Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades. People are resorting to desperate measures to escape. Recent reports reveal Sri Lankans attempting to flee by jumping off boats and swimming to shore.
On June 25, a group of Sri Lankans were observed jumping off a ferry bound for India. The ferry carried over 1,000 passengers. These individuals sought to escape their country’s economic crisis.
Another incident took place on July 1. A Sri Lankan man was seen swimming to shore from a cargo ship docked in the Maldives. He explained to authorities that he was fleeing the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
These are only a couple of the numerous incidents reported recently. The Sri Lankan government acknowledges the situation and is taking action. Nevertheless, the widespread desperation caused by the economic crisis is leading people to take significant risks to escape.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is a result of a number of factors, including:
- A decline in tourism revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- A sharp increase in the cost of imported goods, due to the depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee
- A large amount of foreign debt, which the government is struggling to repay
The crisis in Sri Lanka has resulted in shortages of essential goods like food, fuel, and medicine. Power outages and long queues for basic necessities have also occurred. Criticism has been directed at the Sri Lankan government for their handling of the crisis.
Some accuse them of mismanaging the economy and being involved in corruption. Furthermore, the crisis has caused political instability. In May, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to flee the country due to widespread protests against his government.
