From supplying rice to diesel: Know how India is helping Sri Lanka during crippling economic crisis

Sri Lanka is currently in the midst of a crippling economic crisis, with basic supplies for the general public running out and disturbances erupting in different parts of the country. As the tensions in the country are increasing with each passing day, India has decided to do its part in helping the nation.

The Indian government has decided to extend a helping hand to Sri Lanka in the midst of the economic crisis, and has taken initiative to send important supplies to the country to ease the power crisis, which is leading to an increased amount of power cuts.

India on Saturday delivered its fourth consignment of fuel to Sri Lanka under a part of the US 500 million oil line of credit (LoC) and provided the island nation with 40,000 MT of diesel.  Over the last 50 days, India has supplied around 200,000 MT of fuel to Sri Lanka.

India High Commission in Colombo tweeted, “More fuel supplies delivered by #India to #SriLanka! A consignment of 40,000 MT of diesel under #Indian assistance through Line of Credit of $500 mn was handed over by High Commissioner to Hon’ble Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge in #Colombo today.”

More fuel supplies delivered by #India to #SriLanka! A consignment of 40,000 MT of diesel under #Indian assistance through Line of Credit of $500 mn was handed over by High Commissioner to Hon'ble Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge in #Colombo today. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/j8S2IsOw29

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 2, 2022

The Indian government, under Sri Lanka’s credit line started from New Delhi, has also decided to provide the country with major food aid. Traders have started loading 40,000 tonnes of rice in India in an effort to decrease the economic strain on Sri Lanka.

After several claims of India dispatching armed forces in Sri Lanka were made by many, the India High Commission refuted the rumours and denied all such information. In an official statement, the mission said, “High Commission denies blatantly false and completely baseless reports in a section of media that India is dispatching soldiers to Sri Lanka.”

Meanwhile, a nationwide public emergency has been declared in Sri Lanka by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after angry protestors launched demonstrations against the shortage of fuel and essential commodities in the country.

Protestors gathered outside the residence of Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa, where they clashed with the police. At least 10 people were injured including journalists. Sri Lanka’s economy has been in a free fall since the Covid-19 pandemic due to the crash of the tourism sector.

(With ANI inputs)