Lanka denies reports accusing RAW of plot to assassinate Sirisena

Smita Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 17

The Sri Lankan government on Wednesday categorically denied reports that President Maithripala Sirisena has alleged a plot being hatched by India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to assassinate him. 

Sections of local and international news media reports on Tuesday claimed that at a Sri Lankan government cabinet meeting held on October 16, Sirisena reportedly mentioned "involvement of an Indian intelligence service in the alleged plot to assassinate him".

Following the sensational report with possible damaging consequences for bilateral ties, President Sirisena today spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify the matter. "He mentioned that the mischievous and malafide reports were utterly baseless and false, and seemed intended to create misunderstanding between the two leaders as well as damage the cordial relations between the two friendly neighbours. The President apprised the Prime Minister of the urgent steps taken by him personally and the Government of Sri Lanka to publicly reject these reports," said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

The sensational report was published just days ahead of the upcoming visit of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to India. 

Calling the media reports 'baseless and false', the foreign ministry said, "The Ministry wishes to emphasise that relations between Sri Lanka and India, including at the highest levels of government, are strong, encompassing multiple spheres, including intelligence sharing." 

In 2015, then President Mahinda Rajapaksa blamed RAW for plotting his defeat in the elections held leading to a regime change.