Colombo, May 6: Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday evening declared emergency as protests intensified calling for his resignation amid a sharp economic downturn. The declaration came as the country was brought to a standstill by a nation-wide strike and an emergency cabinet meeting was called on Friday. The Emergency gives sweeping powers for authorities to break up protests. Courts have refused to allow requests by the Police to break up protests. Protestors have been camping in front of the President’s office for several weeks now. The Emergency comes as Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has refused to resign. “Prime Minister has not decided to resign yet,” spokesman Rohan Weliwita said. The emergency cabinet meeting was called as protesting university students surrounded the Parliament and Speaker Mahinda Abeywardene promised to call a party leaders’ meeting on Monday after opposition members demanded that a no confidence motions against the President and PM be taken up. Police used tear gas to disperse a group of protesters who were camping at the entrance of the Parliament on the Pelawatta road on Friday. They also used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters on the parliamentary entrance at Polduwa Junction on Friday evening. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s main stock index slipped for the third straight session, falling near 2 percent, as an island wide hartal crippled the country’s economic activities and businesses, dealers said. The main All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 1.85 percent or 140.07 points to 7,427.48 at the close. The most liquid index S&P SL20 plunged 3.16 percent or 78.30 points to close at 2,401.21. An island-wide hartal demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the incumbent government shut businesses, hit public transport, and forced the closure of many financial institutions. On Friday, Sri Lanka’s parliament announced that the parliament will be closed till May 17, signaling the ruling party’s delay in facing a no-confidence motion against it submitted by the main opposition. (UNI)
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