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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Resigns as Protests Mount over Economic Crisis

HeadlineMay 09, 2022

Sri Lanka’s prime minister has resigned, clearing the way for the formation of a new cabinet as Sri Lanka looks for ways to end a devastating economic crisis. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is the brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has faced charges of nepotism and corruption since he installed three siblings into high-level government posts. Large anti-government protests in recent weeks have demanded the ouster of all members of the Rajapaksa family.

Earlier today, supporters of the ruling party stormed a major protest site in the capital Colombo, attacking protesters and prompting clashes with police, who fired tear gas and water cannons. Dozens were injured, and authorities have ordered a nationwide curfew across Sri Lanka.

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