Hundreds march in crisis-hit Sri Lanka protesting tax hikes, crackdowns
Demonstrators shout at Sri Lankan police officers during an anti-government protest by trade unions, student movements, and civil organisations, including the main opposition parties, amid the country’s economic crisis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, November 2, 2022. (Reuters / Dinuka Liyanawatte)
Hundreds of people marched in Sri Lanka’s largest city Colombo on Wednesday protesting against higher taxes, inflation and alleged state-led repression as the country struggles to emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.
The anti-government protest, jointly organised by opposition political parties, trade unions and civil society groups, was blocked by police as marchers attempted to reach a central part of the city where the president’s house and other ministries are located.
“People can barely eat three meals a day and this government has done nothing to support people other than impose more and more taxes. We need solutions and we will keep fighting for them,” Ceylon Teachers’ Union Secretary Joseph Stalin said.
Sri Lanka has been gripped by a deep financial crisis this year caused by record-low foreign exchange reserves that has left the island of 22 million people struggling to pay for essential imports including fuel, food, cooking gas and medicine.
Widespread protests in July resulted in former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing the country and resigning after protesters stormed his office and residence.
His successor President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be presenting his first budget on Nov. 14 that is likely to include steep tax increases and other reforms to put the country’s tattered economy back on track and get approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $2.9 billion bailout.
However, increased taxes, which will include corporate and personal income taxes hiked to a high of 30%, coming on top of soaring inflation that hit 66% in October, is triggering public discontent.
Protesters carrying national and black flags shouted slogans of “Ranil go home,” during the march and called for new elections. They also accused the government of using draconian anti-terrorism legislation to crack down on protest leaders and jail two of them.
“Everyone must be within the law. That is democracy. But this government has been using anti-terrorism laws to repress protest leaders and this must be stopped,” said main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) senior member Eran Wickramaratne.
“Everyone must stand up against this government. We have to fight for our rights.”
(Reuters)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Johnston Fernando evades CID inquiry over unregistered BMW car October 18, 2024
- Ranil urges voters to choose experienced leaders to tackle economic crisis October 17, 2024
- Keheliya Rambukwella Primary School renamed Kundasale Royal Primary School October 17, 2024
- Tourist arrivals surpass 63,000 in early October amid seasonal slowdown October 17, 2024
- Sri Lankan President calls for national plan to revitalize agriculture October 16, 2024
It was shocking to see leaders SJB, SLFP, 43rd Brigade and many others run away in their luxury vehicles when confronted by the law.
Shame on these idiots; resign and go if you don’t have guts to face SL Police, who did a wonderful job in restoring law and order.
It is rumored Eran, Dayasiri and Fonseka lost their sarongs while running away; true?
The jolly good thing is donkeys following them are trying to topple the current government and give power to this lot. What will be the result? Like monkeys, SJB, SLFP, 43rd Brigade and many others start infighting as soon as the common objective of toppling the government disappears. Don’t have to look far. Look at the Jahapalanaya era. SL’s problem is its vorters, nothing else.
Ha, ha Gangalan,
There are social media clips showing Eran, Dayasiri and Fonseka running away minus sarongs.
One of them was not wearing an amude; guess who?
How can he call it democracy not being elected to parliament. It looks like a paid James Bond contract where elected Jamis Banda did not know what the hell to do.
Saw this on the YouTube left by Ada Derana. I don’t have a professor pattama, but something close. Anyway, anybody with the slightest common sense should be able to see and understand this is self-destruction performed by the opposition parties with only single agenda without any tested plan to develop the country, that leads to ultimate destruction of the economy, country and the nation. People should stand up together and chase these agitators away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTDFGgpy-3w&ab_channel=AdaDerana