India reiterated that she will continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values as well as established institutions and a constitutional framework.
Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India at a media briefing on 14 July 2022 said that India looked forward to an early solution of the situation related to the government and its leadership in Sri Lanka through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework. The Spokesperson added that India will support the people of Sri Lanka in all possible ways in their endeavor to find a way forward.
2. The commitment India have demonstrated in helping the Sri Lankan people, to address the challenges arising out of the current situation in Sri Lanka underlines India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as the SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – vision. Moving forward, India’s support and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka will continue.
3. The Spokesperson noted India responded with urgency to assist the people of Sri Lanka in overcoming their economic hardships and emphasized that India expeditiously finalized and delivered assistance as well as support worth about US$ 3.8 billion in 2022. Such assistance has been in the form of currency swaps, deferment of repayment of Sri Lanka’s liabilities to the Reserve Bank of India under the Asian Clearing Union mechanism, credit assistance of more than US$ 1.5 billion for fuel, food, medicines, fertilizers, and other essential commodities.
4. India also categorically denied having any role in facilitating the departure or travel of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka.
(Contents of the Press Release have been taken from media remarks made by Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on 14 July 2022)
Colombo
15 July 2022
Eldos Mathew Punnoose
Head – Press, Information & Development Cooperation
High Commission of India, Colombo