India denies its role in Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee Lanka

By Our Special Correspondent

India has strongly denied any role in Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaving the country, besieged by angry protests after the economic collapse.

We categorically deny the baseless speculation that India facilitated Gotabaya's recent journey from Sri Lanka. However, it was reiterated that India would continue to support the people of Sri Lanka as they strive to achieve their aspirations for prosperity through democratic institutions and constitutional frameworks in which democratic ways and values ​​are established.

Sources pointed out that New Delhi did not issue any itinerary during the turmoil in the island nation because Indians were not targeted. Despite the turmoil, there was no threat to Indians as a community. So there is no need for any advice,” said a source.

Just two days ago the Sri Lankan subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, Lanka IOC stepped up its humanitarian efforts by ensuring that 209 ambulances across the country have enough fuel for patients in need of emergency medical assistance.

India has been supporting Sri Lanka during its economic crisis and has so far supported it with a $3.8 billion line of credit, which has enabled the country to buy food, fuel and fertilizer.

India's efforts to support Sri Lanka will continue despite Ranil taking over as acting president, sources said, adding that India's support is crucial to distance Colombo from China's influence. China continues to be Sri Lanka's largest foreign investor and creditor.

A source said that having an ally in India is better for Sri Lanka than China, which bought a huge chunk of land on a 99-year lease for the Hambantota port, because Sri Lanka would default on payment.