President Rajapaksa resigns amid nationwide protests over poor economic conditions

Speaker of Sri Lanka’s parliament, Yapa Abeywardena, says that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned his position amidst the country’s economic woes.

Mr Rajapaksa’s resignation is to take effect from next Wednesday to allow a smooth transition. 

“He asked me to inform the country that he will make his resignation on Wednesday the 13th because there is a need to hand over power peacefully. 

“Therefore there is no need for further disturbances in the country and I urge everyone for the sake of the country to maintain peace to enable a smooth transition,” the speaker said in a televised statement. 

Mr Abeywardena made the announcement after Mr Rajapaksa’s residence and that of his brother ex-prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were attacked by angry protesters. 

The president’s resignation is more of an end to the Rajapaksa’s dynasty, which has ruled the country for more than a decade, than an end to the current humanitarian crisis of the country. 

The country ran into an unmanageable crisis following the shortage in supply of fuel, cooking gas, and food supplies starting months of protests which has now led to the ousting of its political leaders.