Sri Lanka facing an economic Armageddon; Sajith leads massive protest in Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka is facing an economic Armageddon, said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa while leading a massive protest against the government in Colombo on Tuesday (16).

'The people are suffering due to a variety of issues, primarily because of maladministration, authoritarianism, autocracy, dictatorship, and also the inability of this government to govern in a sound manner," he told reporters.

Premadasa leading thousands from across the country in a protest march said 'We are airing their grievances of the people of our country. Their economic, social grievances.'

He also went on to note the people are unable to feed themselves, mothers and children are suffering from malnutrition.

There is desperation, people are yearning for a change, for a government that is accountable, responsible and that is in reality a government of the people and by the people.

Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader also went on to note that the present government has created an era of long queues.

"For the first time in history, the oil refinery inaugurated by the late Dudley Senanayake is shut down under the present government," he said adding the government's reason for the closure is the lack of foreign currency.

Noting that the government claims to have no funds for Crude Oil, but for Refined Oil, Sajith Premadasa said the government is looking at ways to make spot purchases and follow corrupt means to gain commissions for themselves.

"We will create a new era for the country," said Premadasa.