Destruction Of A Political Dynasty

The Rajapaksas are in retreat. Here's how Sri Lanka's economic crisis prised open their grip on the polity

- Jehan Perera

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was hailed as a king and saviour of the country by his supporters, has exited Sri Lankan politics in the most inglorious way. He was evacuated from his official residence Temple Trees, home to successive Sri Lankan PMs, along with members of his family in a predawn operation by the Sri Lankan military and whisked away to an unknown destination. He escaped even as thousands of angry protesters fought with police outside Temple Trees, trying to break in. His younger brother President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s whereabouts are also unknown and he is yet to make a public statement on the catastrophe that has taken place.

Public opinion against the government and its leadership turned for the worse with the economic crisis. The shortage of foreign currency for imports has grown, with prices of essential commodities soaring up to 200% and shortages of petrol, diesel and cooking gas leading to large and ill-tempered queues on the streets. Mahinda Rajapaksa defied countrywide protests, and even the repeated requests by the president that he resign.

How did the last few hours play out?