New Delhi: India on Wednesday (July 13, 2022) categorically denied “baseless and speculative” media reports that it facilitated the visit of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled to the Maldives in a Sri Lankan Air Force plane, which were in the midst of widespread opposition. against the government. country’s economy. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said, “The High Commission categorically denies the baseless and speculative media reports that India facilitated the recent visit of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Tulsi Rajapaksa outside Sri Lanka.”
It said in a tweet, “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.” ” ,
As they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established democratic institutions and constitutional framework. (2/2)
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) 13 July 2022
Rajapaksa, 73, with his wife and two bodyguards Departure for Male by Sri Lankan Air Force plane, capital of Maldives. In a brief statement, the Sri Lankan Air Force confirmed that Rajapaksa was deported to the Maldives in an Air Force plane on Wednesday morning under the constitution given to a caretaker president.
“At the request of the Government and with reference to the powers available to the President under the Constitution, with full approval from the Ministry of Defence, the President, his wife and two security officers were granted Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft for departure from Katunayake International Airport. Went to Maldives in the early hours of 13th July.”
Rajapaksa, who has been exempted from prosecution while he was president, is believed to have wanted to flee abroad before resigning to avoid the possibility of arrest by the new government.
Earlier on Saturday, Rajapaksa had announced his resignation on Wednesday after thousands of protesters stormed his official residence, blaming him for the unprecedented economic crisis that has brought the country to its knees. Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million people, is in the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades, leaving millions struggling to buy food, medicine, fuel and other essentials.
(with agency input)