A Chinese research vessel’s impending visit to Sri Lanka has sparked security alarm in India, with the officials raising concern that the ship might be used for spying on third countries.

On Sunday, Sri Lankan Navy said that it has allowed a Chinese research vessel— Yuan Wang 5—to dock at the country’s southern deep-sea Hambantota port this month. The port is located in the hometown of the Rajapaksa family and has been developed largely with Chinese loans.

According to PTI news agency, Yuan Wang 5 is expected to arrive on anywhere between August 11 and August 17 for replenishment. It is expected to conduct satellite control and research tracking in the north western part of the Indian Ocean region through August and September.

Economic Times newspaper reports that the ship has an aerial reach of more than 750 kilometres, theoretically extending its reach to India’s southern places such as Kalpakkam, Koodankulam, and the atomic research centre.

Apart from that, it can gather information about vital installations in southern India including the ports of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

India’s concerns stem from the fact that the port was leased to China Merchant Port Holdings after Sri Lanka failed to repay the loans. This has sparked fears of the potential use of the port for military purposes, according to the Indian newspaper.

India has said that it carefully monitors any development having a bearing on its security and economic interests.

"We are aware of reports of a proposed visit by this vessel to Hambantota in August," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi in response to the reports of a proposed visit by a Chinese vessel.

"The government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India's security and economic interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them," he said on Thursday.

Though there is no comment by the ruling establishment in Sri Lanka, The Hindu newspaper has reported that the Indian government has raised the matter with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Citing an official source in Colombo, the Indian newspaper said that the matter “was raised at the highest level by the Indian side”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Chinese research vessel’s impending visit to Sri Lanka has sparked security alarm in India, with the officials raising concern that the ship might be used for spying on third countries.

A Chinese research vessel’s impending visit to Sri Lanka has sparked security alarm in India, with the officials raising concern that the ship might be used for spying on third countries. On Sunday, Sri Lankan Navy said that it has allowed a Chinese research vessel— Yuan Wang 5—to dock at the country’s southern deep-sea Hambantota port this month. The port is located in the hometown of the Rajapaksa family and has been developed largely with Chinese loans. According to PTI news agency, Yuan Wang 5 is expected to arrive on anywhere between August 11 and August 17 for replenishment. It is expected to conduct satellite control and research tracking in the north western part of the Indian Ocean region through August and September. Economic Times newspaper reports that the ship has an aerial reach of more than 750 kilometres, theoretically extending its reach to India’s southern places such as Kalpakkam, Koodankulam, and the atomic research centre. Apart from that, it can gather information about vital installations in southern India including the ports of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. India’s concerns stem from the fact that the port was leased to China Merchant Port Holdings after Sri Lanka failed to repay the loans. This has sparked fears of the potential use of the port for military purposes, according to the Indian newspaper. India has said that it carefully monitors any development having a bearing on its security and economic interests. "We are aware of reports of a proposed visit by this vessel to Hambantota in August," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi in response to the reports of a proposed visit by a Chinese vessel. "The government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India's security and economic interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them," he said on Thursday. Though there is no comment by the ruling establishment in Sri Lanka, The Hindu newspaper has reported that the Indian government has raised the matter with President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Citing an official source in Colombo, the Indian newspaper said that the matter “was raised at the highest level by the Indian side”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India raises concern over Chinese vessel’s proposed visit to Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port: Report

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak : - Sri Lanka's health system is on the verge of collapse - Is Nepal risking letting wartime offenders go unpunished? - Bhutan to charge Indian tourists an entry fee for the first time

South Asia Diary: Sri Lanka's health system is on the verge of collapse

As Chinese naval vessel Yuan Wang 5 continues its journey to Sri Lanka's Hamabantota port. India has raised its concerns with the island nation. The Chinese ship is expected to reach the Sri Lankan port in mid-August and has New Delhi worrying that it may snoop on Indian ports and nuclear plants in southern India.

WION Dispatch: India raises concerns over presence of Chinese vessel in Indian ocean

Referring to the threats made by the protesters, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on Sunday that there is no point in demanding him to ‘go home.’ The leader said, "I am appealing to you not to do that as I have no home to go to." He further said that there was no use in demanding a man to go home if he had no place to live, adding that the protesters could demand him to return after his house had been repaired. Speaking in Kandy, Wickremesinghe claimed that some people had threatened to hold a protest calling for him to return, ANI reported.

