New leadership for Sri Lanka; Renil Wickremesinghe becomes Prime Minister; Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulates new PM

COLOMBO: Renil Wickremesinghe has returned to the post of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the new PM after President Gotabhaya's brother was told to resign as the country was in turmoil and they were convinced that the people would not back down from the struggle.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has already congratulated the new Prime Minister. Mahinda congratulated Vikramasinghe on Twitter. "I wish you all the best as you navigate these troubled times," Mahinda tweeted.

Congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister of #lka, @RW_UNP. I wish you all the best as you navigate these troubled times.

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) May 12, 2022

Renil Wickremesinghe has been the leader of the United National Party since 1994. He has previously served as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka four times. He has twice been the Leader of the Opposition. Vikramasinghe is also known for his pro-India stance.

Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on Monday following unrest in the country. When the attempt to suppress the protesters who surrounded the official residence failed, Rajapaksa had no choice but to resign. Nine people were killed and about 200 were injured in the violence.

The protesters had set fire to Mahinda's family home in Hambantota and his residence in Kurunegala City. The protesters also set fire to the official residences of former ministers Johnston Fernando, four MPs and two mayors. The ruling party MPs were attacked by students. Party offices were also set on fire. Protesters set fire to several buses and vehicles.

The collapse of tourism revenue due to Covid and the debt incurred from China have devastated the Sri Lankan economy. Inflation soared as the government devalued the Sri Lankan rupee by 36 per cent to address the crisis. Prices of essential commodities soared. Food, fuel, cooking gas and medicine were not available. The price of rice and milk has quadrupled. Fishing stopped without diesel and kerosene. Due to shortage of printing paper, examinations were postponed. The country was plunged into darkness as power plants were shut down. This led to protest in the country and then the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa.