India's High Commissioner to Colombo, Gopal Baglay called on Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Saturday and conveyed that New Delhi will continue to be supportive of democracy, stability and economic recovery in the island nation.
"High Commissioner called on Hon’ble Speaker today morning. Appreciated Parliament's role in upholding democracy and Constitutional framework, especially at this crucial juncture. Conveyed that India will continue to be supportive of democracy, stability and economic recovery in Sri Lanka," tweeted the High Commission of India in Colombo today.
In spite of the ongoing political and economic turmoil in the country, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to the people of the country and delivered 44,000 MT of urea for use by Lankan farmers last week.
The Narendra Modi government has made it clear that ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of all countries in the region is an important aspect of its Neighbourhood First policy, as well as its vision for Security and Growth for All – SAGAR.
"This is in the case of Sri Lanka clearly evident in the close and multifaceted relationship that we have with that country and the commitment we have demonstrated in helping the Sri Lankan people, to address the challenges that are rising out of the current situation in that country. We will, of course continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values as well as established institutions and a constitutional framework," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, earlier this week.
Demonstration of #India's ongoing commitment to the people of #SriLanka!! 44,000 MT of urea was delivered for use by farmers in 🇱🇰 last week. pic.twitter.com/tY4fOhWufc
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) July 16, 2022
India has at the same time responded with urgency to assist the people of Sri Lanka in overcoming the economic hardships. This year itself, India has expeditiously finalized and delivered assistance as well as support worth about US$ 3.8 billion.
"This is 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. Apart from of course, credit assistance, of about one and a half billion dollars for financing of imports of fuel, food, medicines, fertilizers, and other essential commodities from India," added Bagchi.
As it continues to monitor the evolving situation in Colombo, New Delhi has emphasised that its ties with the island nation are historic and comprehensive, and it will continue to remain engaged with all relevant stakeholders in Sri Lanka.
"We look forward to an early solution of the situation related to the government and its leadership through democratic means and values as I said, established institutions and constitutional framework," said the MEA spokesperson.
