'India Guided By Best Interests Of Lankan People': MEA On Mahinda Rajapaksa's Resignation

The remarks come as widespread rallies against the Sri Lankan government have escalated in recent days, leading to an upsurge in conflicts with security officers deployed at protest locations.

New Delhi: A day after Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa tendered his resignation amidst the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said that India was fully supportive towards the island country's democracy, stability and economic recovery. 

The remarks come after violence erupted in Sri Lanka on Monday as supporters of Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-government protesters, leaving eight dead, inlcuding an MP, and 200 injured.

Addressing the media queries on developments in Sri Lanka, the official MEA spokesperson said, “As a close neighbor of Sri Lanka, with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its democracy, stability, and economic recovery.”

“In keeping with our Neighbourhood First policy, India has extended this year alone support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties. In addition, the people of India have provided assistance in mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food, medicine, etc," reads a statement released by MEA. 

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

Earlier on Monday, hours after Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa submitted his resignation, his home in Kurunegala, in the north-western region of Sri Lanka, was set on fire by angry mob. Apart from this, anti-government demonstrators set fire to the homes of Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando and MPs Sanath Nishantha, Ramesh Pathirana, Mahipala Herath, Thissa Kuttiarachchi, and Nimal Lanza. 

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a huge number of Sri Lankans, leading in massive protests against the government's handling of the situation.

Foreign exchange shortages caused by a drop in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as imprudent economic measures, such as the government's decision last year to restrict artificial fertilisers in an attempt to make Sri Lanka's agriculture "100% organic," are blamed for the crisis.

Sri Lanka has defaulted on its entire foreign debt of roughly USD 51 billion due to a severe scarcity of foreign money.

(With Agencies Inputs)