AF TV - Explained: Why is Sri Lanka buried under $35bn of debt?

Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves have plummeted to $1.93 billion and debt payments several times that amount are looming.

Learn more: How Sri Lanka Spiralled Into Crisis And Who is Helping Them

The island nation of 22 million people has been hit by crippling power cuts, sometimes lasting 13 hours. It also facing fuel shortages and a lack of food and medicines.

Ordinary people have taken to the streets in recent weeks calling for Rajapaksa and his family to quit. The president’s elder brother, Mahinda, is prime minister.

Ankur Tanwar

After graduating as a Computer Science student and having worked as Data Analyst for two years, Ankur made the switch to the film and entertainment industry. With an affinity for understanding and managing software, Ankur found a talent for video editing and has worked for Asia Financial since launch, as a Video Editor and Producer. Ankur is in charge of the AF TV production unit based in Delhi.