SL High Commissioner attacked in Malaysia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday confirmed reports that Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ibrahim Ansar had been assaulted by a group of persons at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

"The Government of Sri Lanka condemns this act of violence on Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Malaysia, in the strongest terms. The High Commissioner is receiving medical attention," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

"The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur is coordinating with local law enforcement authorities in Malaysia and other relevant local authorities to identify perpetrators and assist with investigations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka is seized with the seriousness of this incident and is taking all necessary action in this regard through diplomatic channels," the statement added.

Reports said that the High Commissioner and the Second Secretary were mobbed by a group of protesters at Kuala Lampur airport in Malaysia when they arrived at the airport to send off MP Dinesh Gunawardena who was on a visit to the country with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

The attack was allegedly carried out by a group of LTTE sympathisers, who were protesting against Rajapaksa. 

The High Commissioner who sustained head injuries and the Second Secretary, who was also injured, are currently being treated at a hospital in Kuala Lampur. 

Protesters had asked for the whereabouts of Former President Rajapaksa from the High Commissioner who had told the protesters to contact the Police and inquire. The protesters who were irritated by his response had ‘critically’ attacked the ambassador until he bled from his forehead.

It was reported that when the Police arrived in the scene, the High Commissioner had already been assaulted. He said none of the delegation of Rajapaksa had faced attacks. 

The Former President and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to return to Sri Lanka today with his delegation comprising his Private Secretary Uditha Lokubandara, Former Minister Johnston Fernando and Former Western Provincial Minister Upali Kodikara.