Mahanayake Theras condemn attacks on Sri Lankans’ visiting TN

Asela Kuruluwansa

The Malwatu-Asigiri Maha Nayaka Thera’s yesterday condemned the recent attacks on Sri Lankans’ visiting Tamil Nadu and conveyed their protest in writing to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka. The Mahanayaka Thera’s warned that the long standing friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka will be at risk if the Indian government did not take adequate steps to stop such intimidation.

Commenting on the efforts to defeat LTTE, the Mahanayaka’s emphasised that the government had acted to protect the country and its people from the scourge of terrorism. They stressed that it was an effort to protect the rights of Sri Lankan citizens.

The Mahanayaka’s said that the recent attacks on Sri Lankan pilgrims, including Buddhist Monks in the land where The Buddha was born has triggered unpleasant feelings among Sri Lankans and urged the Indian government to take steps to halt such harassment.

The Venerable Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake of Malwatte Chapter and Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter in the letter emphasised that Sri Lanka and India enjoyed historical and friendly ties over a long period and urged the Indian government to take all measures to protect and sustain them.

The letter was handed over to Deputy Indian High Commissioner A.Nadaraja by Deputy Registrar Ven.Narampanawe Ananda Thera on behalf of the two Nayake Theras.