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Lankan pilgrims to be flown back on special flight
Sep 04, 201209:12 AM
The 184 Sri Lankan pilgrims who were harassed by a group of protesters in Tamil Nadu, India will be flown back on a special flight, the Ministry of External Affairs stated today.
The pilgrims visiting the Poornimatha Church in Thanjavur had been mobbed and had sought refuge in the church. The Government of Sri Lanka has taken all steps required through the Indian Government to seek the safety of these pilgrims.
The Government of Sri Lanka is constrained to request Sri Lankan nationals in the interest of their security to desist from undertaking visits to Tamil Nadu until further notice.
Issuing a travel advisory the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs states, “The government of Sri Lanka regrets the increasing number of instances of intimidation of Sri Lankan nationals visiting Tamil Nadu for the purposes of tourism, religious pilgrimages, sporting and cultural activities and professional training. These visits are a reflection of people to people contact between the polity of two countries which are bound by age old friendly ties and traditions.
Travel to all other states in India is safe for Sri Lanka nationals.
In the event there is a compelling reason to visit Tamil Nadu, such a visit should take place following prior timely intimation to the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, contact details of which are as follows:
Address: 56, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034
Office Telephone Numbers: 0091 44 28247896, 0091 44 28252612, 0091 44 28241047
Fax Nos: 0091 44 28241894, 0091 44 28254242
E-mail Address: sldehico@md3.vsnl.net.in
