As tension persisted in Sri Lanka, India on Wednesday rejected reports that it could send troops to the island nation. New Delhi also denied as “fake and blatantly false” social media reports there that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family had escaped to India.
“The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of India,” the Indian mission said on Twitter.
In another tweet, the High Commission referred to Ministry of External Affairs’ statement on Tuesday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and economic recovery,” it said in another tweet.
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Tuesday had said that India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes.
Reacting to reports about Rajapaksa fleeing to India, the High Commission in Colombo on Tuesday said, “High Commission has recently noticed rumours circulating in sections of media and social media that certain political persons and their families have fled to India. These are fake and blatantly false reports, devoid of any truth or substance. High Commission strongly denies them.”
Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, resigned as Prime Minister amid economic turmoil in the country, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy troops in the capital. The attack triggered widespread violence against pro-Rajapaksa politicians.
A group of protesters gathered around the naval base in the eastern port district of Trincomalee, claiming Mahinda Rajapaksa had taken refuge there.
At least eight people have died while over 250 people have been injured in the clashes which also saw scores of properties belonging to ruling party politicians being set on fire.