HC assures safety of Lankan visitors to India

24 March 2013 11:26 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Indian High Commissioner has held meetings with Senior Monks of the Maha Sangha, to address their concerns about the two recent unfortunate incidents involving assaults on Sri Lankan Buddhist monks in the Tamil Nadu state of India.

He underlined that these were isolated incidents and did not reflect the strong people-to-people bonds that had been an integral part of the close historical, cultural and civilisational ties between the two countries. In this context, he recalled that the state government of Tamil Nadu had taken immediate action to identify and prosecute the miscreants responsible for these incidents.

The Government of India, in consultation with the concerned state governments, had taken and will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of Sri Lankan visitors to India, including to Tamil Nadu.

The meeting at India House on March 23, 2013 was attended by Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero; Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero; Ven. Kirima Wimalajoti Nayaka Thero; Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero; Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero; Ven. H. Kondangna Thero; Ven. Galagoda Attha Gnanasara Thero and Mr. Vasantha De Silva, Secretary Mahabodhi Society.

Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, briefed the gathering and expressed appreciation towards the extensive arrangements made by the Tamil Nadu police in recent days, to provide security for Sri Lankan pilgrims.

During another meeting on March 20, 2013, attended by Ven. Prof. Bellanwilla Wimalaratna Anunayake Thero; Ven. Dr. Ittapana Damalankara Anunayake Thero; Ven. Dr. Brahmanawathe Sivalee Thero; Ven. Dr. Akuretiye Nanda Thero; Ven. Dr. Nagoda Amarawansa Thero; and Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, there was a useful exchange of views on the need to enhance security for Sri Lankan pilgrims and to maintain the centuries-old cultural and civilisational links.

It was agreed that the High Commission would hold consultations with the Ministry of Buddhasasana Affairs on any additional measures required in this regard. The Deputy High Commissioner had accordingly met M. K. B. Dissanayake, Secretary, Buddhasana Affairs, on March m21, to follow up on this suggestion.

The High Commissioner noted that people-to-people contacts constituted one of the fundamental pillars on which the edifice of the bilateral relationship rested. It was noteworthy that nearly 250,000 Sri Lankan nationals visited India and over 175,000 Indian nationals visited Sri Lanka in 2012. Sri Lanka’s bonds with India, including the state of Tamil Nadu, were historic and went back many centuries.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 9

MagodisThuma Monday, 25 March 2013 01:12 AM

They continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Sri Lankan visitors to India...but ...whenever our people are attacked by the political thugs...they repeat the same thing !

Ranjit. S Monday, 25 March 2013 01:48 AM

We have to forget about the nicety of a diplomatic exchange and the pilgrims should avoid going through TN.

Shan Monday, 25 March 2013 03:49 AM

Impose travel ban on Sri Lankans to Tamil Nadu.

ravin Monday, 25 March 2013 03:58 AM

We all should completely avoid going to tamil nadu.if possible full indian travel

ravin Monday, 25 March 2013 04:01 AM

we all should avoid travelling to India - Tamil nadu. I believe we have much valued & interest ed places in northan part of India than trying to study B/LTTE HOME TOWN.

kumar Monday, 25 March 2013 07:02 AM

Why you need a travel ban? simply the people can avoid it.

kali Monday, 25 March 2013 10:44 AM

When is Indian Government going to apologise to the Tamils for killing thousands of Innocent Tamils.

Kumara Monday, 25 March 2013 11:49 AM

How can you assure safety when you couldn't even protect your own former PM, Rajiv Gandhi?

chux Tuesday, 26 March 2013 12:40 PM

I dont think he knows anything of Tamil nadu terrorists

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

HC assures safety of Lankan visitors to India

Comments - 9

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand