India backs people's right, democratic ways of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka tri forces have been ordered to shoot all those who plunder public property or cause personal harm, local media reported on Tuesday as large-scale protests continue to take place across the island nation.

"The Ministry of Defence has ordered the tri-forces to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others," Army Spokesman told Daily Mirror.

India on Tuesday backed people's rights in Sri Lanka but also favoured democratic means to achieve the goals, distancing itself from either the violence or any attempts to introduce martial law.


Amid the unrest in Sri Lanka, India on Tuesday said it will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes.

"As a close neighbour of Sri Lanka, with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its democracy, stability and economic recovery," an MEA spokesperson said

There have been fears that martial law could be introduced in the island nation to control violence. Experts on Lankan affairs suggested that an election this year could be the way out to form a stable government through peaceful means.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on Tuesday asked President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to summon the House as soon as possible to discuss the current situation amid the unprecedented violence.

Protests have intensified in Sri Lanka against the ruling Rajapaksa clan with thousands now demanding the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa for mishandling the economy. Meanwhile, the President on Tuesday urged people to stop "violence and acts of revenge" against fellow citizens and vowed to address the crisis facing the nation, even as the death toll rose to eight in the violence.