Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is at risk of tipping into a&nbsp;full-blown&nbsp;humanitarian&nbsp;crisis as the country's economy suffers its biggest shock in decades, the UN&nbsp;humanitarian&nbsp;office (OCHA) said on Friday.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's 22 million people are suffering the country's most serious financial turmoil in seven decades, with severe shortages of fuel, medicines and other essentials amid record inflation and a devaluation of its currency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-there-is-a-man-made-economic-crisis-in-sri-lanka-says-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-487590">Exclusive | There is a man-made economic crisis in Sri Lanka, says PM Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>

"Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is facing its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. We are concerned that this could develop into a&nbsp;full-blown&nbsp;humanitarian&nbsp;emergency", OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke told a regular UN news conference in Geneva.

"Sri&nbsp;Lanka's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 was already taking a heavy toll", he said, pointing out that agriculture and livelihoods had been severely affected.

Many people are now "going without adequate food", Laerke said, also warning that "families' access to health services, protection and children's education is at stake."

In response to a request from the government, the&nbsp;United Nations on Thursday said it had launched a plan to provide 47.2 million dollars of assistance between June and September to 1.7 million people worst hit by the crisis.

Watch |&nbsp;Global Leadership Series: Sri Lanka's economic crisis: A humanitarian emergency?

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Christian Skoog, a representative in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;for&nbsp;UNICEF, the&nbsp;United Nations&nbsp;children's&nbsp;agency, said 70 per cent of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan households had already reduced food consumption and as many as one in two children required some form of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;assistance.

As per an AFP report, the government has already defaulted on its 51 billion dollars in foreign debt, and a critical shortage of foreign currency has left traders unable to import adequate supplies of food, fuel and other essential goods.&nbsp;

UNICEF's representative in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Christian Skoog also warned that the situation was dire, with 17 per cent of children under five in the country already malnourished and stunted before the crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-eu-to-provide-humanitarian-funding-bangladesh-provides-medical-supplies-477132">Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies</a>

He said the UN children's agency, especially sought to help 56,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

"Potentially they could all be at risk of dying", he told reporters via video link.

Laerke highlighted that "the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan economy is on the brink of collapse".

"We call for international solidarity with the people of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka", he added.

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Sri Lanka is at risk of tipping into a full-blown humanitarian crisis as the country's economy suffers its biggest shock in decades, the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) said on Friday.

Sri Lanka is at risk of tipping into a full-blown humanitarian crisis as the country's economy suffers its biggest shock in decades, the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) said on Friday. Sri Lanka's 22 million people are suffering the country's most serious financial turmoil in seven decades, with severe shortages of fuel, medicines and other essentials amid record inflation and a devaluation of its currency. Also read | Exclusive | There is a man-made economic crisis in Sri Lanka, says PM Ranil Wickremesinghe "Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. We are concerned that this could develop into a full-blown humanitarian emergency", OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke told a regular UN news conference in Geneva. "Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 was already taking a heavy toll", he said, pointing out that agriculture and livelihoods had been severely affected. Many people are now "going without adequate food", Laerke said, also warning that "families' access to health services, protection and children's education is at stake." In response to a request from the government, the United Nations on Thursday said it had launched a plan to provide 47.2 million dollars of assistance between June and September to 1.7 million people worst hit by the crisis. Watch | Global Leadership Series: Sri Lanka's economic crisis: A humanitarian emergency? Christian Skoog, a representative in Sri Lanka for UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency, said 70 per cent of Sri Lankan households had already reduced food consumption and as many as one in two children required some form of emergency assistance. As per an AFP report, the government has already defaulted on its 51 billion dollars in foreign debt, and a critical shortage of foreign currency has left traders unable to import adequate supplies of food, fuel and other essential goods. UNICEF's representative in Sri Lanka Christian Skoog also warned that the situation was dire, with 17 per cent of children under five in the country already malnourished and stunted before the crisis. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis: EU to provide humanitarian funding; Bangladesh provides medical supplies He said the UN children's agency, especially sought to help 56,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. "Potentially they could all be at risk of dying", he told reporters via video link. Laerke highlighted that "the Sri Lankan economy is on the brink of collapse". "We call for international solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka", he added. Watch WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lanka risks full-blown humanitarian emergency, UN agency says

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on External Affairs on June 18 over the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka.

