Indian High Commission denies stopping issuance of visas to Sri Lankans amid crisis

Amid ongoing civil unrest in island nation, Indian embassy in Sri Lanka on Friday categorically denied that it or Indian Consulates-General or Assistant High Commission have stopped issuing visas. embassy also clarified that re have been operating issues in last few days owing to inability of Visa Wing staff most of whom are Sri Lankan nationals. "We are striving to return our functioning to normal levels soon. We remain committed to facilitating ease of travel for Sri Lankans to India. Sri Lankans are welcome in India just as Indians are in Sri Lanka," embassy wrote in a Twitter post. 

After appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as country's next Prime Minister, embassy stated that "India hopes for political stability and looks forward to working with government of Sri Lanka formed in accordance with democratic processes." embassy furr stated that India's commitment to people of Sri Lanka will continue. Earlier on May 7, Indian embassy in Sri Lanka denied refuted claims that Sri Lankan government used Line of Credit (LoC) extended by India to import a water cannon vehicle during ongoing turmoil.

Indian embassy clarifies no water cannon vehicles provided to Sri Lanka under any of credit lines

Indian embassy released a statement clarifying that allegations indicating such usage of India's assistance are "factually incorrect."  embassy furr went on to state that no water cannon vehicles have been provided by India under any of credit lines it has extended to Sri Lanka. "Credit line of USD 1 billion to Sri Lanka is intended to help people of Sri Lanka with availability of food, medicines and or essential items required by people of Sri Lanka in current situation," Indian embassy remarked. 

Sri Lankan crisis

It is worth mentioning here that  Sri Lankan government has been struggling to meet basic requirements for its population of 22 million citizens amid an unprecedented economic crisis caused by mishandling of finances and ill-timed tax cuts.  island nation is also currently facing a foreign exchange deficit, which has resulted in food, fuel, power, and gas shortages, and has sought economic assistance from friendly countries. On Thursday, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed United National Party (UNP) leer Ranil Wickremesinghe as country's next Prime Minister in an attempt to stabilize country's deteriorating political situation. 

Image: PTI/ANI