The
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai reported this afternoon
that the group of 184 Sri Lankan pilgrims who had taken refuge at the
Poornimatha Church in Thanjavur has been taken in buses for their return
to Colombo by the Indian authorities and assisted by the staff of the
Sri Lankan Mission.
It
was also reported that the buses had come under attack en route to the
airport by a group of protesters. However, the Government of India has
provided the pilgrims security and safe passage, and taken them to a
tourist lodge, near the airport until their departure.
A
special flight has been arranged by the Government of Sri Lanka for the
group of pilgrims to return to Colombo tonight from Trichy.
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo
4th September 2012
Colombo
