Following reports that Sri Lanka's president has confirmed he will resign after his residence was stormed by thousands of protesters over the weekend, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged dialogue to " ensure a smooth transition of government and solutions to the country's deep economic crisis."
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has not made any public comments about the occupation of his home, along with that of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but, according to reports, the prime minister's office announced that it had been informed that the president planned to resign on Wednesday.
Widespread protests
President Rajapaksa has become the focus of widespread protests in recent months due to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine , amid a financial and humanitarian crisis that has left the country unable to pay its debt, with record inflation and more than six million people facing food insecurity.
“The Secretary-General continues to closely follow developments in Sri Lanka,” said a statement from the UN leader, released by his spokesman, Farhan Haq.
António Guterres “ stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and calls on all stakeholders to engage in dialogue to ensure a smooth transition of government and find sustainable solutions to the economic crisis,” the text adds.
The Sri Lankan head of state was moved to a secure location before protesters entered the presidential residence. The occupation continues as of now.
The executive's resignation will take place when he submits it in writing to the leader of the Sri Lankan Parliament, which has not yet happened.
© Unsplash/Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona
Demonstrators protesting in London against the Sri Lankan government.
The prime minister would also resign
According to press reports, the prime minister also announced that he would resign after his house was set on fire over the weekend.
“The Secretary-General condemns all acts of violence and calls for those responsible to be held accountable, underscoring the paramount importance of maintaining peace,” says Guterres’ statement, which concludes by reaffirming the UN’s support for the country.
"The United Nations stands ready to support Sri Lanka and its people."
Collapse of tourism and consequent crisis
Sri Lanka's multiple crises were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic , which caused the collapse of the tourism industry, crucial to its economy because it provides foreign currency for imported fuel and medical supplies.
The country was also hit by the supply chain crisis precipitated by the war in Ukraine.
The UN Resident Coordinator and top humanitarian official in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer, stressed on Sunday the importance of ending the political crisis immediately through dialogue, so that the country can "cope with its worst economic crisis since independence ."
“It is important that all incidents of violence against journalists, peaceful protesters and damage to property are investigated and that those responsible are held accountable,” he added.
Singer stated that the UN continues to monitor the situation closely "and stands ready to assist in dialogue, as needed."
“Just as we do around the world, the UN calls for respect for human rights , the rule of law and democratic governance in Sri Lanka,” the resident coordinator pointed out.