According to the Colombo Gazette, the president demanded that the demonstrators either rebuild the nation or his home. As per,&nbsp;Ranil, the protests slowed down a potential agreement with the IMF that had been moving forward after he took office as Prime Minister.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-chinese-ship-snoop-on-india-from-sri-lanka-port-india-raises-concerns-502609">Can Chinese ship snoop on India from Sri Lanka port? India raises concerns</a>

Ranil urged all the political parties to join hands in order to find a long-term solution to the country’s economic crisis. He continued that it’s pointless to blame former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the economic problem.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-found-inside-gotabaya-rajapaksas-house-produced-before-court-502283">Millions found inside Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house produced before court</a>

Notably, on July 9, enraged by the extraordinary economic crisis in the country, protesters broke into the private mansion of the then-prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and set it on fire. They barged into the property just a few hours earlier, demanding the resignation of the then-president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and tore down police-erected security barriers, jumped into the pool, and ransacked his kitchen and house.

The country has been dealing with its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Referring to the threats made by the protesters, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on Sunday that there is no point in demanding him to ‘go home.’ The leader said, "I am appealing to you not to do that as I have no home to go to.

Referring to the threats made by the protesters, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on Sunday that there is no point in demanding him to ‘go home.’ The leader said, "I am appealing to you not to do that as I have no home to go to." He further said that there was no use in demanding a man to go home if he had no place to live, adding that the protesters could demand him to return after his house had been repaired. Speaking in Kandy, Wickremesinghe claimed that some people had threatened to hold a protest calling for him to return, ANI reported. According to the Colombo Gazette, the president demanded that the demonstrators either rebuild the nation or his home. As per, Ranil, the protests slowed down a potential agreement with the IMF that had been moving forward after he took office as Prime Minister. Also read | Can Chinese ship snoop on India from Sri Lanka port? India raises concerns Ranil urged all the political parties to join hands in order to find a long-term solution to the country’s economic crisis. He continued that it’s pointless to blame former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the economic problem. Also read | Millions found inside Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house produced before court Notably, on July 9, enraged by the extraordinary economic crisis in the country, protesters broke into the private mansion of the then-prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and set it on fire. They barged into the property just a few hours earlier, demanding the resignation of the then-president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and tore down police-erected security barriers, jumped into the pool, and ransacked his kitchen and house. The country has been dealing with its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘No home to go’: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe responds to protesters' threat

As Chinese naval vessel Yuan Wang 5 continues its journey to Sri Lanka's Hamabantota port. India has raised its concerns with Sri Lanka. The Chinese ship is expected to reach the Sri Lankan port in mid-August and has New Delhi worrying that it may snoop on Indian ports and nuiclear plants in southern India.&nbsp;

"Government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India's security and economic infrastructure and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them. I think that should be a clear message," said Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs.

Watch | China to station 'Spy Ship' at Lankan port; Indian raises concern over Chinese vessel

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Northern reaches of Indian Ocean are traditionally considered within the influence zone of India and Indian Navy has a regular presence in these waters where some of the important global trade sea lanes are present. Chinese foray here is hence a topic of concern for India.

Yuan Wang 5, the Chinese vessel is said to have lethal capabilities. It can track satellites and military installations. It is a 3rd generation tracking ship of Yuan Wang series and has aerial range of 750 kilometres.

This means that about six southern Indian ports and several nuclear plants are within obe=servational range of the ship even if it is docked in the port.

The port of Hambantota has been handed by Sri Lanka to China on a 99-year lease for commercial activities.

The Chinese ship is expected to be docked at Hambantota between August 11 and 17.

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As Chinese naval vessel Yuan Wang 5 continues its journey to Sri Lanka's Hamabantota port. India has raised its concerns with Sri Lanka. The Chinese ship is expected to reach the Sri Lankan port in mid-August and has New Delhi worrying that it may snoop on Indian ports and nuiclear plants in southern India.

As Chinese naval vessel Yuan Wang 5 continues its journey to Sri Lanka's Hamabantota port. India has raised its concerns with Sri Lanka. The Chinese ship is expected to reach the Sri Lankan port in mid-August and has New Delhi worrying that it may snoop on Indian ports and nuiclear plants in southern India. "Government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India's security and economic infrastructure and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them. I think that should be a clear message," said Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs. Watch | China to station 'Spy Ship' at Lankan port; Indian raises concern over Chinese vessel × Northern reaches of Indian Ocean are traditionally considered within the influence zone of India and Indian Navy has a regular presence in these waters where some of the important global trade sea lanes are present. Chinese foray here is hence a topic of concern for India. Yuan Wang 5, the Chinese vessel is said to have lethal capabilities. It can track satellites and military installations. It is a 3rd generation tracking ship of Yuan Wang series and has aerial range of 750 kilometres. This means that about six southern Indian ports and several nuclear plants are within obe=servational range of the ship even if it is docked in the port. The port of Hambantota has been handed by Sri Lanka to China on a 99-year lease for commercial activities. The Chinese ship is expected to be docked at Hambantota between August 11 and 17. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Can Chinese ship snoop on India from Sri Lanka port? India raises concerns

“Don’t think it is the right time for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, adding that his return to the country may stoke political tensions, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

“Don't believe it's the time for him to return," Wickremesinghe said in an interview with the WSJ, adding, "I have no indication of him returning soon."

