Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Aug 3: Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday hailed India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for delivering timely economic aid to his country as it faced the greatest economic crisis in decades, calling it ‘a breath of life’ for Sri Lanka.
During a ceremonial sitting of Parliament that resumed on Wednesday after a seven-day break, President Wickremesinghe made the comments.
“I wish to specially mention the assistance provided by India, our closest neighbour, in our efforts of economic revitalisation,” he said.
“The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has given us a breath of life. On behalf of my people and that of my own, I convey our gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, the Government and the people of India,” Wickremesinghe added.
I wish to specially mention the assistance provided by India, our closest neighbour, in our efforts for economic revitalisation: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament
(file photo) pic.twitter.com/7GxFwDZW44
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2022
Last week, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Wickremesinghe and pledged that India would continue to support the island nation’s citizens in their efforts to restore peace and economic growth through recognised democratic channels.
Following months of widespread protests that compelled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the nation and resign, the new Sri Lankan government is tasked with bringing the country out of its economic crisis and reestablishing order. Since January of this year, the Indian government has given over $4 billion to Sri Lanka.
To provide basic requirements for its 22 million residents, who have been hampered by lengthy lines, rising shortages, and frequent power outages, Sri Lanka will need to raise $5 billion over the course of the next six months. The country is now in discussions with the IMF and other international nations for financial assistance to get through the current economic crisis.
