Has environmental policy contributed to the crisis in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is in the midst of an acute economic, energy, and political crisis. With fuel, food and electricity shortages, protestors have taken to the streets and are now being arrested in the thousands.

On June 8, Bertie spoke to Melani Gunathilaka, an activist with Extinction Rebellion and Climate Action Now who has become a leading voice in the Gotagogama protests. They discussed the role of climate policy in the cascading crises and corruption allegations that have recently plagued the country.

Further reading: 

• Is organic farming really to blame for Sri Lanka's ongoing food crisis?
• What is the financial cost of loss and damage from climate change? 
• Watch: 'Inside Sri Lanka's economic crisis'
• Melani shared a list of demands made by Gotagogama protestors. You can read page one of the demands here, and then page two here. 

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