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Sri Lanka crisis Live Updates: Wickremesinghe declares state of emergency

| Updated: Monday, July 18, 2022, 9:18 [IST]

Colombo, July 18: Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has imposed a state of emergency, according to a government notice released late on Sunday and reported by local media.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign on July 13 — Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa (Photo Credit: PTI)

Catch the Live Updates Here:

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9:17 AM, 18 Jul

Sri Lanka has been battling an acute economic and political crisis in recent months. The country has been struggling with crippling shortages of essential items, including food, fuel and medicine.

9:15 AM, 18 Jul

"It is expedient, so to do, in the interests of public security, the protection of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community," the declaration stated.

9:14 AM, 18 Jul

Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has imposed a state of emergency, according to a government notice released late on Sunday and reported by local media.

12:18 AM, 18 Jul

The diesel price in the island nation will be slashed by 20 rupees per litre and the fuel will now be sold at 440 rupees, whereas the price for super diesel will be 510 rupees a litre following a reduction of 10 rupees.

12:18 AM, 18 Jul

Octane 95 petrol will sell for 540 rupees per litre, down by 10 rupees, DailyMirror reported quoting the local media.

12:17 AM, 18 Jul

As per the local media, the price of a litre of Octane 92 petrol will be reduced by 20 rupees, and the new retail price will be 450 rupees (1.25 dollars).

12:17 AM, 18 Jul

Sri Lanka's state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) have decided to lower the retail price of fuel from Sunday.

8:54 PM, 17 Jul

"This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the Rights Holder of the tournament, which cited the current ‘economic situation,’ in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement.

8:54 PM, 17 Jul

The Lanka Premier League was on Sunday postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing "economic situation" in Sri Lanka. The T20 League was scheduled to be held from August 1 to 21. Sri Lanka is currently grappling with enormous financial crisis and civil unrest for weeks.

3:43 PM, 17 Jul

According to the sources, the foreign secretary is likely to make a presentation before the members on the situation in Lanka and the assistance that India has given in the past to the island nation. And the meeting is likely to start at 5:30 pm.

3:42 PM, 17 Jul

: The Narendra Modi government has called for an all-party meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the crucial issue of the Sri Lanka crisis.

3:16 PM, 17 Jul

Indian government to hold all-party meeting on Sri Lanka situation on Tuesday, to be chaired by Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman & S Jaishankar

2:57 PM, 17 Jul

Sri Lanka's protest movement reached its 100th day Sunday having forced one president from office and now turning its sights on his successor as the country's economic crisis continues.

1:20 PM, 17 Jul

Amritha Vidyapathy, who hails from Colombo and is a student in Lucknow, says she has been urging his family to move to India with her considering the unfolding situation since months.

1:07 PM, 17 Jul

Families, future and finances---Srilankan students in India are on hooks getting bothered about the three as their kin back home struggle with the developments in wake of the Island nation facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades.

11:45 AM, 17 Jul

We admire the gracious efforts of Government of India for the tremendous support they have given us, in terms of meeting the basic needs of our people. We continue to seek India's help and support in this regard: Sri Lanka LoP Sajith Premadasa.

11:05 AM, 17 Jul

We are talking to all the members of Parliament... Victorious people should be in congruence with grassroots-level thinking. Right now we have a Parliament that doesn't represent majority opinion of the people...: Sri Lankan LoP on whether they've majority for Presidential polls

10:04 AM, 17 Jul

Right now we've 225 Parliamentarians choosing the President. Parliament composes of Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Legislative majority & President will be chosen from this composition. I've given my name, will see what happens. We're talking to all members: Sri Lankan LoP Sajith Premadasa

9:38 AM, 17 Jul

Colombo's Galle Face, the epicentre of protests in economic and political crisis hit Sri Lanka, was also the venue of the Satyagraha by the Tamil people over 60 years ago to seek equal importance, which resulted in them being violently attacked by elements toeing majoritarianism.

12:20 AM, 17 Jul

"We are in discussion with the Russian Government as well...The initial meetings have taken place in Russia. We have given our requirements and we are working on it. We are waiting to hear what sort of facility will be accommodated to Sri Lanka," he added.

