India assures continued support to democracy, stability and economic recovery in Sri Lanka

India has been the principal source of foreign assistance to Sri Lanka this year

India on Saturday assured Sri Lanka that it will continue to support democracy, stability and economic recovery in the country, which is at a crucial juncture, amid the unprecedented political crisis and economic turmoil.

The assurance was given to Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena by India's High Commissioner Gopal Baglay when he called on the Sri Lankan leader.

The meeting took place a day after Speaker Abeywardena accepted the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Baglay "appreciated Parliament's role in upholding democracy and Constitutional framework, especially at this crucial juncture," the Indian High Commission tweeted.

"Conveyed that will continue to be supportive of democracy, stability and economic recovery in Sri Lanka," the mission wrote.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades, with a severe foreign exchange shortage hampering the import of essentials including food, fuel and medicines.

The economic crisis also sparked a political crisis in the country after a popular uprising against the government forced Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign as President.