Apart from Jaishankar, India`s Foreign Secretary and other Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officers will be present at the meeting at the ministry office at 11 am.

During the meeting, the Indian government is likely to brief the members of Parliament on the economic crisis and the country`s neighbourhood policy and how and what kind of aid has been provided by New Delhi to Colombo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/mea-india-says-vote-bank-politics-is-being-practised-in-international-relations-485002">MEA India says vote bank politics is being practised in international relations</a>

The members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee include Congress Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva, BJP MP from Silchar Dr Rajdeep Roy.

Members of the Parliament including from Tamil Nadu are expected to ask the government about the impact that will have on the subcontinent.

Tamil Nadu government has also sought help from the Centre to help out Sri Lanka in this crisis and has also sent consignments of medicines and other humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

India is becoming a stronger and more mutually beneficial partner to Sri Lanka. Apart from assistance during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, India is also donating basic products for island nations.

Watch |&nbsp;Big push for India-Norway relations: MEA briefing on India-Nordic Summit 2022

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On June 3, High Commissioner to Colombo Gopal Baglay handed over a total of 3.3 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service.

Baglay said that Jaishankar was apprised of the looming shortage of medical supplies faced by the Foundation during his visit to the Suwaseriya Headquarters in Colombo in March 2022.

Earlier on May 27, Acting High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Vinod K Jacob handed over a consignment of over 25 tons of medical supplies to Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella in Colombo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/buying-russian-gas-is-not-funding-the-war-says-jaishankar-484836">Buying Russian gas is not funding the war, says Jaishankar</a>

Taking to Twitter, the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said that the consignment is valued at close to Rs 260 million.

These humanitarian supplies are in continuation of the Government of India`s ongoing support to the people of Sri Lanka in multiple forms such as financial assistance, forex support, material supply and many more. These efforts prove that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s `Neighborhood First` policy which places people-to-people engagement is still active.&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on External Affairs on June 18 over the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka. Apart from Jaishankar, India`s Foreign Secretary and other Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officers will be present at the meeting at the ministry office at 11 am.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on External Affairs on June 18 over the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka. Apart from Jaishankar, India`s Foreign Secretary and other Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officers will be present at the meeting at the ministry office at 11 am. During the meeting, the Indian government is likely to brief the members of Parliament on the economic crisis and the country`s neighbourhood policy and how and what kind of aid has been provided by New Delhi to Colombo. Also read | MEA India says vote bank politics is being practised in international relations The members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee include Congress Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva, BJP MP from Silchar Dr Rajdeep Roy. Members of the Parliament including from Tamil Nadu are expected to ask the government about the impact that will have on the subcontinent. Tamil Nadu government has also sought help from the Centre to help out Sri Lanka in this crisis and has also sent consignments of medicines and other humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. India is becoming a stronger and more mutually beneficial partner to Sri Lanka. Apart from assistance during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, India is also donating basic products for island nations. Watch | Big push for India-Norway relations: MEA briefing on India-Nordic Summit 2022 On June 3, High Commissioner to Colombo Gopal Baglay handed over a total of 3.3 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service. Baglay said that Jaishankar was apprised of the looming shortage of medical supplies faced by the Foundation during his visit to the Suwaseriya Headquarters in Colombo in March 2022. Earlier on May 27, Acting High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Vinod K Jacob handed over a consignment of over 25 tons of medical supplies to Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella in Colombo. Also read | Buying Russian gas is not funding the war, says Jaishankar Taking to Twitter, the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said that the consignment is valued at close to Rs 260 million. These humanitarian supplies are in continuation of the Government of India`s ongoing support to the people of Sri Lanka in multiple forms such as financial assistance, forex support, material supply and many more. These efforts prove that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s `Neighborhood First` policy which places people-to-people engagement is still active. 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.

Jaishankar to brief MEA Consultative Committee on Sri Lanka crisis

The United Nations warned Friday that cash-strapped Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis could develop into a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions already in need of aid.

