India has guaranteed security to Lankan visitors - Keheliya

Disna MUDALIGE

The central Indian government has given repeated assurances that it would act seriously to guarantee the security of Sri Lankans visiting India following the recent incident of harassing a group of Sri Lankan pilgrims in Tamil Nadu, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. Addressing a press conference at the ministry auditorium yesterday, the minister said the Indian government has arrested 100 suspects allegedly involved in this incident.

He said there is clear evidences that the Indian government is doing its best to maintain harmony between two countries despite this isolated incident.

He said the central Indian government is working within the framework of the law to bring the culprits to book.

He stressed the Sri Lankan government deals with the central Indian government and not with the state governments. He said Sri Lanka throughout the history has maintained this policy, adding that it has requested the Indian government to proceed with the necessary legal action against the offenders involved in this incident. He said four major Indian political parties including the DMK have vehemently condemned this attack.

However, the minister noted the travel advisory to Tamil Nadu state still remains, since the government wants to ensure 100 percent security for Sri Lankan visitors. He said it would be lifted as soon as the government can satisfy itself that normalcy has returned.

He also said the incident is not restricted to Tamil Nadu, but it is common to other countries too where the remnants of the LTTE are haunting. Reminding that similar incidents were reported in London and Australia in the recent past, he said all of them were triggered by LTTE remnants. He said the individuals and political parties who encourage separatism within the country should also bear the responsibility for these incidents.

The minister said the behavior of Tamil Nadu state is a good lesson for Sri Lanka too to be extra cautious by restraining the control of the central government when going for devolution of power.

Referring to the issue of certain groups in India opposing Sri Lankan soldiers receiving army training in India, he said about 1,500 army personnel are being trained in India annually. He said the issue of eight Army personnel cannot be generalized, adding that even they were given training successfully after shifting camps. He said the Sri Lankan government does not intend to make unnecessary agitation by exaggerating minor incidents.

Information Department Director General Prof Ariyaratne Athugala and Information Department Director Wasanthapriya Ramanayake also participated.