Sri Lanka asks India to provide security after attack on BOC branch

Sri Lanka yesterday requested India to provide security to the Sri Lankan establishments in the country after a mob attacked the Bank of Ceylon Branch in Chennai on Thursday (7).

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai has reported that a mob of around 15 people, carrying iron rods, wooden sticks and knives had entered the office of the Bank of Ceylon Branch at Poonamallee High Road in Chennai at 1.30 p.m. on 7 February 2013.

According to a release from the Ministry of External Affairs, the mob had overpowered two police personnel and a security guard of a private company manning the gate of the premises, smashed the window panels of the security room of the Bank of Ceylon office and the glass doors of the ATM centre. They had injured a staff member of the bank and caused cut injuries to a trainee.

The two injured bank employees were admitted to Kilpauk Medical Collage Hospital (MMC, Kilpauk) in Chennai and are out of danger, the Ministry said. The Deputy High Commission has taken steps to contact the police authorities and security is maintained at the Bank of Ceylon premises. The Ministry of External Affairs said it has requested the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi to seek the assistance of the Indian government for providing security to other Sri Lankan establishments such as Maha Bodhi Society, SriLankan Airlines and to all Sri Lankans living in India in the wake of the attack.