12:19 AM, 17 Jul

"We have made requests (for fuel) to different countries. So, any country that comes to help us, we appreciate that. Right now, the Indian government is the only country that has provided us with a credit line," said Wijesekera.

12:19 AM, 17 Jul

Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera on Saturday said that his government is in discussion with Russia for the purchase of fuel amid the raging energy crisis in the country. Addressing a press conference here, Wijesekera lauded the Indian government for giving a credit line for purchasing fuel as the economic crisis continues to affect over 20 million Sri Lankans.

9:54 PM, 16 Jul

Wickremesinghe has taken this decision following discussions held with Ministers and Members of Parliament on July 16. In addition, it has been decided to use the additional money for this from the relief budget that will be presented in August.

9:53 PM, 16 Jul

Sri Lanka's Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to implement an urgent relief programme to provide fuel, gas and essential food items to the public who are struggling due to the economic turmoil.

5:25 PM, 16 Jul

In addition,it's been decided to use addl money for this from relief budget that'll be presented in August. He advised speeding up food security program. Plans made to prepare necessary environment for businessmen to run businesses without hindrances: Sri Lankan PM Media Division

5:17 PM, 16 Jul

Acting Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to implement an urgent relief program to provide fuel,gas & essential food items to public who're struggling due to economic pressure, following discussions with Ministers& MPs this morning: Sri Lankan PM Media Division

4:48 PM, 16 Jul

During the 13-minute special session, Dhammika Dassanayake, Secretary General of Parliament, announced the vacancy for the post of president. Dasanayake said that nominations for the election of the new president will be heard on Tuesday and if there is more than one candidate, the lawmakers will vote on Wednesday.

3:57 PM, 16 Jul

The process of electing a new president in Sri Lanka to succeed Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who resigned after unprecedented protests against his government over the country's economic collapse, has started with four contenders in the race. Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, main Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, Marxist JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Dullas Alahapperuma, a breakaway SLPP candidate, are the leaders who have so far announced their candidacy to contest the July 20 vote in Parliament. They will be contesting to succeed Rajapaksa for the rest of his term until November 2024.

2:28 PM, 16 Jul

We are in discussion with the Russian Govt as well...The initial meetings have taken place in Russia. We have given our requirements & we are working on it. We are waiting to hear what sort of facility will be accommodated to Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan Power & Energy Minister

2:28 PM, 16 Jul

We have made requests (for fuel) to different countries. So, any country that comes to help us, we appreciate that. Right now, the Indian Govt is the only country that has provided us with a credit line: Kanchana Wijesekera, Sri Lankan Power and Energy Minister, in Colombo

8:05 PM, 9 Jul

PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said he has informed the President that an all-party government must be formed while stressing that there is a fuel crisis in the country, a food shortage and the World Food Program Director is due to arrive in the country.

8:07 PM, 9 Jul

"When this Government resigns, it is essential that another Government be ready to immediately assume duties to ensure stability. It must be ensured that economic recovery such as the IMF discussions are not hindered," the PMO said in a statement.

8:09 PM, 9 Jul

It comes at a time when embattled Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's whereabouts were not known after he was moved out of his residence on Friday.

8:19 PM, 9 Jul

Reports have surfaced that luggage was rushed on to the Sri Lanka Navy Ship Gajabahu anchored at the Colombo Port, News 1st channel reported on Saturday.

8:23 PM, 9 Jul

"The Harbour Master at the Colombo Port said that a group boarded the SLNS Sindurala and SLNS Gajabahu and left the port," it added. He said he cannot provide details of the manifest or about those who boarded the vessels, the channel said.

8:28 PM, 9 Jul

Earlier, a viral video on social media showed a VIP motorcade reaching the Colombo international airport where a SriLanka Airlines aircraft was parked. At least 30 people, including two policemen, were injured in clashes between security personnel and protesters - some of them holding Sri Lankan flags and helmets - who had gathered in large numbers in the Fort area, demanding President Rajapaksa's resignation.

8:33 PM, 9 Jul

Some video clips showed scores of people taking a dip in the presidential palace pool. A group of his own parliamentarians have addressed a letter to President Rajapaksa, urging him to step down and appoint a new Prime Minister and an all-party government.