The New York City-based newspaper further reported that Wickremesinghe has remained in contact with Rajapaksa to deal with administrative handover issues and other government business.

Gotabaya escaped from the crisis-hit nation on July 13 after his official residence was stormed by thousands of protesters who had demonstrated for months against the island nation’s painful economic crisis. Days later, Wickremesinghe was elected by the parliament after securing a comfortable majority.

According to reports, Gotabaya first fled to the Maldives and from there, he went to Singapore. Reports suggest that he has been staying on a short-term visit pass since July 14, though he has not been provided, nor guaranteed asylum.

The&nbsp;Straits Times newspaper reported that Rajapaksa’s 14-day visit pass was extended, allowing him to stay until August 11.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is currently seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the World Bank refused to offer fresh funding without "deep structural reforms."

On Friday, the finance ministry said that Sri Lanka had resumed bailout discussions with IMF after the new government took office, describing the talks as “highly successful”.

Sri Lanka is bankrupt, and its economy is in tatters. The latest figures released on Friday showed year-on-year inflation&nbsp;in July hitting&nbsp;a record 60.8 per cent. The country has $12 billion overseas debt with private creditors.

(With inputs from agencies)

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“Don’t think it is the right time for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, adding that his return to the country may stoke political tensions, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

“Don’t think it is the right time for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, adding that his return to the country may stoke political tensions, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. “Don't believe it's the time for him to return," Wickremesinghe said in an interview with the WSJ, adding, "I have no indication of him returning soon." The New York City-based newspaper further reported that Wickremesinghe has remained in contact with Rajapaksa to deal with administrative handover issues and other government business. Gotabaya escaped from the crisis-hit nation on July 13 after his official residence was stormed by thousands of protesters who had demonstrated for months against the island nation’s painful economic crisis. Days later, Wickremesinghe was elected by the parliament after securing a comfortable majority. According to reports, Gotabaya first fled to the Maldives and from there, he went to Singapore. Reports suggest that he has been staying on a short-term visit pass since July 14, though he has not been provided, nor guaranteed asylum. The Straits Times newspaper reported that Rajapaksa’s 14-day visit pass was extended, allowing him to stay until August 11. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is currently seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the World Bank refused to offer fresh funding without "deep structural reforms." On Friday, the finance ministry said that Sri Lanka had resumed bailout discussions with IMF after the new government took office, describing the talks as “highly successful”. Sri Lanka is bankrupt, and its economy is in tatters. The latest figures released on Friday showed year-on-year inflation in July hitting a record 60.8 per cent. The country has $12 billion overseas debt with private creditors. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Don’t think Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be returning soon', says Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka continues to plunge deeper into the ongoing economic crisis. As per reports, Colombo's consumer price index has reached 60% and food inflation has surged to 90%.

Record inflation continues to haunt Lankan households; Colombo consumer price index breaches 60%

Sri Lanka is currently battling its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. There is no respite in sight and the situation is only likely to get worse across Sri Lanka. President Ranil Wickremesinghe slammed the anti-govt protesters.

Ranil Wickremesinghe slams anti-govt protesters: 'First time in history we faced fascist terrorism'

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Saturday that an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been pushed back to September due to the unrest over the weeks.

IMF agreement has been rescheduled for September, says Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe

IMF agreement has been rescheduled for September, says Sri Lankan

Sri Lankan police have produced before a court millions of rupees in cash found by anti-government protesters inside former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence after he fled the mansion following the mass uprising against his government three weeks ago.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters on July 9 stormed the then President Rajapaksa’s residence in central Colombo’s high-security Fort area after breaking the barricades, as they demanded his resignation over the island nation’s worst economic crisis in recent memory.

Amidst the unprecedented anti-government protests, Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13 to the Maldives and then to Singapore from where he emailed his resignation letter.

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The protesters recovered 17.85 million Sri Lankan Rupees inside his mansion which were later handed over to the police.

The Superintendent of Police in charge of the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Division handed over the money to Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday as per its order made on Thursday, New First, an online portal, reported.

