Sri Lankan opposition rallies in first major protest against Dissanayake government

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Thousands of opposition activists rallied near Sri Lanka’s capital Friday to demand that the government fulfill pledges to ease taxes and restore order, in the first major protest against President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration as it marks one year in office.

Opposition parties accuse Dissanayake's government of failing to deliver on his promises during last year's election campaign, and say that it has instead politicized law enforcement agencies to stifle the opposition.

They say the government has failed to ensure the safety of the public and that crime has spiked in recent months. The government acknowledges there has been a wave of drug gang rivalry but denies that the public has been under any elevated level of danger.

Opposition parties are hoping to rebuild their strength after suffering defeats in presidential and parliamentary elections in September and November of last year. Dissanayake’s victory was seen as a rejection of the political old guard after an unprecedented economic crisis in 2022 blamed on decades of mismanagement and corruption.

Namal Rajapaksa, the heir to the once-powerful Rajapaksa dynasty that was severely weakened during last year's election, told rally-goers that the government has neglected its promises to relieve tax and financial burdens on the public.

“We are gathered here today to urge the government to deliver what they promised," Rajapaksa said. “They promised a lot, but they haven’t delivered anything. You can see how the frustration of the people are building up.”

The 2022 economic crisis created severe shortages and drew protests that led to the ouster of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is the uncle of Namal Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April 2022 with more than $83 billion in debt — more than half of it to foreign creditors. Sri Lanka in 2023 secured a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund bailout package and has reached debt restructuring agreements.

Dissanayake came into power promising to ease the stringent austerity measures such increased taxes imposed by his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, under the IMF program. He also vowed to eradicate corruption and punish those responsible for it.

His administration has provided some relief, including a reduction in electricity bills, but income taxes for professionals and businesses remain high despite growing public dissatisfaction over the tax rates.

However, Dissanayake also has taken measures to cut down state expenses. In September he abolished perks enjoyed by former presidents that included housing, pensions, transportation and an office and staff.

His government also has launched fresh investigations into alleged corruption and malpractice under previous governments, most prominently arresting Wickremesinghe on allegations of misuse of public funds. He has been released on bail. Dozens of other former government and political officials are under investigation.

The government also has said it cracking down on criminal gangs.

People shout anti government slogans supporting Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, heir to the once-powerful Rajapaksa dynasty, during a public rally in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

A man shout anti government slogans supporting Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, heir to the once-powerful Rajapaksa dynasty, during a public rally in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, heir to the once-powerful Rajapaksa dynasty, waves to supporters during a public rally in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, heir to the once-powerful Rajapaksa dynasty, waves to supporters during a public rally in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

CHICAGO (AP) — Matas Buzelis scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half, Kevin Huerter added 20 points, and the Chicago Bulls rallied to beat the Orlando Magic 121-114 on Friday night for their second straight win.

Buzelis hit a pair of free throws with 22.8 seconds left to make 119-114, then pulled in his ninth rebound to send in Isaac Okoro for a game-sealing dunk with 4 seconds remaining. Buzelis also finished with a season-high seven assists.

Nikola Vucevic added 17 points and 10 rebounds and Ayo Dosumnu had 17 points as Chicago outscored Orlando 30-19 in the fourth quarter to climb back to .500. (17-17).

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points and Anthony Black added 18 for the Magic in a game with 19 lead changes.

Jalen Suggs had 11 points for Orlando in his second game back after missing seven with a hip injury, but left this one after landing hard and straining his right knee late in the third quarter. Desmond Bane added 14 and Wendell Carter Jr. had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Six Chicago players reached double figures as the Bulls played a second game without its top two scorers in Josh Giddey and Coby White, who were injured in a loss to Minnesota on Monday night.

The Magic have been without leading scorer Franz Wagner (22.7 point per game) since he suffered a high ankle sprain on Dec. 7.

Orlando led 95-91 heading into the fourth quarter, but Bulls took a 105-102 lead on Buzelis’ 3-pointer 4:44 into the quarter.

The Bulls pulled into 59-all tie at halftime on Huerter’s cutting layup after falling behind by 10 early and trailing by as much as 13 in the first quarter after the Magic went on a 14-0 run.

Banchero hit his first four shots and five of six to score 11 of his 13 first-half points in just over the opening 7:16.

Magic: Host Indiana on Sunday

Bulls: Host Charlotte on Saturday.

AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/nba

Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (15) dunks the ball over Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, left, shoots over Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, right, defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, right, shoots a 3-point basket over Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, right, gestures after making a 3-point basket over Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)