Sri Lankan Minister in delegation sparks controversy in India

Sri Lanka's Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development and leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) Douglas Devananda's visit to India as a part of the Sri Lankan delegation has created controversy in the country.



According to Indian media reports, Devananda is a proclaimed offender as declared by a Chennai court on charges of murder, rioting and unlawful assembly in Chennai some 24 years ago.

Responding to the reports of a case filed for his arrest at the Madras High Court Wednesday on criminal charges, the Minister said he is not aware of him being declared as a proclaimed offender.

He said all political leaders belonging to separatist groups were pardoned by the Indo-Lanka Accord in 1987.

However, the Minister said he is ready to face any legal proceedings if brought against him.

Indian government stated that the Minister is not on any 'Watch List' of those barred from entering the country. He was received as a part of the state delegation and he is being treats' as such, Indian officials said.

The Minister and Indian officials pointed out that Devananda has visited India on several occasions since 1986.