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Adequate security for Lankan properties in India - Amunugama

Indian authorities have provided security to Sri Lankan state properties, business establishments and homes of Sri Lankan nationals in Chennai following Thursday’s attack on the Bank of Ceylon Chennai branch by a group of unidentified men in masks, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama told the Daily News yesterday.

This is the second mob attack Sri Lankan nationals faced in Tamil Nadu following an incident in September last year,

where 180 Christian pilgrims from Sri Lanka came under attack by a group of protectors who carried LTTE flags and pictures of Velupillay Prabhakaran.

They attacked five tour buses the pilgrims were traveling in after visiting the famous Velankanni Christian shrine. The situation prompted External Affairs Ministry in Colombo to issue a travel advisory against Tamil Nadu, which was later lifted following close consultation with the Indian Center.

The assurance given by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalitha to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan visitors to the state government of Tamil Nadu after the incident , was one reason among others that the government lifted its travel advisory against Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Ministry officials yesterday expressed their concern that the Monday's attack on Bank of Ceylon branch in Chennai has occurred in the aftermath of recent statements made by US state officials that they will bring another procedural resolution against Sri Lanka, and recent announcements made by Tamil National Alliance to media that they are preparing a report against the Sri Lankan Government requesting institution of an international body to probe alleged violation of war crimes in Sri Lanka.

These sources alerted the country to the stratagem that certain elements with anti- Sri Lankan sentiments trying to cause communal unrest in the country by way of giving vent to incidents of the nature as such that has occurred in Chennai.

Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa left for Buddhagaya yesterday morning accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Head of Presidential Task Force Gamini Senarath and MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardenena. They were warmly received by Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumarat at Bodhgaya Airport.

ExternalAffairs Ministry Secretary Amunugama said on being asked by us, if the ministry considered issuing a travel advisory against Tamil Nadu over the Monday's attack on the Bank of Ceylon branch in Chennai, there is no such consideration.

"The situation has been brought under control after the incident," he said. The attack had taken place at 1.30 pm.

"We have taken up the matter with our Indian counterpart in the Indian Center," he said, "Our Deputy Commissioner in Chennai informed us that Indian state authorities have extended their fullest co-operation to tighten security in Sri Lankan state institutions and business estblishment following the incident."

The Bank of Ceylon Chennai branch, two storeyed building at Jarret Gardens 2nd Avenue, Casa Major Road, was attacked by an unidentified group of people that had come in three wheelers and motor bicycles, said Amumnugama.

"We have received a report on the incident from Sri Lankan High Commission in Chennai. The mobsters have attacked Sri Lankan nationals and Indian nationals who work at the Bank," he said.

"They have damaged the office building including its front glass at the entrance. Two workers had been admitted to hospital due to cut injuries. One of them is a Sri Lankan, Three Indian nationals attached to the bank suffered injuries during the attack,"he said.

"I asked Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai to assist the injured persons." "I also spoke to Bank of Ceylon Branch Manager in Chennai, who said the Indian police have brought the situation under control and that they have tightened security in the bank. Indian police have arrested some suspects involved in the incident. At least 20 suspects have been arrested in this connection already," he said.

He said he asked the Deputy High Commissioner'soffice to get the assistance of all security agencies in Chennai to provide adequate security to all the government establishments, that include Sri Lankan Airlines office and High Commissioner's Office and to Sri Lankans living in Chennai.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi has been asked to lodge a complaint at

Indian Foreign Affairs Ministry in Delhi requesting security for Sri Lankan public in India, Amunugama added..

Indian police have arrested some suspects involved in the incident. At least 20 suspects have been arrested in this connection already," he said.


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