Sri Lanka leader declares state of emergency amid protests

Like many other Asian countries Sri Lanka also has a very strong rural urban divide. Rajapaksa got voted in because of his strong rural support base and the protests are happening mostly in Colombo and other urban areas where voters are more educated.

That gives another reason for Rajapaksa to hang on to power by saying that the protests are politically motivated. Under normal circumstances he would have blamed India for his mismanagement by insinuating foreign interference in domestic politics but he needs India’s economic help so he has not stirred that pot till now.