COLOMBO: The curfew imposed in Sri Lanka, amid the backdrop of the protests demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was lifted. The decision was reportedly taken as the conflict lessened in the area. The army is on high alert as huge clashes had erupted in front of the president’s residence. Around 1000 people surrounded the president’s house last night. Even though the police and special task forces tried to calm the situation, they were unsuccessful. Later, the president’s security was secured with the help of the army and navy.

The people took to streets after a 12-hour power cut was imposed following the severe financial crisis. The authorities decided to impose power cuts due to acute shortage of diesel in the country. Sri Lanka is facing shortage of kerosene, LPG, medicines as well. The country currently has only 2 billion dollars left in its foreign exchange reserves to repay its foreign debt of 690 billion dollar. The government is struggling to find money to run the country and is in hope of financial assistance from countries including India. It has also begun efforts to get a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to recover from the current economic crisis.