Sri Lanka | Protesters block entrances of Gotabaya's presidential secretariat, 21 arrested
The Hindu
Sri Lankan police arrested 21 people after protesters blocked two entry points to the presidential secretariat in addition to the entrance they have been blocking since April 9
A group of protesters in Sri Lanka demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the mismanagement of the economy blocked all entrances of the presidential secretariat here, forcing the police on Monday to arrest 21 people, including a Buddhist monk and four women.
The island nation, home to around 22 million people, is currently facing its worst economic crisis in more than 70 years. Sri Lanka's economy is experiencing extreme fuel shortages, soaring food prices and a lack of medicines.
The demonstration at the GotaGoGama, a protest site at the Galle Face, entered the 73rd day on Monday.
The protesters last night blocked the two entry points to the presidential secretariat in addition to the entrance which they have been continuously blocking since April 9.
Police arrested 21 people, including a Buddhist monk and four women.
Police said the latest action by the protesters to block the two gates which provide access to the finance ministry and the government treasury was uncalled for. The police wanted to clear the two gates as an IMF team is due to visit the finance ministry.
The International Monetary Fund team is visiting Colombo to continue discussions on a possible bailout programme to support the island nation's economic recovery.
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