India says it supports early political solution in Sri Lanka

• Looks forward for resolution via democratic means and values and constitutional framework

India yesterday reiterated that she will continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realise their aspirations for prosperity and progress 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 said that India looked forward to an early solution of the situation related to the Government and its leadership in Sri Lanka through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework. The Spokesperson added that India will support the people of Sri Lanka in all possible ways in their endeavour to find a way forward.

The commitment India has demonstrated in helping the Sri Lankan people, to address the challenges arising out of the current situation in Sri Lanka underlines India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision. 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 $ 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 $ 1.5 billion for fuel, food, medicines, fertilizers, and other essential commodities.

India also categorically denied having any role in facilitating the departure or travel of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka.