logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2022
22m 32s

Protesters, power cuts and Sri Lanka’s p...

Al Jazeera
About this episode

Empty shelves, rising food and fuel costs along with power cuts are unifying much of Sri Lanka against its president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. And now, the economic crisis may be even worse. Rajapaksa’s government is announcing the country is no longer able to repay billions in loans. How did this happen? And what is in store for the people of Sri Lanka as the country continues to struggle with this new economic reality? 

In this episode:

  • Marisa DeSilva, Activist
  • Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar, Senior Lecturer at the University of Jaffna
  • Dr. Vasan Ratnasingam, Media representative, Government Medical Officers’ Association

Connect with The Take: 

Twitter (@AJTheTake), Instagram (@ajthetake) and Facebook (@TheTakePod)

Up next
Today
Is direct action for Palestine 'terrorism'? The UK says it is
The UK has outlawed Palestine Action, grouping it with ISIL and al-Qaeda. Supporters of the group now risk up to 14 years in prison, and arrests of protesters opposed to the listing have already begun. What does the decision reveal about the UK’s approach to protest and civil dis ... Show More
20m 40s
Yesterday
What would happen if coral reefs disappeared?
Coral reefs are dying at a record speed, putting a backbone of global food chains at critical risk. More than 80 percent of coral reefs are now hit by mass bleaching. Reefs feed millions, protect coasts and shape economies. What happens when they vanish – and is the world doing e ... Show More
21m 14s
Jul 8
Netanyahu meets Trump: could a Gaza ceasefire deal emerge?
Could Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s third trip to the United States during President Donald Trump's administration mean a ceasefire in Gaza is close at hand? As Netanyahu lands in Washington, DC, for a week of discussions on topics such as Gaza and Iran, what pressu ... Show More
21m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2022
Sri Lanka: A country in chaos
Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned as the country's president but he leaves behind a nation in utter turmoil. There are shortages of food, fuel, electricity and other basic supplies, and protests have been erupting across the country in what is the worst politi ... Show More
22m 35s
Jul 2022
Sri Lanka overthrew its president, what now?
Sri Lanka’s president just resigned after months of protest and a deepening economic crisis. Despite Rajapaksa’s departure and the celebratory scenes of demonstrators partying at the president’s home, the people of Sri Lanka have a massive debt hole to climb out of and people hav ... Show More
27m 52s
Jun 2022
How did Sri Lanka's economic crisis get this bad?
Sri Lanka's economic crisis seems to be going from bad to worse. The government has now restricted the sale of fuel days after the Prime Minister said the economy had completely collapsed. So what's caused the crisis? And what are the consequences? Join host Hashem Ahelbarra  Gue ... Show More
21m 55s
May 2023
Leaving Sri Lanka
In the past year, Sri Lanka has endured political pandemonium and the worst economic crisis in its modern history. The situation has led to the highest number of people leaving the country on record.The Sri Lankan government has secured an IMF bailout - but will that help stop th ... Show More
18m 37s
Jul 2022
Sri Lanka's crisis and its relationship with China
Sri Lanka is in crisis right now. After months of fuel, medicine and food shortages, protestors have taken to the streets – and the homes of the country’s leaders. The now-former Prime Minister’s house was set ablaze. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to Singapore, then resigned. ... Show More
20m 56s
Apr 2022
Sri Lanka's debt crisis
Why is Sri Lanka facing its biggest economic crisis for decades? It's left the population enduring months of power cuts, while essentials are in short supply. How has the country's debt spiralled out of control and what will a debt default mean for ordinary people? We hear from p ... Show More
17m 28s