Gotabaya Rajapaksa Defends Regime in New Book Amidst Economic Crisis Fallout

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has launched a book defending his discredited regime, attributing his ouster to a conspiracy involving foreign and local parties. During his tenure, Sri Lanka faced its worst economic crisis, marked by shortages of essential imports, long queues for necessities, and power cuts. Citizens’ protests demanding his resignation, with the chant “Gota go home,” eventually led to his fleeing the country and resignation in July 2022.

Despite a Supreme Court ruling blaming his government for the economic crisis, Rajapaksa denies responsibility, portraying his removal as an “internationally sponsored regime change operation.” The book includes his account of fleeing to Singapore and endorsing Ranil Wickremesinghe as his successor. Discussions about a potential political alliance involving Rajapaksa’s party signal ongoing political maneuvers ahead of upcoming elections in Sri Lanka.