Arundathie Abeysinghe

Russian crude is currently the cheapest option for Sri Lanka after it defaulted a few weeks ago. The country now has to be concerned about a possible European embargo. As long queues form at petrol stations, bus companies and schools cut their services.

Rice stocks are expected to run out by October. The authorities are urging urban residents to cultivate home gardens. To cope with the crisis, the government will be forced to import tonnes of rice, but experts believe that the population must also change its food habits.

The majority of the population no longer has access to three meals a day due to a lack of food. The Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund are considering various financial assistance programmes. Female employment drops by 47% in the tourism sector.

With the Rajapaksas in power, Beijing financed infrastructure projects that were often unnecessary and overpriced. The port and airport in Hambantota district are the most striking examples. China holds 10 percent of Colombo's external debt, like Japan, but at much higher interest rates.

The five-time prime minister is expected to be sworn in tonight. The Sri Lankan parliament is expected to approve his appointment, following the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa, brother of the current president Gotabaya. Meanwhile, ordinary Sri Lankans continue to demand a new government.

A crowd gathered near a naval base looking for Mahinda Rajapaksa. His eldest son denies rumors that he fled abroad; however, rumours are flying that some politicians are trying to escape the island. Blockades have been set up at the airport while a strike has shut down immigration service. Diplomats and religious leaders condemn the violence.

Many Sri Lankan refugees who returned home after fleeing to Tamil Nadu during the civil war are considering fleeing again due to Sri Lanka's financial woes. However, the Indian Navy has stepped up coastal patrols and is returning refugees to their villages.

Prime Minister Mahinda, President Gotabaya's brother, plans to support an amendment to the Constitution granting more powers to Parliament. Protesters continue to call for the resignation of the entire government, while some politicians have also called on the premier to leave office.

Amid a worsening crisis, Sri Lanka meets with International Monetary Fund, while India continues to provide financial assistance. Meanwhile, anti-government protests show no sign of abating with demonstrators blocking roads and railways.

The former prime minister asked President Rajapaksa to delegate public finances to parliament and set up a consortium of countries to provide economic assistance to the island, currently crushed by runaway inflation and a shortage of essential goods. The situation remains at an impasse because of the president’s unwillingness to resign, but his party is no longer able to organise a rally in his support.

The leaders of eleven parties have asked President Rajapaksa for an interim government to adopt new policies to cope with a shortage of basic goods. Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party left the ruling coalition. Four main Buddhist groups call for the government to step aside.

The amount would be added to the 2.8 billion the Chinese have granted since the outbreak of the pandemic. New economic agreements also with India. Blackouts continue due to lack of fuel.