Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson, said that India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as the economic crisis spiralled in the island nation.
Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson, said that India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as the economic crisis spiralled in the island nation.
We continue to follow closely the recent developments in Sri Lanka. India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework, “Arindam Bagchi said.
Thousands of protestors stormed into the official residence of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, demanding his resignation as the economic crisis spiralled. Moments before protesters stormed his official residence, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled from the scene. The protestors also set the private residence of Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on fire.
INDIA EXTENDED HELP TO SRI LANKA
The cash-strapped nation is struggling to make its ends meet and pay for imports of such necessities and is already defaulting on its debt. The island nation is seeking monetary help from neighbouring India, China and also from the International Monetary Fund.
We are aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka and its people have been facing, and we have stood with the Sri Lankan people as they have tried to overcome this difficult period,” the MEA spokesperson said+
S JAISHANKAR ON INDIA SRI LANKA RELATIONS
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, “The Sri Lankan crisis is a serious matter. It is something which has been built over a period of time. PM Modi has a policy called ‘Neighbourhood First.’ We try and support our neighbours in a way which meets their requirements.”
S Jaishankar further said, “We had given Sri Lanka a line of credit, which has kept essential commodities flowing to them for the past several months. We’ve also provided them with a line of credit for the purchase of fuel. This year alone, we have pledged $3.8 billion in support to Sri Lanka.”
“There is a bigger issue about how you manage your finances… about how you have a prudent fiscal policy. There are issues pertaining to the management of the economy. Our focus is on helping them,” he said.
India has extended support of over US$ 3.8 billion to Sri Lanka to help tide over the economic crisis.
“In pursuance of the central place that Sri Lanka occupies in our Neighbourhood First policy, India has extended this year itself an unprecedented support of over US$ 3.8 billion for ameliorating the serious economic situation in Sri Lanka,”Arindam Bagchi said.
President Rajapaksa has announced that he will step down on July 13 after protesters stormed his official residence and set the house of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s house on fire. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also agreed to resign.
