Vaiko-Modi meet on Rajapaksa attendance at oath-taking

Saturday, 24 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The MDMK Leader, an ally of the newly-elected Indian coalition, met with Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi yesterday to oppose the invitation extended to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday (26). Vaiko met Modi in New Delhi in the presence of BJP leaders Amit Shah and Arun Jaitley, the Press Trust of India reported. “Rajapaksa is the butcher of Tamils. Modi should reconsider the decision to invite him (for the swearing-in ceremony on 26 May),” Vaiko told reporters after meeting Modi. Asked for Modi’s response, Vaiko did not say anything, indicating that he got no assurance, PTI said. He also alleged that it was the Congress which wanted Rajapaksa to come to Delhi. “Congress wants Rajapaksa to come to India so that they could blame BJP for the plight of Tamils… BJP leaders from Tamil Nadu are also very upset with Modi’s decision,” he said and urged the BJP to ensure that the Tamils’ interests are protected.

Sri Lanka condemns terrorist attack on Indian Consulate in Afghanistan

The Government in a statement yesterday unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack on the Indian Consulate in Herat Province, Western Afghanistan. “The targeting of a diplomatic mission is a matter of serious concern that should draw the attention of the wider international community, and underscores Sri Lanka’s consistent call for concerted and decisive action to combat the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It is fortuitous that there were no casualties among the Consulate staff,” the statement added.