Colombo
The world is witnessing the last days of the Rajapakse era in Sri Lanka’s political history. The Rajapakse family, powerful in local politics in the southern districts of Sri Lanka, became prominent in national politics in 2005 when Mahinda Rajapakse became president. When Mahinda came to power with the support of the Buddhist Sinhalese majority in 2009 and crushed the LTTE, the younger Anujan Gotabaya was in charge of strategy.
Mahinda lost to Maithripala Sirisena in the 2015 elections. In 2019, with the victory of Gotabaya, Rajapakse became the center of power again. What followed was a series of blunders that led to a severe financial burden for the country.
People on the street
The 2019 Easter blasts had a negative impact on tourism. Foreign loans taken for controversial development projects such as ports and airports were unrepayable. Even then, despite the warnings, he announced huge tax cuts aimed at popularity. With the covid closures and the ban on fertilizers, the financial collapse was complete. Unable to bear the shortage of food, cooking gas, fuel, medicine, etc., people took to the streets.
The end of the Rajapakse era
The family’s political downfall began in April. Three family members, including Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, resigned following nationwide protests. Later, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also resigned and sought refuge in the naval headquarters. Gotabaya remained in power thinking that the problems would cool down. But the Lankan president had to flee with his family to escape from his own people.
Gotabaya left the country without being caught
Gotabaya and his family escaped and took shelter in the naval base just before the agitators invaded the presidential palace on the 9th of this month. His attempt to enter the United States failed as his visa application was rejected. Then he tried to enter the UAE, but the immigration department at the airport did not cooperate. Then an attempt was made to leave the country by ship.
At the last minute, he offered to resign only if he was allowed to leave the country safely. When this also failed, a special Vyomasano flight of the Air Force entered the Maldives on Wednesday morning. The Constitution of Sri Lanka protects the President from arrest. If you resign and remain in the country, this security will cease. There was also a fear of detention as there was opposition from the ruling party itself.
Desabhimani news is now available on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Click to Subscribe WhatsApp Channel..
Click to Subscribe Telegram Channel..
Other news