Why Are Sri Lankans Protesting in the Streets?

In recent years, the streets of Sri Lanka have been filled with chants, placards, and people demanding change. From peaceful marches to mass demonstrations that led to the resignation of a sitting president, Sri Lankans have taken to the streets in numbers not seen in decades.

So, why are Sri Lankans protesting? What pushed an entire nation to rise up in anger, frustration, and hope?

This blog explores the economic, political, and social factors that ignited the protests, the role of youth and civil society, and where the country might be heading next.

1. An Economic Meltdown Like No Other

At the heart of the protests lies one major issue: Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis in modern history.

What went wrong?

• Foreign debt spiraled out of control, reaching over $50 billion.

• The country’s foreign reserves dried up, making it nearly impossible to import essential goods.

• There were severe shortages of fuel, gas, medicines, and even food.

• Inflation soared to over 50%, with prices of basic items doubling or tripling.

For ordinary Sri Lankans, this meant long power cuts, endless queues at petrol stations, empty supermarket shelves, and children going hungry.

It wasn’t just discomfort—it was survival.

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2. Years of Mismanagement and Corruption

The economic collapse didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of poor decision-making by successive governments.

Critics point to:

• Tax cuts that reduced government revenue

• A ban on chemical fertilizers that devastated crop yields

• Heavy borrowing from countries like China and India without solid repayment plans

• Rampant corruption and nepotism in key government departments

Much of the public anger was directed at former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose family had dominated Sri Lankan politics for years. Many believe his administration’s policies pushed the country over the edge.

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3. The Breaking Point: A Leaderless Movement Emerges

By mid-2022, the situation became unbearable. Ordinary citizens—teachers, taxi drivers, students, professionals—began gathering at Galle Face Green in Colombo, forming what became known as the “Aragalaya” (meaning “struggle” in Sinhala).

This protest movement was:

• Leaderless and citizen-led

• Focused on accountability and reform

• Mostly peaceful, despite occasional crackdowns

People demanded:

• The resignation of the president and prime minister

• A new constitution and system of governance

• Relief from the economic crisis and international aid

Eventually, the pressure worked: Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country, and a new interim government was installed.

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4. Youth and Social Media Played a Key Role

A significant feature of the Sri Lankan protests was the youth-led nature of the movement. University students, young professionals, and artists were at the forefront—using social media to mobilize, document, and spread awareness.

• Hashtags like #GoHomeGota and #SriLankaProtests trended globally

• Memes, infographics, and videos exposed corruption and rallied support

• Livestreams brought global attention to what was happening on the ground

The protests were not only political—they were cultural expressions of resistance, blending music, art, poetry, and performance to create a space of unity and resilience.

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5. International Response and the IMF Bailout

The global community watched closely as Sri Lanka teetered on the edge of collapse. Eventually, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stepped in with a multi-billion-dollar bailout, contingent on serious economic reforms.

These reforms included:

• Reducing public spending

• Increasing taxes

• Privatizing some state-owned enterprises

While necessary for recovery, these austerity measures were met with mixed reactions. Many citizens worry about the impact on the poor and working class, leading to new waves of smaller protests.

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6. What’s Next for Sri Lanka?

While the streets may not be as crowded as they were during the peak of the crisis, anger simmers beneath the surface. Many believe the system is still broken, with only cosmetic changes made.

The core demands remain:

• Real political accountability

• Transparent governance

• Economic justice

• Youth inclusion in policymaking

Sri Lanka now stands at a crossroads. Will it build a more resilient and fair society—or will the same cycle of mismanagement and elite control continue?

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Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for the World

The Sri Lankan protests are not just about one country—they’re a case study in what happens when leadership fails, and people rise. It’s a reminder that democracy isn’t guaranteed, and when basic needs go unmet, citizens will demand answers—with their voices and their feet.

For Sri Lankans, the journey is far from over. But their protests have sent a powerful message: no government can ignore the people forever.