Protests Ousted Sri Lanka's Last President. Ahead of New Election, Many Are Still Waiting for Change

Sri Lanka's Economic and Political Crisis

Sri Lanka has been facing a severe economic and political crisis for months. The country's foreign exchange reserves have dwindled, and it has been unable to import essential goods, including food and fuel. This has led to widespread shortages and price increases, which have caused great hardship for the people of Sri Lanka.

The crisis has also led to political instability. In July, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country after protesters stormed his residence. He later resigned from office, and Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as the new president.

Protests Demand Change

The protests that led to Rajapaksa's resignation were sparked by the economic crisis. However, they also reflected a broader dissatisfaction with the government. Protesters demanded change, including the resignation of Rajapaksa and his government, and reforms to the political system.

The protests were largely peaceful, but there were some instances of violence. In May, nine people were killed when police fired on protesters in Rambukkana. The violence led to further protests and calls for the resignation of Rajapaksa.

New Elections

Rajapaksa's resignation has led to new elections. The elections are scheduled for November 16, and 35 candidates are running for president. The frontrunners include Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa of the main opposition party, and Dullas Alahapperuma, a former Rajapaksa ally.

The election is expected to be close. Wickremesinghe has the advantage of being the incumbent president, but he is also unpopular with many voters. Premadasa is popular with the opposition, but he has been criticized for his lack of experience. Alahapperuma is seen as a compromise candidate, but he is not well-known by the public.

Waiting for Change

The people of Sri Lanka are hoping that the new elections will bring about change. They are tired of the economic crisis and the political instability. They want a government that will address their concerns and improve their lives.

However, it is unclear whether the new government will be able to meet the people's expectations. The country faces many challenges, including a large budget deficit, high inflation, and a large external debt. It will take time and effort to address these challenges and improve the lives of the people of Sri Lanka.