India assures Lanka of safeguarding democracy Sri Lanka informally sounded India on Thursday over reports of a possibility of a destabilization of the democratic system, the Sunday Times learns. Such fears have arisen due to prevailing tensions within the defence establishment.
The subject had come up for discussion during a conversation between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and outgoing Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Alok Prasad. Following apprehensions expressed by President Rajapaksa, Mr. Prasad is learnt to have briefed Govt.leaders in New Delhi. Diplomatic sources in Colombo said the Indian Government’s position was that it would offer all help under such circumstances to a democratically-elected Government. This is on the same basis India sent troops to the Maldives in the wake of an attack in Male by armed members of PLOTE, then a separatist group, on the invitation of the Maldivian President. Indian troops landed in Male and helped the National Security Service there to restore order.
A malnourished child at the paediatric ward of the General Hospital, Vavuniya.
