India Denies Helping Rajapaksa Flee to Maldives; Singapore Final Destination

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – India on July 13 “categorically denied baseless and speculative media reports” that it had facilitated Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s travel to escape out of Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka took to Twitter and rejected such claims being published by several media outlets and assured that India will continue to stand with the people of the distressed island nation.

Earlier, President Rajapaksa arrived in the Maldives after fleeing Sri Lanka on July 12.

The Sri Lanka Air Force has now confirmed that military aircraft was provided for President Rajapaksa, his wife Ioma Rajapaksa and two security officers to fly to the Maldives, following a request by the existing government.

Rajapaksa is expected to leave for Singapore from Male.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed the acting President and has declared a state of emergency in the country following a standoff between police and military personnel with angry protestors which tried to enter the Prime Minister’s office.

Thousands have taken to the streets in Sri Lanka in recent weeks, with many blaming the Rajapaksa family and their government for the economic crisis plaguing the nation.