SL envoy apologises to Indian MPs

15 March 2012 08:47 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka's envoy to India Thursday apologised to Indian MPs for his comments that sought to link those questioning Colombo's human rights record with the Tamil Tigers.

"I would like to apologise to MPs of Tamil Nadu if I have caused any discontent or concern or distress in their minds. I feel sorry about that," High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam told reporters in New Delhi.

The diplomat was earlier quoted by an Indian newspaper as saying that New Delhi should investigate Indian MPs sympathetic to the Tamil cause.

"That is not what I meant," Kariyawasam clarified, after meeting an official of the external affairs ministry where he was summoned to explain his remarks.
"What I meant say was the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) lobby groups abroad and in this region carrying on a campaign of disinformation (against Sri Lanka)," he said.

This, he added, was aimed at disrupting the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka following the end of the long-drawn war in 2009. He said when he referred to "investigation", he meant the Tamil lobby groups abroad, not Indian MPs.

Kariyawasam said the Indian foreign ministry official who met him "expressed very clearly the concerns of the Indian government" over his reported remarks.
Asked what stand he expected India to take at the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on the US-sponsored resolution on "war crimes" in Sri Lanka, the envoy was cautious: "India is a responsible country." (IANS)

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Comments - 17

raj Thursday, 15 March 2012 02:17 PM

it is a good time for Tamilnadu to start their own spring to liberate themselves from India. Without that freedom, Tamilnadu cannot do anything.

Mary Friday, 16 March 2012 03:58 PM

It is absolutely amazing at the attitudes of people in this country. They live in a well, cheer at their own jokes, and believe all the lies they want to.. For your information. Indian politician are taken far more seriously than most others. Just because SF calls the TN politician a bunch of jokers it does not make them. Open your eyes!!

Eranga Friday, 16 March 2012 09:32 AM

In All honesty we know the Tamil Nadu politicians want to get some mileage out of the sri lankan cause.... And all the LTTE supporters will dislike this comment!

Daya Friday, 16 March 2012 07:41 AM

When SF says TN politicians are bunch of jokers Indian Govt not utter a word. Now ask for explanation. Are they (Ind Govt) trying to please TN Chief minister and thier sentiments before the crucial voting at UNHRC. I don't want to talk about SL diplomats who are mostly political appointees.

solomon Friday, 16 March 2012 06:52 AM

Why did he apologize? He said the truth.

Nan Friday, 16 March 2012 06:05 AM

well atleast you had the decency to correct yourself. unlike some who make 10 more blunders to cover up 1..

Prof.Henricks Friday, 16 March 2012 05:03 AM

He has the right attitude and urge to answer critics, unlike most career diplomuts. However, he has no brain and he often crosses the line. I saw he was making comments about the cricket on TV as well. He has to learn to mark his very narrow limits.

True Srilankan Friday, 16 March 2012 05:16 AM

get trained by card board hero

sam Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:41 PM

This is what happens when you are" brain washed" and loose the thinking ability!!!

Jagath Thursday, 15 March 2012 09:32 AM

You can say anything to the local gallery, but learn to guard your tongue when abroad!

sudhu Thursday, 15 March 2012 11:39 AM

first u mind ur words before u utter.....all political appointments should be revoked ......

Saskia Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:59 AM

Very good sir. Keep it up.

bigsam Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:52 AM

Just come back home without embarassing us any further!

UK TAMIL BOY Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:36 AM

Why this kola very .......?

Imran Hussein Thursday, 15 March 2012 09:52 AM

The damage has been done. Think before you talk Mr Diplomat. Indian media is not like our guys, one wrong word is enough for them to grill you alive. The media in India is so powerful unlike ours at home.

maru Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:00 AM

For a moment the man would have thought he was in Sri Lanka..

SS Thursday, 15 March 2012 09:36 AM

You are like a politician!

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SL envoy apologises to Indian MPs

Comments - 17

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