"We are concerned that this could develop into a full-blown humanitarian emergency, and we are taking action to address that concern," Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-un-appeals-for-usd-47-million-for-life-saving-aid-to-17-million-people-486759">Sri Lanka: UN appeals for USD 47 million for life-saving aid to 1.7 million people</a>

The UN and its partners are appealing for $47 million to address the immediate needs of the 1.7 million of the most vulnerable people and those most affected by the crisis, he said.

Months of daily blackouts, long queues for petrol and record inflation have made daily life a misery in the South Asian island nation of 22 million people.

The government has already defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt, and a critical shortage of foreign currency has left traders unable to import adequate supplies of food, fuel and other essential goods.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka faces worst economic crisis: No elections in Sri Lanka for now

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Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 was already taking a heavy toll, he said, pointing out that agriculture and livelihoods had been severely affected.

Many people are now "going without adequate food", Laerke said, also warning that "families' access to health services, protection and children's education is at stake."

Unicef's representative in Sri Lanka Christian Skoog also warned that the situation was dire, with 17 percent of children under five in the country already malnourished and stunted before the crisis.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-hit-by-power-cuts-after-key-union-goes-on-strike-486525">&nbsp;Sri Lanka hit by power cuts after key union goes on strike</a>

He said the UN children's agency especially sought to help 56,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

"Potentially they could all be at risk of dying," he told reporters via video link.

Laerke highlighted that "the Sri Lankan economy is on the brink of collapse."

"We call for international solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka."

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The United Nations warned Friday that cash-strapped Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis could develop into a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions already in need of aid.

The United Nations warned Friday that cash-strapped Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis could develop into a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions already in need of aid. "We are concerned that this could develop into a full-blown humanitarian emergency, and we are taking action to address that concern," Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, told reporters. Also read | Sri Lanka: UN appeals for USD 47 million for life-saving aid to 1.7 million people The UN and its partners are appealing for $47 million to address the immediate needs of the 1.7 million of the most vulnerable people and those most affected by the crisis, he said. Months of daily blackouts, long queues for petrol and record inflation have made daily life a misery in the South Asian island nation of 22 million people. The government has already defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt, and a critical shortage of foreign currency has left traders unable to import adequate supplies of food, fuel and other essential goods. Watch | Sri Lanka faces worst economic crisis: No elections in Sri Lanka for now Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 was already taking a heavy toll, he said, pointing out that agriculture and livelihoods had been severely affected. Many people are now "going without adequate food", Laerke said, also warning that "families' access to health services, protection and children's education is at stake." Unicef's representative in Sri Lanka Christian Skoog also warned that the situation was dire, with 17 percent of children under five in the country already malnourished and stunted before the crisis. Also read | Sri Lanka hit by power cuts after key union goes on strike He said the UN children's agency especially sought to help 56,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. "Potentially they could all be at risk of dying," he told reporters via video link. Laerke highlighted that "the Sri Lankan economy is on the brink of collapse." "We call for international solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka." 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.

UN warns Sri Lanka could face 'full-blown humanitarian emergency'

Sri Lanka crisis: Woman rickshaw driver has to queue 12 hours, or more, for fuel

Auto-rickshaw drivers line up outside petrol pumps in Sri Lanka as the country is undergoing an economic crisis. One among them is Deepthi, who says that she has to often sleep in her auto-rickshaw due to the economic condition.

Sri Lanka crisis: The auto-rickshaw drivers who line up outside petrol pumps

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over additional responsibility as he was sworn in as the country's new Minister of Finance, Economic Stability & National Policies. .

Sri Lanka Crisis: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe takes additional charge, sworn in as new Finance Minister

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a special televised address commented on how he proposes to confront the current economic crisis.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s addresses the nation on economic crisis

According to reports, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has expressed its support for all decisions taken by the government to resolve the country's economic crisis.

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: SLPF to lend support to new government, says reports

There is no end to the unrest in Sri Lanka. The military is patrolling the capital city. Police have been given shoot-at-sight order. A curfew has been imposed across the island. Palki Sharma brings you the latest.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka: Curfew and shoot-at-sight orders

Veteran leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister. Will this appointment assuage the protesters? Can Wickremesinghe save the island's sinking economy? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka gets a new Prime Minister

Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the next Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe took his oath before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a ceremony at the President's residence.

Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as new PM

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday. 
Nine people have died and more than 300 have been injured this week in violent street protests against the government of the Indian Ocean nation, which is battling the worst economic crisis in its history.

Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its travel advice on Sri Lanka on Wednesday, instructing potential visitors to reconsider their need to travel because of the security situation. 
"We are keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka and talking regularly with DFAT and Sri Lanka Cricket," Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

"Our players and support staff have been briefed and will continue to be kept up to date. There are three weeks until the scheduled departure of the squad and at this stage there are no changes to the schedule." 
DFAT has also been advising potential visitors to Pakistan to reconsider their need to travel since March, in that case because of "the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and violence".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-will-keep-fighting-afghanistan-women-footballers-train-in-australia-after-fleeing-taliban-rule-478206">'We will keep fighting': Afghanistan women footballers train in Australia after fleeing Taliban rule</a>

The Australia test side completed its first cricket tour of Pakistan since 1998 under "presidential-level" security last month. Australia announced three strong squads last month for the tour of Sri Lanka, which includes a Twenty20 series, five one-day internationals as well as two tests in Galle. An Australia "A" team will also play four matches.

Two of the T20 matches that kick off the tour early next month, three of the one-day internationals and two of the "A" matches are in the capital Colombo, where the worst of the violence has taken place. 
Cricket Australia`s security chief visited Sri Lanka last month, when a state of emergency was first declared, and gave the all-clear for the tour.

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday.

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday. Nine people have died and more than 300 have been injured this week in violent street protests against the government of the Indian Ocean nation, which is battling the worst economic crisis in its history. Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its travel advice on Sri Lanka on Wednesday, instructing potential visitors to reconsider their need to travel because of the security situation. "We are keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka and talking regularly with DFAT and Sri Lanka Cricket," Cricket Australia said on Thursday. "Our players and support staff have been briefed and will continue to be kept up to date. There are three weeks until the scheduled departure of the squad and at this stage there are no changes to the schedule." DFAT has also been advising potential visitors to Pakistan to reconsider their need to travel since March, in that case because of "the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and violence". ALSO READ | 'We will keep fighting': Afghanistan women footballers train in Australia after fleeing Taliban rule The Australia test side completed its first cricket tour of Pakistan since 1998 under "presidential-level" security last month. Australia announced three strong squads last month for the tour of Sri Lanka, which includes a Twenty20 series, five one-day internationals as well as two tests in Galle. An Australia "A" team will also play four matches. Two of the T20 matches that kick off the tour early next month, three of the one-day internationals and two of the "A" matches are in the capital Colombo, where the worst of the violence has taken place. Cricket Australia`s security chief visited Sri Lanka last month, when a state of emergency was first declared, and gave the all-clear for the tour.

Sri Lanka crisis: Cricket Australia monitor situation in Island nation ahead of tour

Sri Lanka is in a sorry state right now. The island nation has been reeling under severe chaos following the never-seen-before economic crisis. As a result, the&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister of the nation, Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently resigned and flee to the country's naval base.

Thus, the citizens of the Asian country have taken to the roads and are burning public properties and creating total chaos outside as they remain clueless with regard to what the future holds for them in the nation. Amid all this, Sri Lankan cricket great Mahela Jayawardene reacted to the country's economic crisis and the violence it has caused in recent times.

Jayawardene, who is currently involved with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in IPL 2022,&nbsp;urged his countrymen to not take the route of violence and maintain peace and harmony amid such testing and uncertain times.

“History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfill own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong. Always think as Sri Lankan !!”, he tweeted.

“Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power”, he added.

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History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfil own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong 🙏🏻 Always think as Sri Lankan !!
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1524080705680015360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power 🙏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHomeGota2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHomeGota2022</a>
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1524022147848581121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka has been known for its people, as a travel destination and for maintaining peace and harmony with its Asian neighbours. Nonetheless, the situation has taken a turn for the worse in recent times in the aftermath of the economic crisis. Thus, the&nbsp;situation has become so alarming that reportedly&nbsp;the armed forces of the country have been given the green signal to shoot at sight at any person who is found responsible for&nbsp;damaging public property or threatening lives.

