Sri Lanka is reeling from its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 as a foreign currency shortage due to the mishandling of the economy has hampered the import of essential items. The prices of many essentials have almost tripled.
Widespread protests against the powerful Rajapaksa family and the government have taken place all over the country. Protesters blame Rajapaksa and his family for decisions that led to severe shortages of fuel, medicines and some essential food.
Thousands of demonstrators have campaigned outside the president's seaside office since mid-March, forcing him to retreat to his barricaded official residence (by Quintus Colombage).