Colombo: The Indian High Commission today categorically dismissed speculative media reports about New Delhi sending troops to Colombo, saying India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and economic recovery.

The denial from the Indian mission came a day after it refuted as “fake and blatantly false” local social media speculation that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family members have fled to India.

The whereabouts of Mahinda Rajapaksa has been speculated since his resignation on Monday. It was reported that Mahinda had left his office-cum-official residence, Temple Trees.

India on Tuesday said it is “fully supportive” of the island nation’s democracy, stability and economic recovery.

“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 on Twitter.

“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 said in another tweet.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Tuesday: “India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes”.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 76, resigned as Prime Minister amid unprecedented economic turmoil in the country, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy troops in the capital. The attack triggered widespread violence against pro-Rajapaksa politicians. Source: NDTV