India reiterates it is not sending troops to crisis-hit Sri Lanka

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has categorically dismissed for the second time in as many months the speculative media reports about New Delhi sending its troops to Colombo.

The Indian High Commission had issued a clarification on similar speculation in May as well saying India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

Following events of the weekend where thousands of angry protesters stormed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence and set Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house on fire, India said it stands with the Sri Lankan people in their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means, established institutions and constitutional framework.

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India continues to closely follow the developments in Sri Lanka and that it is aware of the many challenges that the country and its people have been facing.

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"India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and our two countries share deep civilizational bonds. We are aware of the many challenges that Sri Lanka and its people have been facing, and we have stood with the Sri Lankan people as they have tried to overcome this difficult period," Bagchi said.

"India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realise their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework," he said.

With PTI inputs