New Delhi promises to stand by the people of Sri Lanka despite of worsening crisis

New Delhi, Jul 15: Reiterating its commitment to Sri Lanka , India on Thursday (Jul 14) said that New Delhi will continue to stand with the people of the island nation and their aspirations through democratic means and a constitutional framework. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India denied having any role or facilitating Gotabaya Rajapaksa's departure or his travel from Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

The MEA Spokesperson during the weekly media briefing said, "You would have seen comments that our High Commission made. We've categorically denied having any role or facilitating his (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) departure or his travel from Sri Lanka. I'm not in a position to guess where's he. I have seen media reports right now that he is in Singapore." He further added, "We will continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka, and their aspirations...through democratic means and a constitutional framework."

 

 

 

 

 

According to media reports, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who flew from the Maldives arrived in Singapore on board a Saudi Airlines flight on Thursday (Jul 14). Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Rajapaksa has been allowed entry into Singapore on a private visit and he has not asked for asylum and nor has he been granted asylum.

 

In a statement the Singapore MFA said, "In response to media queries, it is confirmed that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been allowed entry into Singapore on a private visit. He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum." According to the earlier reports, Rajapaksa and his wife were expected to stay in Singapore and not travel further to the Middle East. As per various media reports, the Sri Lankan President and his wife, who took Saudia Airlines flight SV788 to Singapore, were expected to travel to Jeddah.