In a statement, the Ministry of external affairs said that this year alone, India has provided more than USD 3.5 billion to the island nation to help it overcome its current difficulties.
A day after Sri Lanka witnessed its bloodiest day of the ongoing anti-government protests, triggered by the island nation’s worst economic crisis since independence, India said on Tuesday that as a close neighbour, it is fully supportive of the country’s ‘democracy, stability and economic recovery.’
Also Read | Sri Lanka sees most violent day in recent weeks; PM quits, MP dies: 10 points
“In keeping with our Neighbourhood First Policy, India has extended this year alone support worth over US$ 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties. In addition, the people of India have provided assistance for mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food, medicine etc.” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of external affairs said in a statement.
“India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes,” the statement further said.
Less time to read?
Try Quickreads
-
On ‘Victory Day’, Russia fires Kinzhal hypersonic missiles at Ukraine: Report
The Ukrainian port of Odesa was battered Monday as Russian forces launched missile attacks – including hypersonic rockets – to mark its biggest patriotic holiday – Victory Day. Ukraine military said seven missiles – three of which were hypersonic rockets – had been fired at a shopping centre and a warehouse. One person has died and five have been wounded, AFP reported.
-
Sri Lanka crisis deepens: Curfew extended until May 11 as unrest grows
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday extended the national curfew until Wednesday morning amid ongoing protests over economic and political crises. “I instruct everybody not to use any public roads, railways, public parks, public recreation areas or other public territories or the seashore from 19:00 on May 9 to 07:00 on May 11,” Sputnik quoted the presidential decree.
-
Meet Daisy the dog – this company’s ‘chief morale officer’ as WFH ends | Video
Meet Daisy, a 12-year-old Labrador and the ‘chief morale officer’ at Ottawa-based Tungsten Collaborative. Daisy roams her new ‘workplace’ with at least three other doggie colleagues – an adorable Basset Hound named Delilah, Eevee the Greyhound and German Shepherd puppy Hudson – and her skills include ‘stress management’ and ‘client engagement’. Her ’employers’ note that many of the industrial design studio’s ‘greatest innovations can be traced back to a long walk’ with her.
-
Why Tesla has halted production at Shanghai plant
Tesla Inc has halted most of its production at its Shanghai plant due to problems securing parts for its electric vehicles, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters, the latest in a series of difficulties for the factory. Two sources familiar with the matter had earlier said supply issues had forced the factory to halt production on Monday. Tesla did not immediately respond to a query for comment.
-
How Sri Lanka PM Rajapaksa was evacuated as protesters stormed his home
Sri Lanka prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had to be rescued by heavily armed troops from his official residence in Colombo this morning after thousands of protesters stormed the main gates. Protesters then tried to force their way into ‘Temple Trees’ – the two-storey colonial-era building that serves as the Lankan PM’s home and where Rajapaksa and his family were sheltering.