COLOMBO — Sri Lankan police arrested two ruling party lawmakers for allegedly instigating mob violence that plunged the country into days of unrest and left nine people dead last week, officials said Wednesday. Sanath Nishantha and Milan Jayathilake were among 22 politicians — including former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his son Namal — whose passports were impounded last week following allegations that they instigated violence. Then-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa — the president’s elder brother — resigned shortly after the mob attack sparked retaliatory violence and arson, with more than 70 ruling party leaders’ homes destroyed. Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as prime minister last week. The prime minister was expected to also take on the crucial finance portfolio for ongoing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 20, 2022 10:44 UTC