through democratic means and values and a constitutional framework.
India reiterates her support for the people of Sri Lanka 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.
The commitment India have demonstrated in helping the Sri Lankan people, to address the challenges arising from the current situation in Sri Lanka, underlines India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy. Moving forward, India’s support and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka will continue.
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.
India also categorically denied any role in facilitating former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s departure or travel 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 and emailed to us by Indian HC in SL)
