Secretary-General calls for dialogue in Sri Lanka

Facing reports that the Sri Lankan president has confirmed that he will step down after his residence was stormed by thousands of protesters over the weekend, the General secretary of the United Nations, António Guterres, called this Monday for dialogue to “ensure a smooth transition from government and solutions to the country’s deep economic crisis”.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made no public comment about the occupation of his home, along with that of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but according to dispatches, the premier’s office announced that it had been informed that the president planned resign on Wednesday.

Widespread protests

President Rajapaksa has become the focus of widespread protests in recent months over the severe shortages of food, fuel and medicinein the midst of a financial and humanitarian crisis that has left the country unable to pay its debt, with record inflation and more than six million people in a situation of food insecurity.

“The General secretary continues to closely follow developments in Sri Lanka,” said a statement from the UN leader, released by his spokesman, Farhan Haq.

Antonio Guterres”stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and calls on all stakeholders to engage in dialogue to ensure a smooth government transition and find sustainable solutions to the economic crisis.

The Sri Lankan head of state was taken to a safe place before the protesters entered the presidential residence. The occupation is maintained so far.

The executive’s resignation will take place when he submits it in writing to the leader of the Sri Lankan Parliament, which has not yet happened.

The prime minister would also resign

According to press releases, the prime minister also announced that he would resign after his house was burned down during the weekend.

“The secretary general condemns all acts of violence and calls for those responsible to be held accountable, underlining the paramount importance of maintaining peace,” says Guterres’ statement, which concludes by endorsing the UN’s support for the country.

“The United Nations stands ready to support Sri Lanka and its people.”

Collapse of tourism and consequent crisis

Sri Lanka’s multiple crises were seen exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemiccausing the collapse of the tourist industry, crucial to its economy because it provides foreign exchange for imported fuel and medical supplies.

The country was also hit by the supply chain crisis precipitated by the war in Ukraine.

The resident coordinator and top UN humanitarian official in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer, stressed on Sunday the importance of ending the political crisis immediately through dialogue, so that the country can “cope with its worst economic crisis since independence”.

“It is important that all incidents of violence against journalists, peaceful protesters and property damage are investigated and hold those responsible accountable.” he added.

Singer stated that the UN continues to monitor the situation closely “and stands ready to assist in dialogue, as needed.”

“Just like we do all over the world, the UN calls for respect for human rightsthe rule of law and democratic governance in Sri Lanka”, the resident coordinator pointed out.