Sri Lanka: Protests continue to occur in Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka as of July 11 /update 22

Event

Rallies continue to occur in Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka as of July 11 despite opposition parties' pledge to form an interim government. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had agreed to resign, after protesters occupied the president's house and the prime minister's residence during major demonstrations in Colombo's Fort area since July 9. While Rajapaksa said he would resign by July 13 and the prime minister's office confirmed that Rajapaksa would quit, protesters said they would remain at the president's house and the prime minister's residence until Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa have officially left office.

Demonstrators have staged sit-ins or marches at or near fuel stations, hospitals, government buildings, politicians' residences, public squares, railway stations, and along major roadways connecting cities in several locations, including Colombo, Galle, and Kandy, since March. Violence involving lethal weapons has occurred during demonstrations; significant clashes occurred between pro-and anti-government supporters May 9, mainly in Colombo, resulting in nine deaths and over 200 injuries. Galle Face Green has been a focal point for protests in Colombo; other popular rally venues in the city include the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office, Colombo Fort Magistrate Court, Fort Railway Station, the prime minister's residence of Temple Trees, and the Nelum Pokuna intersection. Trade unions have intermittently held nationwide strikes, which may prompt significant service and transport disruptions.

Authorities will probably maintain heightened security measures nationwide, especially in Colombo, over the coming days. Officials could reimpose a state of public emergency or curfews in response to security assessments. Localized transport disruptions and a heavy police presence are likely near any large gatherings that occur. Protests could turn violent quickly, as security forces are usually quick to resort to the use of force to disperse unruly gatherings; authorities may empower security personnel to open fire at individuals deemed to damage public property, violate any curfew orders, engage in illegal acts, or harm others. Businesses in areas experiencing violent protests and/or heightened security measures could close temporarily as a precaution. Power outages and fuel shortages will likely continue interrupting business operations in the medium term, potentially prompting further disruptions and protests.

Context

Various groups have held protests in Sri Lanka in recent months to denounce worsening economic conditions and the government's response to the situation. A lack of foreign reserves to service external payments has caused an economic crisis with worsening shortages of essential goods, such as food, fuel, and medications. Fuel shortages and power outages have, in turn, disrupted water supply, freight and passenger transport, and internet services. The country suspended foreign debt payments April 12, with USD 4 billion payments due in 2022. The government is in talks to obtain financial assistance from the IMF, marking the 17th time the nation has sought a bailout from the global lender since its independence.

Prior to the opposition parties' pledge to form an interim government July 10, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party led by former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa lost its majority in the parliament as several coalition partners and lawmakers withdrew support. The interim government will probably remain in place until a new parliamentary election takes place.

Various governments, such as Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, have advised against nonessential travel to Sri Lanka until further notice. Several countries are also cautioning their citizens in Sri Lanka to avoid demonstrations and plan for shortages of essential items. The US advises its citizens to reconsider travel due to fuel and medicine shortages. Various countries may adjust their travel risk assessments in the coming days.

Advice

Confirm business and medical appointments, deliveries, road status, and transport reservations in advance. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Abide by any curfew orders. Avoid all protests due to the potential for violence. Do not attempt to cross protester-erected roadblocks; wait for the police to clear them before proceeding. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Allow additional travel time in Colombo and other urban centers through at least July. Plan for long queues to obtain essential items; ensure contingency plans account for prevailing difficulties in accessing essential goods and services. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.