New Delhi: The Indian High Commission (IHC) on Wednesday (May 11) dismissed speculative media allegations that New Delhi is sending troops to Colombo. The IHC stated that India firmly supports Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery. Sri Lanka is in the midst of its biggest economic crisis since its 1948 independence from the United Kingdom.
The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about #India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of
the Government of #India. (1/2)— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) May 11, 2022
The crisis in Sri Lanka was exacerbated by a lack of foreign currency -which has left the country unable to pay for essential food and fuel imports, resulting in severe shortages and exorbitant pricing, sparking historic anti-government rallies.
The Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs of India clearly stated yesterday that #India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery. (2/2)
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) May 11, 2022
Mahinda resigned as Prime Minister on Monday which was hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters. Also, amid the unprecedented economic hardship in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, there have been reports that the 76-year-old Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family members have fled to India. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had again refuted it as “fake and blatantly false” local social media speculation. “The High Commission has recently noticed rumours circulating in sections of media and social media that certain political persons and their families have fled to India. These are fake and blatantly false reports, devoid of any truth or substance. The High Commission strongly denies them”, a statement said.
(Vinayak)