Colombo: Former cricketers Arjuna Ranatunga and Sanath Jayasuriya took part in protests against the Rajapaksa government in the capital, Colombo, near the Presidential Secretariat in the capital. Both players chanted slogans against the government and joined the protesters.
Ranatunga demanded that other sportspersons in the country come out in support and protest. Former Sri Lankan cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene has expressed support for the protest campaigns on social media. Former captain Kumar Sangakkara also declared solidarity with the protesters. Former Test cricketer and match referee Roshan Mahanama was also part of the anti-government protests.
At the same time, security has been beefed up in front of the president’s office in Galle Face in the wake of the ongoing protests. More commandos and police were deployed yesterday. The ration system was introduced in Sri Lanka from Friday to address fuel shortages.
Two-wheelers arriving at the petrol pump can buy fuel up to a maximum of Rs 1,000 in a single visit. Three-wheelers can buy fuel for up to Rs 1,500 and cars and jeeps for up to Rs 5,000. Buses and lorries were excluded from the ration system.
The power cut, which was omitted for the last three days in the New Year context, was resumed from yesterday. Authorities said the power cut would last for more than two hours yesterday and today. At the same time, Sri Lanka sought India’s help in importing LPG.
Teshara Jayasinghe, chairman of state-run gas company Litro Gas, has resigned citing corruption by the gas mafia. Jayasinghe’s resignation states that steps have been taken to obtain an Indian credit line for LPG imports through the Indian High Commission.
The Colombo Stock Exchange has announced that it will close for five days from tomorrow. Officials say the break is an opportunity for investors to gain more clarity and understanding of the current economic situation in the country and to make decisions.