Expressing concern over recent attacks on Sri Lankan nationals in Tamil Nadu, India today said that such ‘isolated incidents’ do not reflect the strong people-to-people bonds that have been an integral part of the close ties between the neighboring countries.

“We have noted with concern the recent incidents involving Sri Lankan citizens in Tamil Nadu,” a statement by the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

The Government of India, in consultation with the concerned state governments, has taken and will continue to take all measures to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Sri Lankan visitors to India, including to Tamil Nadu, it said.

The High Commission further stressed that the state government of Tamil Nadu has taken “immediate action” to identify and prosecute the miscreants, in respect of the recent incidents.

Several incidents of attacks on Sri Lankan nationals and establishments in India had been reported recently while last week a Sri Lankan monk, who was a researcher of archaeology, came under attack in Tanjavu, Tamil Nadu.

Yesterday (18) another monk and a group of pilgrims were attacked at the Chennai central station.
 
“These isolated incidents do not reflect the strong people-to-people bonds that have been an integral part of the close historical, cultural and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka.”

“Both countries consider these age-old bonds and affinities as strengths in our relations,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo stated.

 India has been the leading source of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. Similarly, over 250,000 Sri Lankans visited India last year.

“It is this perspective that guides all our actions on such matters,” the statement said.

A protest was organized by the ‘Sinhala Ravaya’ today against the incidents and scores of Buddhist monks and protestors marched towards the Indian High Commission in Colombo.