President Sri Lanka lifts state of emergency despite protests

Just days after declaring a state of emergency, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ended it amid protests over the country's political turmoil and economic downturn.

In a gazette published by the Sri Lankan news agency News First, Rajapaksa announced revocation of the emergency rule ordinance that had taken effect on April 1. The ordinance was imposed in the wake of a violent protest outside his private residence on March 31.

“We urge the government, political parties and civil society to engage in immediate, inclusive, and meaningful dialogue to find a solution for the pressing economic and political challenges that Sri Lanka faces and to avoid further polarization of the situation,” OHCHR said in a statement.

Johnston Fernando, the chief government whip, said Rajapaksa has "no intention of resigning in any way given that he was selected by 6.9 million people."

Sarah Saadoun, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, said that the protests send “a clear message” about people’s economic situation in Sri Lanka.

6 April 2022