Colombage Melani Manel Perera

Yesterday, the president opened to the resignation of his brother and started the process for the formation of a bipartisan national council. Meanwhile, the people are experiencing an "unprecedented" crisis related to political, economic and social "instability." Leaders of the various faiths urge leaders to "liberate" the nation and encourage renewal, starting with essential changes to the Constitution.

A memorial Mass was held in the Sri Lankan capital for the victims of the 2019 attacks in the presence of clerics from different religions. “We condemn the actions taken so far to conceal certain facts,” said Card. Ranjith.

The president has named a new 17-member cabinet in an attempt to calm the unrest. Yesterday, Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund began talks to ease the country’s financial crisis. Cardinal Ranjith calls on the current leadership to resign.

Traditional New Year celebrations involve ritual meals early in the morning, but long lines are needed to get increasingly expensive basic items. Grassroots movements are demanding the government quit.

The archdiocesan Caritas is behind the initiative, despite the country’s very serious economic situation. “We are in trouble, but I think God has blessed us many times,” said the father of one family.

Sri Lanka’s political situation remains at an impasse following mass protests. Opposition parties refuse a national unity government and call on the president to quit. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition has lost its parliamentary majority. Led by Cardinal Ranjith, clergy held silent protests in the Archdiocese of Colombo, urging political leaders to “listen to the voice of the people”.

Despite a curfew, protests against the economic crisis continued during the weekend. Over 600 people have been arrested. The Christian Solidarity Movement wants more than ousting current leaders. “We must act to change this system” that has impoverished the country.

Vehicles set on fire and stone throwing were met by tear gas and police arrests. A crowd protested at the soaring prices of essential goods and power cuts. “The country is fast approaching the precipice of a failed state that will in its wake inflict irreversible injuries on the people,” the country’s Catholic bishops warn

On a recent visit to Sri Lanka, India’s External Affairs minister signed several memoranda of understanding. Although not confirmed by either country, defence agreements have been criticised by the opposition.

The Young Men's Christian Association and other civil society organisations are calling on the government to fulfil its commitments on inclusion. Colombo has not yet incorporated the UN Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into its legislation.

Amid the economic crisis, the president claims to have done his best and blames his predecessors for the crisis. For economist Liyanage, “A ration system for those with the lowest income would have been a sensible step.” The president instead “put the whole weight of the situation on the shoulders of the people.”

A petition by the National Women's Movement for Economic Rights’ highlights food shortages, power cuts, as well as gas and fuel shortages. For the Co-operative Services minister, “fulfilling these responsibilities has become a huge challenge because of the many problems that are beyond our control”.