India refutes speculative media claims of New Delhi facilitating Gotabaya's flee
13 Jul 2022 10:27:00
New Delhi, Jul 13: Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has dismissed 'baseless' and 'speculative' media reports that said that India has facilitated President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's exit from the country. According to reports, Gotabaya Rajapaksa had fled the crisis-hit island country hours before he was scheduled to resign from the post.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka took it to twitter to inform that "High Commission categorically denies baseless and speculative media reports that India facilitated the recent reported travel of Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa out of Sri Lanka." It further added, "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."
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife along with two bodyguards travelled to the Maldives after full approval of the country's Defence Ministry, Sri Lanka officials confirmed on Wednesday (Jul 13). In a statement, the Sri Lankan Air Force also said that the move was done under the executive powers vested with the president. Gotabaya landed at the Velana International Airport in the Maldives early Wednesday. Besides, the Prime Minister's Office also confirmed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left the country.
The Sri Lankan Air Force Media Director said in a statement, "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."