COLOMBO: Boos and heckles greeted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Sunday on his first public outing since nationwide protests erupted demanding his ruling family resign over the worsening economic crisis.Months of blackouts and acute shortages of food, fuel and medicines have caused widespread suffering across the South Asian island in its worst economic downturn since independence in 1948.
On Sunday, the premier visited one of the holiest Buddhist temples – housing a reputedly 2,300-year-old tree – in Anuradhapura.
But dozens of people carried hand-written placards and chanted slogans demanding that “thieves” be banned from the sacred city, 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Colombo.
“We will worship you if you stand down (as Prime Minister) and leave,” one man shouted.
Heavily armed Special Task Force (STF) commandos were deployed while police moved to clear the road for Rajapaksa’s convoy of six vehicles.
Officials said the premier returned to the capital by helicopter.
Several major roads in the country are blocked by people protesting the lack of cooking gas, petrol and diesel.
When Rajapaksa was leaving the premises, the people who had gathered on both sides of the road leading to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi protested against him with placards. Videos of protesters hooting at Premier Rajapaksa at that time were also circulating on social media.
They protested against Rajapaksa, chanting slogans such as “Do not come back”, “Did you come dressed”, “Uganda Appachchi”, and “Saatakayaa Ghaathakayaa”. Police and Special Task Force officers were also present at the scene.
Meanwhile, Minister of Mass Media Dr. Nalaka Godahewa said that the best path and best technical solution to create a new Government is the resignation of Prime Minister Rajapaksa, as it will mark the dissolution of the Cabinet.
Releasing a statement, he noted that this would be the only solution and the Prime Minister would take that decision today (9), or during the week.
“The President is in discussion with the main opposition and the other parties to form a new Government and we would be able to know his decision soon,” he had stated.(With inputs from Hindu and the Morning)
