The current crisis in Sri Lanka is the worst to hit the nation in many years. The summer of 2022 in the tiny island nation saw thousands of protestors rush the capital, Colombo, and seize the presidential palace instead of the customary crowds of enthusiastic tourists.

Sri Lanka's economy has been suffering ever since the COVID-19 outbreak began. According to the World Bank, the pandemic pushed an additional 500,000 Sri Lankans into poverty. The World Bank downgraded Sri Lanka's classification from upper-middle income to lower-middle income in 2020 because of the pandemic-related economic slowdown. Food shortages and inflation have made Sri Lanka's economic problems worse in 2022.

According to a report by Save the Children, the economic crisis has had several detrimental effects on Sri Lankan families. 85.1% of survey respondents said they had lost income since the country's economic crisis began, with 58.1% of households saying they had lost more than 50% of their income and 10.9% saying they had completely lost it. Moreover, half of the homes reported being unable to provide for their family's basic requirements, including food, water, furniture, supplies for the home, shelter, and medical care. Only 31% of respondents said they could totally meet their family's nutritional needs for food. 74% of respondents said they had to alter their eating habits in the week before the study to save money.

People who live in the country, especially the young, frequently experience high levels of stress along with changes in the economy. The 90’s generation is currently in their 20’s and is constantly fighting for their future. The youth started to live in terror of the future, and the rise in suicides among the younger generation is evident. Most young people choose suicide to live in this corrupt nation since all their goals seem to be shattered in front of their very eyes. Many people have left the country or are in the process of doing so. Since the country was hit by poverty, it is incredibly difficult to get employed.

Most young people struggle with poverty and unemployment. Most of the undergraduates have abandoned their studies early and seek employment to support themselves. But the country in which we live is bankrupt, suicide is not the answer to any of these issues. We must understand that it's okay to experience discomfort. Even if it's difficult to cope, we still can't give up so quickly on the dreams we've worked so hard to cultivate. We must remain composed and hold out hope for the best while avoiding taking our own lives.

Prarthana Thelis

Special second year

Department of Mass Communication

Faculty of Social Sciences