Unrest in Sri Lanka prompts warning from China
- Chinese embassy sends out alert to its citizens after clashes between protesters and police in Colombo
- Debt-laden island nation in turmoil as it struggles to buy essentials such as oil
In a notice in Chinese on Sunday, the Chinese foreign ministry and its embassy in Colombo said the economic situation in Sri Lanka had become “increasingly critical with a significant rise of uncertainties in society”.
It urged the Chinese citizens in the country to “pay close attention to the local security situation, avoid taking part in or observing any rallies, protests or other activities, abide by local laws and regulations, be vigilant, pay attention to safety, and take extra precautions”.
01:59
Sri Lanka lifts curfew imposed after violent protests over the country’s worst economic crisis
The notice was issued after protesters clashed with police near Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence on Thursday, leaving nearly 50 people, including some journalists, injured and police vehicles torched.
The government soon declared a state of emergency and imposed a 36-hour nationwide curfew on Saturday night, while social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and YouTube, were blocked on Sunday.
The president’s office has blamed “opposing party extremists” for the violence.
The island nation is grappling with one of the worst economic crises in its history as the debt-laden government runs low on foreign currency reserves, following a pandemic-induced drop in tourism revenue.
Unable to buy imports of essentials such as oil, the country’s 22 million people have been plunged into hours of darkness every day and faced soaring inflation since the government devalued its currency last month.
Schools have been forced to cancel exams and at least two media outlets have suspended their print editions because of a shortage of paper.
04:28
Struggling Sri Lankan fishermen in need of fuel as economic crisis worsens
Last month, India extended a US$1 billion short-term concessional loan to Sri Lanka. Chinese ambassador Qi Zhenhong also said last month that Beijing was considering financial support to the country, including a US$1 billion loan and a US$1.5 billion credit line to buy goods from China.
