Attacks on Sri Lankan pilgrims:

No impact on neighbourly ties

by P. Krishnaswamy

The recent attacks on Sri Lankan pilgrims in Chennai were perpetrated by certain pro-LTTE political hardliners to seek publicity and these incidents have had no impact whatsoever on the traditional neighbourly relations between the two countries, Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera told the Sunday Observer. The Indian Central Government together with the Tamil Nadu State Government has provided maximum security to Sri Lankan pilgrims and all religious institutions including the Maha Bodhi Society, the YMBA and the Buddhist Congress while ensuring the safety of pilgrims, he said.

According to reliable sources neither SriLankan Airlines, Mihin Air nor any other airline has cancelled bookings to India and no similar incidents or other forms of harassment against Sri Lankans have been reported, the Deputy Minister said.

The External Affairs Ministry was not considering any travel advisories on Sri Lankan travellers to India since the situation is now safe and has returned to normalcy. However, the Ministry will consider imposing advisories on Sri Lankan travellers to London, as some properties of Sri Lankans have also been looted and burnt in the event the tense situation continues, he said. The Ministry is monitoring the situation clearly, he said. India, the largest democracy in the world, has 237 registered political parties and among them are some hardliners who attempt to take political advantage by rousing communal passions and the Indian leaders have expressed regret over the unfortunate incidents, he said.