8:39 PM, 9 Jul

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expresses grave regret over the assault on journalists who are covering the ongoing protests, by security personnel. Freedom of media is paramount to Democracy in Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan PMO

8:52 PM, 9 Jul

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requests both the security forces and the protesters to act with restraint to prevent any violence and ensure the safety of the public: Sri Lankan PMO

9:13 PM, 9 Jul

A group of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) lawmakers meanwhile in a letter have requested the President to resign immediately considering the current situation.

9:20 PM, 9 Jul

Protesters have broken into the private residence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and have set it on fire.

9:38 PM, 9 Jul

Sri Lanka PM's house set on fire

A friend sent this. This is apparently the prime ministers @RW_UNP home. It has been set on fire. I strongly condemn this violence. This is not justifiable. pic.twitter.com/4OHfw9jmMA
— Kishani Alanki Perera (@KishaniAlanki) July 9, 2022

9:45 PM, 9 Jul

Amid massive unrest in the country, protestors set ablaze the private residence of Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

10:04 PM, 9 Jul

As the economic crisis in Sri Lanka triggers nationwide unrest, protestors stormed the premises of the presidential palace in the capital Colombo, earlier today

#WATCH | As the economic crisis in Sri Lanka triggers nationwide unrest, protestors stormed the premises of the presidential palace in the capital Colombo, earlier today#SriLankaCrisis

(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/zFAsj3qPhw
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

10:28 PM, 9 Jul

Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena asked President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to resign immediately to make way for an all-party government

10:33 PM, 9 Jul

Abeywardena told Rajapaksa that party leaders wanted him and Wickremesinghe to resign immediately, Parliament to be convened in seven days to appoint an acting president, and appoint an interim all-party government under a new Prime Minister commanding majority in Parliament.

10:35 PM, 9 Jul

Sri Lankan President to resign on 13th July, reports Sri Lanka's NewsWire citing Speaker.

10:45 PM, 9 Jul

Another clip from the incident where the PM's house was set on fire

Protesters break into the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo and set it on fire 😓#SriLanka #LKA #SriLankaCrisis #SriLankaProtests pic.twitter.com/8KbtbzgHwc
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 💉 (@SriLankaTweet) July 9, 2022

10:56 PM, 9 Jul

Speaker Abeywardena told Rajapaksa that party leaders wanted him and Wickremesinghe to resign immediately, Parliament to be convened in seven days to appoint an acting president, and appoint an interim all-party government under a new Prime Minister commanding majority in Parliament.

11:02 PM, 9 Jul

A clip of security personnel attacking journalists.

12:00 AM, 10 Jul

President Rajapaksa informed the Speaker about this decision to quit after Abeywardena wrote to him seeking his resignation following the all-party meeting of leaders held Saturday evening.

12:01 AM, 10 Jul

The party leaders had demanded the immediate resignation of President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to make way for Abeywardena to become acting president until Parliament appointed a successor.

12:34 AM, 10 Jul

Sri Lankan ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have resigned from their portfolios with immediate effect, reports Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror

8:34 AM, 10 Jul

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva has urged all citizens to support the armed forces and police in order to keep the country safe, the Daily Mirror reported.

8:36 AM, 10 Jul

Protestors continue to occupy Sri Lanka President's house and office.

8:37 AM, 10 Jul

The United States on Sunday urged Sri Lankan leaders to act quickly to seek long-term solutions after the president was chased from his residence and announced his resignation.

9:13 AM, 10 Jul

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is hoping for a resolution to Sri Lanka's political turmoil that will allow a resumption of talks for a bailout package after a violent day of protests.

9:30 AM, 10 Jul

We are closely monitoring the ongoing developments in Sri Lanka, Peter Breuer, IMF Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, and Masahiro Nozaki, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka said in a statement on Sunday.

9:45 AM, 10 Jul

We hope to resolve the current situation that will allow for the resumption of our dialogue on an IMF-supported programme, while we plan to continue technical discussions with our counterparts in the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Economy Next reported on Sunday.

10:04 AM, 10 Jul

Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa’s whereabouts are still not known. His only communication outside since the protesters stormed into the city has been with the Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, who announced late Saturday night that the President would resign on Wednesday.