Despite ongoing protests over the government’s handling of a catastrophic economic crisis, security personnel are out in force across Sri Lanka, with orders to shoot looters on sight.
The second night of arson attacks occurred despite a nationwide curfew.
Shops and a resort belonging to former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son were set on fire outside Colombo.
After resigning on Monday amid outrage over fuel and food shortages, the ex-PM is held up in a military facility.
Since Monday, at least nine people have died and over 200 have been hurt in disturbances.
It started when supporters of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the former Prime Minister’s yonnger brother, attacked protestors asking that he step down.
The violence, according to opposition MPs, could have been manufactured to provide the army a reason to seize power.
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The appearance of significant numbers of the military with armored vehicles on the streets has fueled rumors of a possible coup.
However, the military has denied that such a move is in the works.
“Powers are granted to the military to deal with critical situations in the country,” Defence Sscretary Kamal Gunaratne said during a press briefing.
“Never believe that we are attempting to seize power.
The military does not intend to do so.”
Weeks of protests had already erupted in Sri Lanka over the country’s catastrophic financial position, which had caused the Sri Lankan rupee to plummet, causing significant shortages of essential necessities such as food, fuel, and medical supplies.
The heaviest fighting occurred overnight in Negombo, a town north of Colombo, where competing factions set fire to shops.
On Monday night, mobs set fire to more than 50 politicians’ homes, as well as a controversial museum dedicated to the Rajapaksa family in Hambantota, in the country’s south.
