120 Sri Lanka-Bound Flights Land at Indian Airports

A total of 120 flights, headed to Sri Lanka, made an emergency landing at Indian airports, authorities announced on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency after its president fled to the Malpes following months of protests against his government over the worst economic crisis in the nation's history.

Accordingly, India pointed out that the situation in Sri Lanka is extremely sensitive and they are focusing on ways to help the island nation at this time of need.

On his part, Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed Trivandrum and Kochi airports for going out of their way to help the crisis-hit nation.

"The airports have gone beyond their call of duty by allowing technical landing to 120+ aircraft bound for Sri Lanka. The gesture will go a long way in furthering ties with our neighbour," Scindia said in a tweet.

https://twitter.com/JM_Scindia/status/1547161067071033345

Over the past weeks, thousands of demonstrators in Colombo stormed the presidential residence in one of the largest anti-government marches in the crisis-hit country this year.

Protesters also stormed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s home and set it on fire during a day of mass unrest, as the country continues to struggle through its worst economic crisis since independence.

Wickremesinghe had told a meeting of party leaders that he would resign as soon as a new all-party government was formed. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also agreed to resign following the massive demonstrations.

On Saturday, Rajapaksa fled as angry protesters surround his residence, calling for his resignation amidst the worst economic crisis since 1948. Wickremesinghe summoned an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation and come to a swift resolution, ANI reported.

The nation has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Currently, the county is struggling with acute food and electricity crises as well.