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Here's what to expect in crisis hit-Sri Lanka with a new president in power

Ranil Wickremesinghe told reporters last week that he was no ally of Rajapaksa and his family, who led the nation for most of this decade

Photo: Bloomberg
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Military members go in to take down the camps at the protest site outside the president's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo: Bloomberg)

Anusha Ondaatjie | Bloomberg
Lanka’s new President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, had sought the top job for decades. Now he has to find ways to avoid the fate of his predecessor as he fends off protesters who’re angry about persistent food and fuel shortages. 

The veteran politician was sworn in last week after months of protests escalated, forcing former leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee to Singapore and resign.

Wickremesinghe, 73, is focused on clinching a bailout program from the International Monetary Fund and securing dollars from friendly nations to end shortages of essential items that have stalled economic activity and pushed inflation near 70%.

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