Magistrate Thilina Gamage said there is reasonable suspicion as to why the officer in charge (OIC) of the Fort Police failed to produce the money for three weeks.

The Magistrate also said that the court was not aware of any special circumstances for the money originally given to the Fort Police, to be produced via a Special Police Unit from Slave Island.

Magistrate ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the delay in producing the money and submit a report to the court.

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The Police Chief was ordered to appoint the Director of the Special Investigations Unit at the Police Headquarters for this purpose and provide him with the necessary assistance.

Sri Lanka has seen months of mass unrest over the worst economic crisis, with the government declaring bankruptcy in mid-April by refusing to honour its international debt.

The previous Rajapaksa administration is accused of bungling the economic crisis.

Sri Lankan police have produced before a court millions of rupees in cash found by anti-government protesters inside former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence after he fled the mansion following the mass uprising against his government three weeks ago.

Sri Lankan police have produced before a court millions of rupees in cash found by anti-government protesters inside former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence after he fled the mansion following the mass uprising against his government three weeks ago. Hundreds of anti-government protesters on July 9 stormed the then President Rajapaksa’s residence in central Colombo’s high-security Fort area after breaking the barricades, as they demanded his resignation over the island nation’s worst economic crisis in recent memory. Amidst the unprecedented anti-government protests, Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13 to the Maldives and then to Singapore from where he emailed his resignation letter. Also read | Russia’s Black Sea fleet headquarters hit by Ukrainian drone strike, 5 injured The protesters recovered 17.85 million Sri Lankan Rupees inside his mansion which were later handed over to the police. The Superintendent of Police in charge of the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Division handed over the money to Fort Magistrate’s Court on Friday as per its order made on Thursday, New First, an online portal, reported. Magistrate Thilina Gamage said there is reasonable suspicion as to why the officer in charge (OIC) of the Fort Police failed to produce the money for three weeks. The Magistrate also said that the court was not aware of any special circumstances for the money originally given to the Fort Police, to be produced via a Special Police Unit from Slave Island. Magistrate ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the delay in producing the money and submit a report to the court. Also read | Zelensky orders civilians to evacuate from Donetsk region amid Russian attacks The Police Chief was ordered to appoint the Director of the Special Investigations Unit at the Police Headquarters for this purpose and provide him with the necessary assistance. Sri Lanka has seen months of mass unrest over the worst economic crisis, with the government declaring bankruptcy in mid-April by refusing to honour its international debt. The previous Rajapaksa administration is accused of bungling the economic crisis.

Millions found inside Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house produced before court

IMF agreement has been rescheduled for September, says Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday decided to prorogue Parliament with effect from midnight. According to the extraordinary gazette issued, the next session will commence on August 3, 2022.

Sri Lanka: President Ranil Wickremesinghe prorogues parliament with effect from midnight

India on Thursday said it was aware of reports about the planned visit of a Chinese vessel to Sri Lanka's Hambantota port, which was built with money from Beijing.

Why India said it will protect its interests as Chinese vessel heads to Sri Lanka

As economic crisis continues to batter Sri Lanka, the international monetary fund has advised Sri Lanka to now seek monetary help from China to help boost its trade investment and tourism sectors.

'Sri Lanka should seek help from China,' says IMF

In pics | History of parliament attacks

Amid the ongoing economic and political turmoil Sri Lanka has extended its state of emergency for a month. The Sri Lankan parliament approved the extension on Wednesday to get a grip on the island nation's worst economic crisis in seven decades.

Lankan parliament formally approves extension of state of emergency for a month

From election defeat in 2020 to winning the presidency in 2022, Ranil Wickremesinghe has scripted one of the greatest comebacks in Sri Lanka's political history. How are protesters reacting to the new President?

South Asia Dairy: Ranil Wickremesinghe's grand comeback

A Sri Lankan has said that former president Gotabaya Rajapkasa is not in hiding and will return to the country from Singapore soon but not sure when.

Sri Lankan speaker says Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return, not sure when

Singapore has permitted former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

A short-term visit pass issued when Rajapaksa arrived on a private visit two weeks ago has been extended, two separate sources in Colombo and Singapore, both with knowledge of the matter, told Reuters.

Rajapaksa is now able to stay in Singapore until August 11.

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The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority in Singapore did not respond to a request for confirmation on the extension of stay.

Rajapaksa landed in Singapore on July 14, a day after fleeing his crisis-ridden country via Maldives and following a popular uprising that forced him to resign as president.

At the time, the Singapore government said he had not been granted asylum and was in the country on a private visit.

"It is my belief he may eventually consider returning to Sri Lanka but there is no definite political or other stance on this," Sri Lankan government spokesperson Bandula Gunwardena said on Tuesday.

