Can he get the country out of the crisis?
Sri Lanka: Wickremesinghe sworn in as prime minister
May 12, 2022, 7:05 p.m
Sri Lanka is experiencing the worst economic crisis in decades. There is a shortage of fuel, food and medicine. There is now a new prime minister who has a lot of experience but, according to critics, supports the controversial Rajapaksa family around the powerful president.
Sri Lanka has a new prime minister after his predecessor resigned amid violent protests. Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in today, Thursday, the President’s Office said. The 73-year-old has held the post five times, but it is unclear if his course will receive parliamentary approval. He is seen as a pro-Western supporter of a free market economy, and it might be easier for him to negotiate rescue packages with the International Monetary Fund.
There was criticism from opposition politicians. Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (JVP) said the new PM was only protecting the controversial Rajapaksa family. The family has long been in power in the country. It also includes Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who resigned on Monday, and incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaks.
Worst economic crisis in decades
After the resignation of the previous prime minister, the heavily indebted island state south of India was temporarily without a government. Because with his resignation, all ministers lost their posts. After a wave of violence earlier in the week with dozens injured and several dead, it was relatively quiet on Thursday – even given a strict curfew. The military and police patrolled.
The island state with around 22 million inhabitants is experiencing the worst economic crisis in decades. There is a shortage of fuel, food and medicine. The country is hoping for help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China and India. The latest wave of violence began with clashes between supporters and opponents of the previous government. According to the police, at least nine people were killed and more than 250 injured.