Amid such times, it is definitely tough for the Sri Lanka players involved in IPL 15 to contribute to their respective franchises as their worry and concern is absolutely justified with what is transpiring back home.

Sri Lanka is in a sorry state right now. The island nation has been reeling under severe chaos following the never-seen-before economic crisis. As a result, the Prime Minister of the nation, Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently resigned and flee to the country's naval base.

Sri Lanka is in a sorry state right now. The island nation has been reeling under severe chaos following the never-seen-before economic crisis. As a result, the Prime Minister of the nation, Mahinda Rajapaksa, recently resigned and flee to the country's naval base. Thus, the citizens of the Asian country have taken to the roads and are burning public properties and creating total chaos outside as they remain clueless with regard to what the future holds for them in the nation. Amid all this, Sri Lankan cricket great Mahela Jayawardene reacted to the country's economic crisis and the violence it has caused in recent times. Jayawardene, who is currently involved with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in IPL 2022, urged his countrymen to not take the route of violence and maintain peace and harmony amid such testing and uncertain times. “History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfill own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong. Always think as Sri Lankan !!”, he tweeted. “Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power”, he added. History has given us lessons of civil war and distrust among people through race and religion disharmony.. Also how it’s been used as a weapon to fulfil own agendas.. Divided We Fall and United We Stand Strong 🙏🏻 Always think as Sri Lankan !! — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 10, 2022 × Violence will not achieve the Change we all seeking for and truly amazing discipline everyone showed for the last 30 days. So please let’s not let vested interest take over people power 🙏🏻 #GoHomeGota2022 — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 10, 2022 × ALSO READ | Will Rahul Dravid attend a BJP event in poll-bound Himachal? Team India head coach responds Sri Lanka has been known for its people, as a travel destination and for maintaining peace and harmony with its Asian neighbours. Nonetheless, the situation has taken a turn for the worse in recent times in the aftermath of the economic crisis. Thus, the situation has become so alarming that reportedly the armed forces of the country have been given the green signal to shoot at sight at any person who is found responsible for damaging public property or threatening lives. Amid such times, it is definitely tough for the Sri Lanka players involved in IPL 15 to contribute to their respective franchises as their worry and concern is absolutely justified with what is transpiring back home.

Sri Lanka crisis: 'Violence will not achieve.....' - Mahela Jayawardene reacts as his homeland reels in chaos

India on Thursday dismissed speculations on sending troops to Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said it fully supports Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery. The denial came after "fake and blatantly false" reports emerged following reports of Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family fleeing to India.

"The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of India," the Indian mission said.

"The spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs of India clearly stated yesterday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery," it added.

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The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of 
the Government of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. (1/2)
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1524252859428220928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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India's foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi added that "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes".

At least eight people have died and over 250 wounded amid clashes between security forces and protesters even as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop the violence.

Sri Lanka's economy began to plunge after the pandemic two years ago as foreign remittances dried up and tourists stopped coming into the country.

Last month the government said it won't be able to pay its foreign debts as the IMF stepped in. The country&nbsp;has been a hit with a significant shortage of food and fuel along with high inflation as protesters hit the streets last month demanding the resignation of the current government fueling clashes with authorities.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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India on Thursday dismissed speculations on sending troops to Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said it fully supports Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

India on Thursday dismissed speculations on sending troops to Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said it fully supports Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery. The denial came after "fake and blatantly false" reports emerged following reports of Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family fleeing to India. "The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of India," the Indian mission said. "The spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs of India clearly stated yesterday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka's democracy, stability and economic recovery," it added. The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about #India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of #India. (1/2) — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) May 11, 2022 × India's foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi added that "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes". At least eight people have died and over 250 wounded amid clashes between security forces and protesters even as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urged people to stop the violence. Sri Lanka's economy began to plunge after the pandemic two years ago as foreign remittances dried up and tourists stopped coming into the country. Last month the government said it won't be able to pay its foreign debts as the IMF stepped in. The country has been a hit with a significant shortage of food and fuel along with high inflation as protesters hit the streets last month demanding the resignation of the current government fueling clashes with authorities. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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