National File by Cullen McCue
In Sri Lanka, the nation’s military has been authorized to use deadly force after a night of unrest left at least eight dead. A worsening economic crisis fueled by a decline in tourism, debt defaults and global supply chain issues led to rioting that saw the homes of multiple Sri Lankan politicians burned to the ground.
Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the island’s worst economic crisis in history. On Monday, his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from his post as prime minister after violent clashes erupted in the streets.
The resignation failed to stop the violence, which continued throughout the night. At least eight people were killed while Sri Lankan security forces have been ordered to shoot looters on sight. The government ordered troops to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing “harm to life.”…
