Sri Lanka: SLPP Coalition To Meet Prez Rajapaksa To Discuss Govt Formation, Solutions For Economic Impasse

People have been protesting against the ruling regime as they face lengthy power cuts and a shortage of gas, food, and other basic goods. The protesters have been surrounding homes of parliamentarians.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (File Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: The 10-party alliance of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) coalition will meet Srilankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today to discuss the formation of the all-party interim government.

Talks on methods to end the current political and economic impasse would also be held there, news agency PTI reported party sources as saying.

"A crucial meeting between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is scheduled to be held at 7 pm (local time) today to find a solution to economic, political, and social mess affecting the country," ex-President Maithripala Siriserna said, as reported by news agency ANI citing local media. 

Notably, the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said that the leaders will meet to take forward the process of moving a no-confidence motion against the government.

The SJP has started taking signatures of MPs for the no-confidence motion.

President Rajapaksa and his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, continue to hold power in Sri Lanka even as their politically powerful family continues to face public ire over the economic crisis in the country.

Massive Anti-Government Street Protests Turn Into An All-Night Vigil

Mass-scale street protests began in Sri Lanka after a gathering opposite President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's private home was tear-gassed on March 31, several people were arrested and later granted bail.

A massive anti-government street protest demanding the Sri Lankan President's resignation has turned into an all-night vigil as over 10,000 demonstrators gathered at the Galle Face Green urban park, PTI reported.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from the UK in 1948.

People have been protesting against the ruling regime as they face lengthy power cuts and a shortage of gas, food, and other basic goods.

Protestors are seen chanting "Go home Gota", seeking the President's resignation.

"This is not a joke, we are here because we have no electricity, gas, fuel and medicine," a protester told reporters, as quoted by PTI.

The protesters have been surrounding the homes of parliamentarians in different places.

Meanwhile, the government accused the Opposition parties, mainly the Janatha Vikmuthi Peramuna (the People's Liberation Front), of organising the demonstrations.

The opposition parties were accused of driving the island into anarchy.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa defended his government's actions, claiming that the foreign exchange crisis was not his making and the economic downturn was largely pandemic driven as the island nation's tourism revenue and inward remittances waned.

Notably, Sri Lanka is scheduled to start talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tomorrow (Monday).

The talks can lead to a possible bailout, including assistance in restructuring foreign debt.

(With Agency Inputs)