In September, the government banned 26 major social-media platforms that had been used to expose the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, triggering protests over corruption, nepotism, and the lack of opportunities for young people. Activists set up a camp outside the office of then-72-year-old President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose family had governed the country for 15 of the previous 18 years, accusing him of corruption and nepotism. Wages, job security, and purchasing power have been steadily eroded by a series of global shocks – the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and intensifying migration pressures – making incumbent governments appear increasingly out of step.
Author: Ngaire Woods
Published at: 2025-12-30 23:37:17
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