India asked me first if they should help Sri Lanka: Sajith

The Indian government asked for my recommendation before deciding to assist Sri Lanka, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today. 

"The Indian government asked me if they should help Sri Lanka or not. They asked me if it was a good idea. I am not lying. I told them they should do whatever possible to assist the Sri Lankan people. It is only after that, that India decided to help Sri Lanka," Premadasa informed Parliament today. 

"I have even requested the European Union not to cancel the GSP plus facility to Sri Lanka. We have acted as a responsible party," Mr. Premadasa said. 

"We will support any transparent and geunie effort of the governornmet to put the nation in order. I suggest that the government holds a donor conference and we in the SJB will support such a move," he added. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)