “No petrol, no diesel, government ministers have no brains” and one placard read “The country is fried. Kick Gota out”.
Earlier this morning, Sri Lanka’s president announced a new four-member cabinet made up of his allies, after every single minister resigned, except his elder brother prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Despite the resignations and new appointments, protests have continued across the island today.
Read more here.