Chaos in Sri Lanka marks new PM's swearing-in, forces clash with protesters

Sri Lanka has a new President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and a new Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena (former Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka). However, their swearing-in will always be marred by the clashes between the Sri Lankan Army and protesters. 

Troubled with economic woes for months, Sri Lanka also seemed to be on the brink of political ruin as its President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned after reaching Singapore. However, the island nation now has a new President and a new Prime Minister in place, but the new heads of state have not infused confidence among the people.

What's happening now? As soon as Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as the President, after winning the elections in the Parliament, he ordered a clampdown of anti-government protesters. The Sri Lankan Army dressed in riot gear, their faces covered and carrying assault weapons descended on the protesters camping at Galle Face without any warning. 

#WATCH | Sri Lanka: Entry to Galle Face protest site in Colombo blocked & barricaded by security personnel amid a late-night clampdown on protestors pic.twitter.com/bvALgHb5QI

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022

Reports and eye-witnesses spoke of the horror they brought as they clashed with protesters, thrashing activists and even journalists. Protesters, trying to record the event or live stream it, were hit by the soldiers and their phones were either broken or confiscated, the make-shift tents operating as canteen distributing free food, medical assistance, and disabled people assistance were all dismantled by the Army. 

Sri Lanka | Visuals from the vicinity of Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat, Galle Face in Colombo where an armed forces crackdown on protestors is underway as the crisis-laden country continues to simmer pic.twitter.com/RpVRYqeF34

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022

At least 50 people were said to have been injured in the clashes and two hospitalised. The crackdown caught the attention of Western diplomats, who called for peace and the end to violence against peaceful demonstrators. 

Very concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site. We have made clear the importance of the right to peaceful protest

— Sarah Hulton OBE (@SarahHultonFCDO) July 21, 2022

What is the public opinion about the new President and Prime Minister? It is no state secret that Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe faces opposition from the common public. The Parliament and the public definitely don't share the same confidence in Wickremesinghe to steer the country out of the current economic ruin. 

The public sees Wickremesinghe as the lackey of the Rajapaksas, who ruled Sri Lanka for decades and are being blamed for the current mismanagement of the economy. The public made Gotabaya Rajapaksa flee the country and had demanded Wickremesinghe's exit from the government. The protesters were hoping for a complete change in the political landscape of Sri Lanka. 

Appalled by the brutal & totally unwarranted attack on the Galle Face protesters soon after midnight. A manifestation of military mindset hours after inauguration, is hugely detrimental to our nation. It sends an unflattering message to int. community & hurts 🇱🇰s healing process.

— Dullas Alahapperuma (@DullasOfficial) July 22, 2022

Tense situation reported at Galle Face protest site as Military enters area pic.twitter.com/mtOb6MZdJd

— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) July 21, 2022

But Wickremesinghe's return has once again riled up the general public in Sri Lanka. It also needs to be noted, that Wickremesinghe was nominated to the Parliament and was never elected by the public. 

In fact, the irony is that during Wickremesinghe's swearing-in ceremony, a power cut at the Parliament cut off live broadcast of the event. Now, the authorities are investigating the issue to see if there was any miscreant involved in it. Besides that, the authorities are also investigating the arson at Wickremesinghe's private residence and the police has asked the public to share any information they have. 

But in some factions of the protesters, there is a willingness to give Wickremesinghe a chance, evident by the protesters vacating government buildings.

What's next for Wickremesinghe? Ranil Wickremesinghe has been President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka several times in the past and has now promised to find a solution to the country's current economic crisis. 

But the task of lifting Sri Lanka out of its current ruin is easier said than done. 

1. Sri Lanka faces at least $51 billion in external debt. 
2. Reports say its foreign reserves can manage only the next three months of imports. 
3. Inflation is expected to hit 70% in Sri Lanka soon.
4. There is one task cut out for Wickremesinghe, to convince the IMF to release the bailout package. For that, Wickremesinghe has to prove to the international body that the government is capable of managing the money without letting corruption seep in. 
5. Sri Lanka depends heavily on its tourism revenue and Wickremesinghe needs to ensure that the tourism sector gets back on its feet soon.

It is largely understood that Wickremesinghe is a temporary solution and not a permanent President. The next general elections will be held in 2024.