Where is Sri Lanka headed next after Gotabaya Rajapaksa refuses to resign

Gotabaya Rajapaksa is refusing to step down, and the opposition has declined his offers of a unity government without constitutional change that would reduce the powers of the presidency.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has defied calls to resign, pledging instead to form a new government after violent clashes this week left eight people dead in an escalation of a monthslong crisis over food and fuel shortages.

“I will give the opportunity for the new government and new PM to start a new program to take the country forward,” he said in a televised address, adding that after stability is restored, he will discuss curbing his executive powers with all political parties. 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier extended a nationwide curfew until Thursday morning, after government supporters on Monday initiated attacks on