Protesters Take to the Streets in Sri Lanka's Capital Amid Economic Crisis

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a new prime minister on Thursday, May 12, following a week of civil unrest amid the country’s economic crisis.

Ranil Wickremesinghe served as Sri Lankan Prime Minister five previous times and replaced President Rajapaksa’s brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa after he resigned on Monday, May 9 in response to protests.

Video recorded by Brendan Smith shows anti-government demonstrations held in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo on May 9.

Demonstrators can be seen waving the Sri Lankan flag and chanting songs on Colombo’s Main Road.

There have been multiple reported deaths since the protests began in early May. Credit: Brendan Smith via Storyful

Video transcript

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