Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)

 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that India has been providing assistance to Sri Lanka and there is no refugee crisis now.

 

 "We have been supportive of Sri Lanka, are trying to help, and have always been helpful. They are working through their problem, we will see what happens. There is no refugee crisis right now, said Jaishankar upon his arrival in Kerala as part of intensifying the BJP's efforts to make gains in South India.

   

Jaishankar's comments reflect how India continues to stand by its neighbours amid difficult times. His remarks particularly hold more importance as Sri Lanka faces an unprecedented political and economic crisis. Under the 'neighbourhood first policy', India has responded with urgency to Sri Lanka's request for assistance for overcoming hardships and will enhance economic linkages between the two countries be it through infrastructure connectivity and renewable energy.

 

Underlining the fact that India has been giving priority to 'Neighbourhood First policy', MEA Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, " India will try to enhance economic linkages between the two countries be it through infrastructure connectivity and renewable energy."

 

Responding to media queries on rhe situation in Sri Lanka, the MEA Official Spokesperson said later on Sunday afternoon, " India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and our two countries share deep civilizational bonds. We continue to follow closely the recent developments in Sri Lanka.''

 

 

India is becoming a stronger and more mutually beneficial partner to Sri Lanka. The island nation has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, leading to daily power cuts. At present, Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while the people are being deprived of basic amenities as well.

   

Meanwhile, several dramatic videos have been doing the rounds on social media after Saturday's upheaval where thousands of protesters stormed his official residence in the capital of Colombo, forcing him to flee to an unknown location. Demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation, they stormed into the President's house, tore down security cordons placed by police, took a dip in the swimming pool and romped through his kitchen and home.

   

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva urged all citizens to give their support to the armed forces and the police in order to maintain peace in the country, as per the media portal. He made these remarks in a special statement accompanied by Tri Force Commanders.

   

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism and Lands Harin Fernando and Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said they have decided to step down from their ministerial portfolios with immediate effect.

   

Sri Lankan protesters also broke into Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence and set it on fire, angered by the unprecedented economic crisis. Several journalists were also attacked by the security forces after which more protestors gathered in the area, Daily Mirror reported.

   

Police resorted to water cannons to stop the enraged protestors. The police also fired tear gas at the protesters but despite that, they entered PM's house and set the house on fire.

   

Wickremesinghe, who was appointed as Prime Minister in May, has announced that he will resign from his post in order to ensure the continuation of the government and the safety of all the citizens. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also agreed to step down from his post.