Sri Lanka warns its nationals against traveling to Tamil Nadu

The Sri Lankan government today warned its citizens against visiting to the State of Tamil Nadu in India and requested them to travel with caution.
The Sri Lankan government regretted the recent incidents of intimidation of Sri Lankan nationals particularly instances of violent assaults against Buddhist Monks in Thanjavur and at the Central Chennai Railway Station, India, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement today. The Ministry said it has lodged strong protests with the Indian Government through its High Commission in New Delhi and the Deputy High Commission in Chennai over the incidents of assaults on Sri Lankan Buddhist monks in the State of Tamil Nadu. "The Government of Sri Lanka whilst condemning such assaults carried out by extreme elements with vested interests in attempting to tarnish our friendly relations with India, is constrained to request Sri Lankan nationals to exercise caution when undertaking visits," the statement said. The External Affairs Ministry requested the Sri Lankans to keep the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai informed well in advance if they need to travel to Tamil Nadu due to compelling reasons. The Sri Lankan government issued a travel advisory warning its nationals not to travel to Tamil Nadu following the mob attack by the pro-LTTE demonstrators on 184 Sri Lankan pilgrims to a revered church in the state in September last year.

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