The anti-government protest is growing for the eighth consecutive day and protesters in massive numbers are gathering at Galleface tonight (16) as well.
This protest was commenced on April 09 demanding the stepping down of President Rajapaksa and the Government and is not affiliated with any political party.
A ritual dance (shanthikarma) was also performed on the protest ground tonight.
MIAP
The people of Heegoda, Urubokka area have raised their strong objection to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Nipuna Ranawaka as he arrived in the area today (16).
Being booed and chased away, the Ruling Party MP left the area the next minute.
Ranawaka is a close relative of the President and the Prime Minister.
MIAP
Several rounds of discussions were held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this (16) morning on the country’s situation, revealed the President’s Media Unit.
The first discussion was attended Finance Minister Ali Sabry, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Nandalal Weerasinghe, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Chief Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Finance Ministry K.M.M. Siriwardena.
Another discussion has been held with officials from the Finance Ministry, the Health Ministry and the Energy Ministry.
MIAP
The flight that left Ratmalana today morning – N750GF – for Dubai, belongs to British national and UK millionaire George Davies, the Daily Mirror learns.
Rumors were rife that former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa had left Colombo for Dubai on this flight, but sources confirmed that this private aircraft was carrying foreign nationals who had arrived last month.
According to details, the N750GF was carrying two foreign nationals including Davies on board and arrived in Sri Lanka on March 28. It departed Ratmalana Airport on April 16 morning for Dubai, UAE.
Davies is an Engish fashion designer and is the owner of several leading garment brands.
Daily Mirror
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa must be addressing the nation and making a statement at this point, said former Minister Namal Rajapaksa, speaking to an Indian media agency.
“It is mandatory that the President should be working with his team strongly. He is already doing that. The President should be addressing the nation and revealing the plans at this moment to the country. The people are concerned of what the President’s move would be. I like to see the people work together not only against the crises but also to build the country.”
MIAP
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) will be closed for a period of one week effective from next Monday (18).
The decision has been taken in consideration of a request made by the CSE Board of Directors to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
A number of parties involved in the stock market including the Colombo Stock Brokers Association have also made the request to close the CSE amidst the current economic situation.
Sri Lanka officially announced a debt default on April 12, which most parties defined as an unofficial declaration of the island nation being bankrupt.
MIAP
About ten Police trucks believed to have been deployed in dissolving the anti-government protest were parked near Galleface this (16) this morning.
Since yesterday, revelations were made by media, including us, that the government was planning to dissolve the anti-government protest held at Galleface, following which the parking of Police trucks near the premises had aroused the suspicion of the people. Accordingly, a strong objection was building up on Social Media against the move.
However, these trucks have been removed from the place and sent back.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) in a statement told the government that the right to stage peaceful demonstrations is protected by the Constitution of Sri Lanka and the peaceful protest held at Galleface, therefore, must not be hampered.
MIAP
A discussion is to be held between the President and the resigned Cabinet Ministers today (16).
The discussion will be held at 05.00 pm at the President’s Residence.
There will be a special discussion on future political matters and how the Cabinet will be sworn in as there is a need for re-swearing in.
Meanwhile, despite growing protests against President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s resignation, top security officials and the President have emphasized that he will not resign.
Sources say that President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has stated with a group of senior security officials that he will not step down from the presidency.
On the 14th, several senior security officials met the President and he assured them that he would not resign.
It is also stated that the President has emphasized to them that he is acting in accordance with the constitution of the country.
The new cabinet is due to be sworn in on April 18, according to internal government sources.
Sources added that the cabinet will be made up of more young politicians with many new faces.
It was also reported that after the swearing in of the cabinet, pro-government rallies would be held in every district.
