NEW DELHI, July 13 (Bernama) — Malaysians in Sri Lanka were advised to stay indoors on Wednesday after the government imposed a curfew.
“Please adhere to the curfew imposed by the local authorities due to the significant protests occurring in Colombo at present,” Malaysia’s High Commission in Sri Lanka said in a tweet for Malaysians in Sri Lanka.
The diplomatic mission asked them to stay indoors as local media reported protesters were marching towards the prime minister’s office despite the curfew.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe imposed the curfew in the Western Province and a state of emergency in the country, Daily Mirror reported on its website.
These developments follow Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s departure from the country on a military plane on Wednesday.
He fled to the Maldives on his way to another country, according to Sri Lankan media.
Sri Lankans are growing frustrated with their financial misery as the country struggles to overcome its unprecedented economic crisis.
On May 9, clashes erupted between government supporters and protesters gathered around the Prime Minister’s Office, and military units were called to the capital Colombo.
Amid growing pressure from the opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa stepped down as prime minister at that time.
The government declared a nationwide curfew and ordered troops to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to life.
Sources: BERNAMA
