Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude towards India's efforts in evacuating foreign nationals along with their own.

On February 27, Indian officials reached Japan and China to ensure the safe evacuation of 195 people from coronavirus-hit regions. 119 people were rescued from the cruise ship Diamond Princess in Japan and 76 were rescued from Wuhan in China through a military aircraft.

Out of 195 people, 36 were foreign nationals from Wuhan, which is the epicentre of coronavirus. Meanwhile, five foreign nationals were rescued from Japan's cruise ship and brought to Delhi. Among the five, two were from Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka informed about the successful evacuation of foreign nationals including Lankans, who wanted to escape the deadly virus.

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had expressed happiness after the successful evacuation and he stated that India was happy to assist Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives and other friendly neighbours.

Following the development, the Lankan PM took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude towards India.