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Six-time prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as president following a victory in a parliamentary vote after Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned.

The country of 22 million people has been crippled by a devastating economic crisis for several months, with shortages of fuel, food and other necessities as foreign exchange reserves needed for essential imports dropped to record lows.

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Singapore has permitted former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

Singapore has permitted former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. A short-term visit pass issued when Rajapaksa arrived on a private visit two weeks ago has been extended, two separate sources in Colombo and Singapore, both with knowledge of the matter, told Reuters. Rajapaksa is now able to stay in Singapore until August 11. Also read | Two new studies confirm Covid virus originated from Wuhan animal market The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority in Singapore did not respond to a request for confirmation on the extension of stay. Rajapaksa landed in Singapore on July 14, a day after fleeing his crisis-ridden country via Maldives and following a popular uprising that forced him to resign as president. At the time, the Singapore government said he had not been granted asylum and was in the country on a private visit. "It is my belief he may eventually consider returning to Sri Lanka but there is no definite political or other stance on this," Sri Lankan government spokesperson Bandula Gunwardena said on Tuesday. Also read | In pics - Volunteers rebuild Ukrainian village to beats of techno music Six-time prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as president following a victory in a parliamentary vote after Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned. The country of 22 million people has been crippled by a devastating economic crisis for several months, with shortages of fuel, food and other necessities as foreign exchange reserves needed for essential imports dropped to record lows. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Singapore extends ex-Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's visa by 14 days

Sri Lanka's envoy to China Palitha Kohona negotiated for an emergency $4 billion aid package to help the island nation to emerge from an economic meltdown.

Sri Lanka is in talks with China for $4 billion aid package to revive its economy

Could Pakistan be the next Sri Lanka? A new report ranks Pakistan 4th in list of countries at risk of default. It says the political turmoil is making economic recovery even tougher. The tug of war over Punjab CM post is the latest example. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Pakistan is at 'heightened risk' of debt default

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid massive public uproar surrounding the ongoing food and fuel shortages. Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, but a Cabinet spokesperson said that he is “not in hiding” and will be returning to the country “very soon”.

During an interview with Daily Mirror, Bandula Gunawardena clarified that the visit to Singapore was due to “personal reasons” and although he is “not aware of an exact date”, Rajapaksa will not be staying there indefinitely. He added that all proper procedures were followed regarding the visit.

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The island nation has been experiencing huge inflation in the recent past and this is the most economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since they gained independence back in 1948.

Following the massive protests around the country, Rajapaksa left for Singapore on July 12 and on the following day, he officially submitted his resignation. He was succeeded by Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who was elected after yet another election in Sri Lanka.

While Rajapaksa maintained that his visit to Singapore was “completely personal”, the spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that he has not applied for asylum.

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&nbsp;“He (Rajapaksa) has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum,” the spokesperson said according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, a rights group called the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has lodged a complaint for Rajapaksa’s arrest in Singapore for his role in the Sri Lanka civil war.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid massive public uproar surrounding the ongoing food and fuel shortages. Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, but a Cabinet spokesperson said that he is “not in hiding” and will be returning to the country “very soon”.

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country amid massive public uproar surrounding the ongoing food and fuel shortages. Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore, but a Cabinet spokesperson said that he is “not in hiding” and will be returning to the country “very soon”. During an interview with Daily Mirror, Bandula Gunawardena clarified that the visit to Singapore was due to “personal reasons” and although he is “not aware of an exact date”, Rajapaksa will not be staying there indefinitely. He added that all proper procedures were followed regarding the visit. Also read | India slams Pak-China’s proposal to invite third countries in CPEC projects The island nation has been experiencing huge inflation in the recent past and this is the most economic crisis in Sri Lankan history since they gained independence back in 1948. Following the massive protests around the country, Rajapaksa left for Singapore on July 12 and on the following day, he officially submitted his resignation. He was succeeded by Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who was elected after yet another election in Sri Lanka. While Rajapaksa maintained that his visit to Singapore was “completely personal”, the spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that he has not applied for asylum. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - “He (Rajapaksa) has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum,” the spokesperson said according to Reuters. Meanwhile, a rights group called the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has lodged a complaint for Rajapaksa’s arrest in Singapore for his role in the Sri Lanka civil war. (With inputs from agencies)

Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return to Sri Lanka, says cabinet spokesperson

As the economic meltdown continues to batter, Sri Lanka the south Asian nation is now seeking help from one of its close allies China to help boost its trade, investment and tourism sector.

Sri Lanka seeks China's help to revive trade, investment and tourism

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