Pressure mounts on Sri Lanka leader to quit as crisis grows
India Today
With thousands taking to the streets to protest against the government's mismanagement of the crisis, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is under heavy pressure to resign from his position.
Thousands of Sri Lankans rallied in the country's main business district and Christian clergy marched in the capital to observe a day of protest on Saturday calling on the debt-ridden nation's president to resign, as anxiety and anger over shortages simmered.
Protesters carrying national flags and placards, some bemoaning the hardships through songs, blamed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his administration for mismanaging the crisis.
He has remained steadfast in refusing to step down even after most of his Cabinet quit and loyal lawmakers rebelled, narrowing a path for him to seek a way out as his team prepares to negotiate with international lending institutions.
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“Go home Rajapaksas" and "We need responsible leadership,” read the placards.
The protest also included a large number of youngsters who had organised themselves through social media and refuse to accept any political leadership. Many carried signs, saying “You messed with the wrong generation!”
The protesters stayed around the president's office and vowed not to leave until their mission is accomplished.
