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The “ Aragalaya” protest movement has continued in 2023, albeit with much smaller and far less frequent protests, primarily driven by students calling for the release of protest leaders detained in 2022. However, Sri Lanka’s precarious economic situation and the resultant impact on political stability create a fertile ground for further unrest over the coming months.

• In recently, the government has hiked personal income taxes, increased fuel prices as a part of economic reforms. there has been a spike in strikes and protests by unions, who are vehemently opposed to certain economic policies.

Unionised protest action has also coincided with increased demonstration by opposition parties. Sri Lanka is constitutionally obligated to hold local government elections in 2023, which could not come at a worse time for the government. Amid high living costs and unpopular economic reforms, the government is understandably reluctant to face its first electoral test under the current circumstances. Previously scheduled for 9 March 2023, the polls were postponed after the government failed to release the required funds.

• Police in Sri Lanka, On 26 February,2023 fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters angry over a decision to postpone local elections after the government said it cannot finance them because of the country’s crippling economic crisis. Sri Lanka face a tough year ahead.