Sri Lanka protests: Concerns of possible coup

11 May 2022

Security forces are out in force across Sri Lanka with orders to shoot looters on sight amid continuing protests at the government’s handling of a devastating economic crisis.

Despite a nationwide curfew, there was a second night of arson attacks.

Shops near Colombo were torched, as well as a resort owned by former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son.

The ex-PM is holed up in a naval base after resigning on Monday when fury erupted over fuel and food shortages.

At least nine people have been killed and about 200 injured in unrest since Monday.

It began when government supporters attacked protesters who are demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the former PM’s younger brother, should leave office.

Opposition politicians have warned the violence could have been staged to give the army a pretext to take power. Rumours of a possible coup have been fuelled by the presence of large numbers of troops with armoured vehicles on the streets.

But the military have denied any such move is planned.

Source BBc