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. Most recently today, 184
pilgrims visiting the Poornimatha Church in Thanjavur have been mobbed
and become 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. 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:
Address56, 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
Travel to all other states in India are safe for Sri Lanka nationals.
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo 01
03 September 2012
