The Indian High Commissioner discussed continued India-Sri Lanka cooperation

India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on new Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and discussed continued cooperation with the country amid its worst economic crisis.

High Commissioner Baglay conveyed India's greetings and good wishes, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said on Twitter as it shared news about the meeting that took place after Wickremesinghe assumed office.

Baglay discussed continued India-Sri Lanka cooperation for economic recovery and stability in Sri Lanka through democratic processes towards the well being of all the people of Sri Lanka, the tweet added.

Over the past few weeks, Sri Lanka has seen bloodshed and violence amid protests against the grim economic criris that has seen people face an acute shortage of essential items, including food, fuel and medicines.

Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister after unprecendented violence as government supporters clashed with opponents who had camped out in downtown Colombo. This provoked a fierce backlash from the protestors.

After Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Prime Minister on Thursday, India had said that it looked forward to working with the new Sri Lankan government formed in accordance with the democratic processes.

"New Delhi's commitment to the people of the island nation will continue.

As a close neighbour of Sri Lanka, with historical ties, India is fully supportive of its democracy, stability and economic recovery," the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka had said on Twitter.

India has extended support worth over US$ 3.5 billion to Sri Lanka in 2022. India has also provided assistance for mitigating the shortages of essential items such as food and medicine.

"India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said on Tuesday.