Opposition leaders led a march of hundreds of protesters through Colombo on Tuesday as anger grows over a worsening economic crisis that has brought fuel shortages and spiralling food prices.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government said it will begin talks next month with the IMF for assistance, while finance minister Basil Rajapaksa flew into New Delhi to sign a $1-billion credit line to tackle the situation.

“Even after working about 14 to 16 hours a day, we still can’t make enough money to support our families,” said rickshaw driver Nissanka Gunewardena.

“How can anyone live like this?” added Gunewardena, 34, who has two young children and wore a black headband that read “Gota Go Home”, referring to the President.