Colombia: A political turmoil grew over the island country after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa denied resigning ‘ under any circumstances’. The government chief whip defending the beleaguered leaders’ decision confirmed the news amidst protests demanding his resignation as the country’s economic condition plunged. Protesting for weeks, the raged public has prompted nearly all Cabinet ministers to quit, and scores of lawmakers to leave Rajapaksa’s government.
Speaking in Parliament, Chief Government Whip Minister Johnston Fernando said the government will face this problem and there is no reason for the President to resign as he was elected to office. “As a responsible Government, we state President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not resign from his post under any circumstances,” Fernando said.
Around 22 million people have been experiencing a shortage of food, fuel and other essentials, with pressure mounted by the record inflation and crippling power cuts- which have inflicted misery first time since the independence from Britain in 1948.
India meanwhile, delivered two fuel consignments to its neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. Around 36,000 tonnes of petrol and 40,000 tonnes of diesel have been supplied officials in the know said.
The US on the other hand on Wednesday advised its residents against travelling to Sri Lanka owing to the economic crisis. Reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19 and fuel and medicine shortages. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism,” State Department said in its latest travel advisory which has now been placed on Level 3.