India said on Tuesday that it is “totally supportive” of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability, and economic recovery, a day after Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned amid nationwide demonstrations over the government’s handling of the economic crisis.
According to Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, India would always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka as expressed via democratic procedures. He was responding to media inquiries on the situation in Sri Lanka.
He also acknowledged India’s aid in assisting Sri Lanka with its economic difficulties.
In accordance with our Neighbourhood First policy, India has provided over USD 3.5 billion in assistance to the people of Sri Lanka this year alone to assist them in overcoming their current hardships, according to Mr Bagchi.
In the previous several days, the island country has seen huge protests.
Protesters were enraged and resorted to violence in Colombo and other cities.
A group of anti-government protestors set fire to the Rajapaksa family’s ancestral house in Hambantota.
According to a media source on Monday, video footage showed the whole house of Rajapaksa and his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in Medamulana, Hambantota city, blazing.
In the face of enormous demonstrations and a mounting economic crisis, Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned.