Aragalaya Protests and Economic Crisis

The Aragalaya (meaning 'The Struggle') was a series of mass protests that began in March 2022 against severe economic mismanagement that led to crippling inflation, daily blackouts, and shortages of fuel, gas, and essential goods. Crowds stormed the presidential residence on July 9, forcing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned in May, followed by Gotabaya's resignation on July 14. The movement successfully ousted the powerful Rajapaksa family from power, though economic challenges persisted under successor Ranil Wickremesinghe.