Sri Lanka: Anti-government protests continue as of May 23 amid the end of a state of public emergency /update 18

Event

A nationwide state of public emergency has ended in Sri Lanka effective 00:00 May 21. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa imposed the emergency orders 00:01 May 7 after an escalation of anti-government protests. Under the state of emergency measures, officials could impose 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. Parliament allowed the orders to lapse amid a reduction in protest participation and disruptive demonstrations.

Civil Unrest
Protests denouncing the government's handling of an ongoing economic crisis have been ongoing since late March and are likely to continue. Demonstrations have occurred in several cities, including Colombo, Galle, and Kandy since late March. 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. Trade unions have intermittently held nationwide strikes. 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. Colombo's Galle Face Green has been a focal point for protests. Further demonstrations by civil, political, and labor groups over economic issues are certain in the coming weeks. However, curfews and expanded police powers to forcibly disperse public gatherings will likely affect protest participation.

Security Measures
A nationwide curfew was last in effect 20:00 May 16-05:00 May 17; periodic curfews were active since May 9. Curfews may recur if protests turn violent. Security personnel are also empowered to open fire at individuals deemed to harm public property, violate curfew orders, engage in illegal acts, or harm others. 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, as 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.

Travel Advisories
Multiple countries including Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the UK are advising against nonessential travel to Sri Lanka until further notice due to civil unrest. The US is advising its citizens to reconsider travel due to fuel and medicine shortages. Several other nations are cautioning their citizens in Sri Lanka to avoid demonstrations and plan for shortages of essential items since early April. Other governments may adjust their travel risk assessments in the coming days.

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 former 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 resigned April 3. Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was initially the only cabinet member to stay on but later announced his resignation May 9. President Rajapaksa navigated the political crisis by appointing UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new prime minister with the support of SLPP and independent lawmakers. The ruling SLPP has also stalled urgent voting on a no-confidence motion against President Rajapaksa, though his loss would be non-binding. Opposition parties continue to press for a constitutional amendment to curtail presidential powers, which may become a new flashpoint for civilian protests.

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.