Sri Lanka is facing an economic and political crisis. Here's what you need to know
CNN
Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million, is facing an economic and political crisis, with protesters taking to the streets in defiance of curfews and government ministers stepping down en masse.
Driving the discontent is the worst economic downturn since the South Asian country gained independence in 1948, with crippling inflation sending the cost of basic goods skyrocketing.
Anger, which has been simmering for weeks, boiled over last Thursday, turning protests violent -- and throwing the government into disorder.
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