By Orowo Victoria Ojieh with agency report
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday offered his resignation amid the island nation’s worst economic crisis since independence that has led to widespread protests.
During weeks of unprecedented demonstrations, protesters across the island nation have demanded that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, quit mismanaging the economy.
In a statement, the prime minister’s office said the 76-year-old veteran politician had resigned.
“A few moments ago, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa sent his letter of resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa”.
Sri Lanka is under a nationwide curfew after ruling party supporters attacked crowds protesting at the government’s handling of the economic crisis.
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At least 20 people were injured in the violence outside the prime minister and president’s offices in Colombo.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon at government supporters after they breached police lines and attacked people using sticks and poles.
Soaring prices and power cuts have led to mass protests since last month.
The island nation is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.
The government has requested emergency financial help. Many Sri Lankans want President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to go.
