What Led to Sri Lanka’s Crisis and Unrest – and Where Does The Country Go From Here?

What Led to Sri Lanka’s Crisis and Unrest – and Where Does The Country Go From Here?

Author: The Watson School October 26, 2022 Duration: 27:34

On the morning of July 9, 2022, tens of thousands of Sri Lankans gathered in front of the country’s Presidential Palace. By the afternoon, they had overwhelmed the guards and entered the grounds. The country’s President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fled the property and ultimately, the country. 

It was the culmination of a protest movement known as the ‘Aragalaya’ which had been growing for months amidst Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and its leaders’ corrupt, inept response. For the next few days, surreal images were broadcast around the world of Sri Lankan citizens of all stripes milling throughout the Palace, picnicking on its lawns, and swimming in its pool. 

But almost as surprising as the images was how quickly, within weeks, the country seemed to revert to the status quo. 

Or did it? 

On this episode, Dan Richards talks with Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, an expert on Sri Lankan politics and founder of the Center for Policy Alternatives in Sri Lanka. He explains where the crisis came from, what led to the surreal protests this summer, and where the Aragalaya goes from here. 



From the Watson School at Brown University, Trending Globally: Politics and Policy brings the insights of leading scholars and practitioners directly into your ears. This award-winning podcast digs into the complex forces shaping our world, moving beyond headlines to understand the deeper political and policy decisions behind them. Each conversation is designed to unpack a pressing issue-whether it's international trade tensions, public health crises, or social movements-with clarity and depth. You'll hear experts from the Watson Institute and beyond explain not just what's happening, but why it matters and how different policies might change the course of events. The discussions are grounded in rigorous research yet remain accessible, turning daunting global topics into understandable and engaging dialogue. For anyone curious about the mechanics of power, governance, and societal change, this series offers a vital resource. It’s a direct line to some of the sharpest minds in international and public affairs, all within a format that fits into your daily routine. Find Trending Globally: Politics and Policy and add it to your listening rotation for a consistently informative perspective on the stories that define our time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trending Globally: Politics and Policy
Podcast Episodes
From Ukraine to Taiwan, Understanding ‘Spheres of Influence’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
The war in Ukraine has upended what many of us thought we knew about the world today. Whether we’re thinking about Russia and Europe or China and Taiwan, it seems like the range of possible outcomes in conflicts around t…
Fiona Hill on Russia, the US, Economic Decline, and Demagoguery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:11
Fiona Hill became a household name in 2019, as a witness during President Trump’s first impeachment hearing. But before all that, she was an intelligence analyst specializing in Russia and Europe for Presidents Obama and…
The Fight for Democracy in Nicaragua [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
This past November, Daniel Ortega was reelected as president of Nicaragua. He ensured his victory by imprisoning his political opponents and launching the largest crackdown on political dissent in the country in decades.…
What We Get Wrong About Safety and Security at the US-Mexico Border [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:14
In this episode you’ll hear from Ieva Jusionyte, an anthropologist and associate professor of international security and anthropology at the Watson Institute. In addition to teaching and research, she also has a side job…
When It Comes to Russia and Ukraine, Nothing is Simple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:27
Over the past few months, Russian President Vladimir Putin has built up a massive military presence on Russia’s border with Ukraine. As a result, pundits, politicians, and casual observers of the news have all been askin…

«1...678910