What sparked the protests in Sri Lanka?

One ​​of the main reasons Sri Lankan residents took to the streets on Saturday was the country's desperate need for fuel and other energy sources. The South Asian nation has run out of foreign currency to pay for fuel, which has crippled its economy.

Severe fuel shortages mean that food and drugs cannot be transported. Fresh produce from farms can't make it to towns. People cannot travel by car, bus or train. The government has even asked airlines to ensure they carry enough fuel for their return flights as they can no longer supply kerosene.

"The people are very angry because once the fuel is not available, there is nothing they can do,” said W. A. ​​Wijewardena, an economist and former deputy governor of the central bank of Sri Lanka.

The situation is so bad that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has asked Russian President Vladimir V. Putin for help. he had spoken to Mr. Putin by phone to ask for "credit support" to import fuel into the country.

Mr. Rajapaksa's decision to request Russia's aid shows Sri Lanka's limited options at a time when oil and gas prices have soared due to the war in Ukraine, according to experts. Even the country's closest ally, India, has refused to provide more fuel unless Sri Lanka pays for it in advance. Since January, India has provided about $3.5 billion worth of food, fuel and medicine to the country.

Mr. Wijewardena said that in the days to come, Sri Lankans would have to sacrifice modern conveniences. "We will have to walk because we can no longer use our cars," he said.

"Cash has overtaken our entire modern economy."