India Refutes 'Speculative Reports' About New Delhi Sending Troops To Crisis-Hit Sri Lanka

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had denied the speculative reports in Lankan media and social media about India sending its troops to the crisis-hit Sri Lanka.

The High Commission further said that such reports and views are also not in keeping with the position of the Indian government on the matter.

It added that the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs had on Tuesday (10 May) clearly stated that India was fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

"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," an official statement said on Wednesday (11 May).

Earlier on Monday, the High Commission refuted as 'fake and blatantly false' local social media speculation that former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family members have fled to India, a day after the patriarch of the powerful Rajapaksa family quit as premier amidst the unprecedented anti-government protests.

'The 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. The High Commission strongly denies them”, a statement said on Monday.

The whereabouts of Mahinda Rajapaksa is being speculated since his resignation on Monday. It was reported that Mahinda left his office-cum-official residence, Temple Trees, early this morning.

In its first reaction to the situation in Sri Lanka, India on Tuesday said that it is 'fully supportive' of the island nation's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

'India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes,' External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi.

Mahinda, 76, resigned as prime minister amid unprecedented economic turmoil in the country, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army 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 had taken refuge there.

Calls for his arrest are increasing for his alleged instigation of a mob which went on to attack anti-government protesters who are calling for the Rajapaksa family, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to resign.

At least 8 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.