Sri Lankan crisis worsens; MP among 8 killed in violence, over 200 injured

Updated On: 10 May, 2022 01:01 PM IST |

The death toll rose to eight on Tuesday in the unprecedented violence in Sri Lanka that erupted after supporters of former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters demanding his ouster over the country`s worst economic crisis that led to acute shortages of staple food, fuel and power. Over 200 people have also been injured in the violence in Colombo and other cities. Pics/PTI, AFP

1/13

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, resigned as Sri Lankan Prime Minister on Monday amid unprecedented economic turmoil, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops in the capital</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

2/13

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, resigned as Sri Lankan Prime Minister on Monday amid unprecedented economic turmoil, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops in the capital

3/13

The violence saw arson attacks on the homes of several politicians, including the ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota

<p>Prime Minister Mahinda`s House in Kurunegala was also set on fire by protesters while a mob also destroyed D A Rajapaksa Memorial - constructed in the memory of the father of Mahinda and Gotabaya - in Medamulana, Hambantota</p>

4/13

Prime Minister Mahinda`s House in Kurunegala was also set on fire by protesters while a mob also destroyed D A Rajapaksa Memorial - constructed in the memory of the father of Mahinda and Gotabaya - in Medamulana, Hambantota

<p>One person was killed following an attack on a popular hotel in Negombo. Multiple luxury cars worth millions of rupees were completely destroyed. SLPP Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security guard died in Nittambuwa on Monday</p>

5/13

One person was killed following an attack on a popular hotel in Negombo. Multiple luxury cars worth millions of rupees were completely destroyed. SLPP Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security guard died in Nittambuwa on Monday

<p>Two people were killed in a shooting that took place at the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman`s residence on Monday night. A person succumbed to his injuries at the hospital in Colombo</p>

6/13

Two people were killed in a shooting that took place at the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman`s residence on Monday night. A person succumbed to his injuries at the hospital in Colombo

7/13

The Colombo national hospital said at least 217 people had been admitted for treatment

<p>There have been protests over soaring prices and power cuts since last month. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948</p>

8/13

There have been protests over soaring prices and power cuts since last month. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948

<p>Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9 seeking the resignation of President Gotabaya and his brother Mahinda, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply</p>

9/13

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9 seeking the resignation of President Gotabaya and his brother Mahinda, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply

<p>In a special Cabinet meeting on Friday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency with effect from Friday midnight. This is the second time that an emergency was declared in Sri Lanka in just over a month as the island nation was in the grip of the worst economic crisis</p>

10/13

In a special Cabinet meeting on Friday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency with effect from Friday midnight. This is the second time that an emergency was declared in Sri Lanka in just over a month as the island nation was in the grip of the worst economic crisis

11/13

The US and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Sri Lanka to end the political crisis soon and find a solution through dialogue

12/13

A Sri Lankan anti government protester, left, consoles another during a clash with government supporters in Colombo

13/13

Police personnel stand guard outside the President`s office as his supporters and anti-government protesters clash in Colombo

Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach

A photographer holds up the lights during a photo session by the Madh Island seashore. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

Home / News / World News / Photos / Sri Lankan crisis worsens; MP among 8 killed in violence, over 200 injured

Sri Lankan crisis worsens; MP among 8 killed in violence, over 200 injured

Tags

Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach