Sri Lanka: Officials declare indefinite nationwide state of public emergency May 7 amid protests over economic conditions /update 14

Event

Protests denouncing the government's handling of an ongoing economic crisis are occurring across Sri Lanka as of May 7. Demonstrations started in late March and are likely to continue indefinitely. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared a state of public emergency from 00:01 May 7 until further notice. The orders empower officials to enforce curfews, deploy military forces to maintain public order, arrest and detain suspects for a prolonged time without trial, conduct searches and evictions of buildings, and impose limits on media, among others.

Civil Unrest
Further demonstrations by civil, political, and labor groups over economic issues are certain in the coming weeks. Protests are occurring in several cities, including Colombo, Galle, and Kandy. Activists typically hold sit-ins or marches at or near fuel stations, hospitals, government buildings, politicians' residences, public squares, railway stations, and along major roadways connecting cities. The largest indefinite protest is underway at Colombo's Galle Face Green. Sporadic violence has occurred during demonstrations; one protestor died in police gunfire in Kegalle District's Rambukkana April 23.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture, mainly in Colombo, until protests abate. Localized transport disruptions and a heavy police presence are likely near any large gatherings that may materialize. Protests could turn violent quickly, though security forces are usually quick to resort to the use of force to disperse unruly gatherings. 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.

Official Advisories
Since April 7, several countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, are cautioning their citizens in Sri Lanka to avoid demonstrations and plan for shortages of essential items. However, travel risk assessments remain unchanged at moderate to high levels.

Context

Various groups have held protests in Sri Lanka in recent weeks 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.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party led by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has lost its majority in the parliament as several coalition partners and lawmakers withdrew support. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has refused to resign, while no other party or coalition has staked a claim to form an alternative government in the 225-seat assembly. A fresh cabinet was appointed April 18, after cabinet ministers, excluding Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned April 3. Political uncertainty over the potential collapse of the government continues as the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party has submitted a no-confidence motion against the government and President Rajapaksa; the trust vote is yet to be scheduled.

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 violence. Do not attempt to cross protester 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 May. Plan for long queues to obtain essential items; ensure contingency plans account for the continued access to essential goods and services. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.