CV's rejection was grave error-Govt

26 May 2014 01:03 am

The government yesterday hit out at the Northern Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran, saying it was a pity that he rejected the invitation to join the delegation led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to participate at the swearing in ceremony of India's Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi in New Delhi today.

"It is a grave error to attribute with the worst of motives for spontaneous gesture made with sincerity and good faith," External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peris said.

He also said a conducive atmosphere for the resolution of issues could have been created bad this invitation been accepted.

The minister said that President's wish was to have an inclusive delegation to India at the ceremony.

The delegation that is scheduled leave for India accompanied by President Rajapaksa are Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne, Monitoring MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardane, Jaffna Mayor Yoheswari Patkunarajah, Minister Arumugam Thondamna(A politician representing the Tamil of Indian origin the upcountry)(Kelum Bandara)