Team News Riveting
Following the advise of his brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa finally stepped down from his position, amidst the ongoing protests against the government across the country.
Later, his party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala was found dead in Nittambura. Some reports claimed he committed suicide after mob grilled him.
A vehicle allegedly belonging to MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala was seen attacked by the people in Nittambuwa. CCTV footegages near the area shows MP Athukorla is running for safety. He was reportedly hidden in a building where he had reportedly committed suicide.
Rajapaksa’s resignation comes amid ongoing anti-government protests across the island over the worst economic crisis in the country since its independence. Earlier today, police imposed a nationwide curfew and Army troops were deployed in Colombo.
The supporters of the ruling party clashed with the anti-government demonstrators outside the President’s office, leaving at least 23 people injured.
Supporters of the SLPP rallied inside Mahinda Rajapaksa’s office earlier on Monday, urging him to ignore the protesters’ demand to step down and requesting he remains in office.
The citizens of the island country have been showing this discontentment with the present government as they continue to struggle in long queues to meet their basic necessities, including food and medicines.
The Sri Lankan President and several ministers had also opined that the Prime Minister should resign. Rajapaksa’s resignation as PM comes after rounds of discussions among the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Party (SLPP) and its constituent parties. The PM’s departure also results in the dissolution of the Cabinet.
