Anti-government protests in Sri Lanka receive backing from top cricketers

Several Sri Lankan cricketers have backed the ongoing anti-government protests in the country. Former Sri Lanka Test captain Mahela Jayawardene has called on the government leaders to step down from their respective positions, saying the country's leadership has lost the public's confidence.

The island grapples with an unprecedented shortage of essentials like food and fuel. Record-breaking inflation and crushing power cuts have further worsened the situation in the country. Masses carried out protests across Sri Lanka against the curfew and a state of emergency that the government imposed to maintain law and order.

"True leaders own up to mistakes," Jayawardene wrote on Twitter, adding that the urgency in Sri Lanka is at its peak, and the people of the country have to be protected with unity. "Certain people, who are controlling the economy of this country, have lost the people's confidence and must stand down. We then need a good team to give the country confidence and belief," he said.

Another Sri Lanka cricketer, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who is currently with the IPL franchise Punjab Kings, said that he could feel the agony and anguish of his fellow citizens even from thousands of miles as they struggle to make it through each day.

On the other hand, Kumar Sangakara, a Sri Lanka great, came up with a diplomatic statement. He said that while some are protesting to bring forth the plight of several Sri Lankans, many others in the crowd are taking undue advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka on Monday lifted the previously imposed 3-day nationwide curfew. The country, however, remains under the effect of a state of emergency. The curfew came into effect on Saturday following protests outside the residence of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Furthermore, Namal Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, has resigned from his portfolios.