Sri Lanka's new prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has told an economic crisis that brought misery and unrest is "going to get worse before it gets better".

The country is facing fuel shortages and soaring food prices, with some Sri Lankans forced to skip meals. Anger over the government's handling of the crisis has led to violent protests.

Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed to defuse the protests. It is the opposition MP's sixth stint as prime minister.

In his first interview after assuming office, Mr Wickremesinghe told the BBC, he would ensure families get three meals a day. Appealing to the world for more financial help, he said "there won't be a hunger crisis, we will find food".

The new PM described the Sri Lankan economy as "broken", but he said his message to Sri Lankans was to "be patient, I will bring things back". Mr Wickremesinghe was sworn-in by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday, but his appointment has largely been met with dismay, as he is seen as too close to the politically dominant Rajapaksa family.

In his interview, Mr Wickremesinghe said he agreed with the sentiment of protestors who've been calling for President Rajapaksa to resign but said that would not happen. "Blaming won't lead to action, I'm here to see people nourished," he said.