Press Release
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.
Travel to all other states in India are safe for Sri Lanka nationals.
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:
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
[email protected]
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo 01
03 September 2012