The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, categorically denied as ‘baseless and speculative’, the media reports that India facilitated the recently reported travel of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of Sri Lanka. The High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka said that India will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka for progress through ‘democratic means and values’.
“High Commission categorically denies baseless and speculative media reports that India facilitated the recent reported travel of @gotabayar @Realbrajapaksa out of Sri Lanka,” the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said in a tweet.”It is reiterated that India will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established democratic institutions and constitutional framework,” the High Commission further added.
Shortly before his planned resignation on Wednesday, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and body guards flew out of the island nation to the Maldives. Earlier today, the Sri Lankan Air Force confirmed that he was given immigration clearances and other permissions by the Ministry of Defence and was flown out in an Air Force plane.
“According to the request of the Government in accordance with the powers vested in an Executive
President in the Constitution of Sri Lanka, His Excellency the President and the Lady along with two
bodyguards from Katunayake International Airport to the Maldives subject to the full approval of the
Ministry of Defense subject to immigration, customs and all other laws at Katunayake International Airport. An Air Force flight was given early in the morning on 13th July 2022 to depart,” Sri Lankan Air Force Media Director said in a statement.
Rajapaksa was slated to resign as Sri Lankan President, following which the Sri Lankan Parliament was expected to elect a new President on July 20. The island nation has been hit with massive protests, thanks to the economic collapse that has sent the prices of essential commodities skyrocketing. The wrath is directed towards the Rajapaksa family, as the populist economic policies of their government are believed to be one of the reasons behind the COVID-19 triggered financial crisis in the island nation.
