Will be guided by finest pursuits of Sri Lankans expressed by way of democratic means: India

Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, stated, “As a close neighbor of Sri Lanka, with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its democracy, stability and economic recovery.”

“In protecting with our Neighborhood First coverage, India has prolonged, this 12 months alone, assist value over US$ 3.5 billion to the folks of Sri Lanka for serving to them overcome their present difficulties. In addition, the folks of India have offered help for mitigating the shortages of important gadgets resembling meals, medication, and many others,” he stated.

“India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes,” the MEA spokesperson stated.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Monday so a unity authorities – ​​that might assist the nation navigate its worst financial disaster – might come to energy, however demanded that his brother additionally give up as president.

Rajapaksa’s resignation was preceded by clashes in Colombo, the place the ruling get together’s supporters surrounded an anti-government protest camp and had been compelled again by the police. Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala died after a standoff with anti-government protesters in Nittambuwa close to Colombo, the police stated. Local media confirmed video footage through which the ancestral dwelling of the Rajapaksa household in Hambantota was seen on fireplace. Government supporters had been attacked in a number of locations, media reported.

A nationwide curfew has been imposed on prime of the state of emergency that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who’s the brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, introduced final week. Sri Lankan residents have been holding peaceable protests demanding that the Rajapaksa brothers step down because the nation faces extended energy cuts and shortages of gasoline, cooking fuel and medicines.