Sri Lanka: Authorities declare state of emergency July 13 /update 23

Event

Prime Minister Ranil Wikremesinghe, in his capacity as the acting president, has declared a nationwide state of public emergency July 13 amid ongoing anti-government protests. An indefinite curfew is active across the Western Province, including Colombo where renewed protests broke out July 13 over President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's failure to submit his official resignation as previously announced. Residents must stay home except for emergency reasons during curfews; police-issued movement passes or approved employment cards are typically required to exit homes for essential work.

Rallies continue to occur in Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka as of July 13 despite Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa acceding to resign. Rajapaksa stated that he will submit his letter of resignation by the end of July 13; if Rajapaksa does not resign, disruptive protests will likely continue. Protestors have occupied the Presidential Secretariat, as well as the residences of the president and prime minister since July 9, vowing to leave only when the leaders officially resign. Authorities said the parliament would convene from July 15 and elect a new president July 20; a new all-party interim government will also be formed in the coming days.

Civil Unrest
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. Protesters may engage in additional altercations with police and/or rival factions. 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 office, and the Nelum Pokuna intersection. Trade unions have intermittently held nationwide strikes, which may prompt significant service and transport disruptions.

Security Measures
Authorities will probably maintain heightened security measures nationwide, especially in Colombo, over the coming days. Officials could extend the 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.

Business and Travel Disruptions
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.

Various governments, such as Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK, are advising 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. Other countries may adjust their travel risk assessments in the coming days. The flydubai (FZ) carrier has indefinitely suspended its flights to Sri Lanka as of July 13; Etihad Airways (EY) officials have also announced flights to Sri Lanka will make refueling stops in India. Further flight schedule changes affecting additional air carriers are possible.

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.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was appointed early May after former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned due to violent protests. PM Wickremesinghe was supported by Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party that earlier lost its parliamentary majority after several coalition partners and lawmakers withdrew support. A new interim government is set to assume power until or unless fresh elections occur.

Advice

Confirm flight schedules, 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 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.