The situation in Sri Lanka is "sensitive and complicated", says S Jaishankar

Thiruvananthapuram: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the situation prevailing in Sri Lanka is "very sensitive and very complicated". He added that many developments are taking place even as we speak.

Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in the city, he said India's focus right now is the economic aspects of the neighbouring country. He added that New Delhi is committed to supporting the people of the island nation.

"We have been extremely supportive of them in the last few months," said the minister. He clarified that India is backing Sri Lanka because they are our neighbours and they are friendly people. "We want to help them to go through a very difficult phase of their life and because of this feeling of friendship."

When asked about offering asylum to the Rajapaksa family, S Jaishankar said the Indian government is not involved in other matters but only the economic situation.

India had committed USD 3.8 billion in support of Sri Lanka during the latter's economic crisis. S Jaishankar added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a neighbourhood first policy where the government makes special efforts to try and support the country's neighbours in a manner that meets their requirements.

The Rajapaksa government is being blamed for mismanaging the funds and the economic crisis. The public stormed the Presidential Palace as part of their protest and demanded that Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign. The Rajapaksa family attempted to flee the country.

After his resignation, outgoing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will take over the office of the President. Rajapaksa already signed his resignation papers dated July 13 which will be submitted to the Speaker on Wednesday.