Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has described as ‘unfortunate’, the Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi’s invitation to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his swearing—in ceremony on May 26.
Ms. Jayalalithaa has expressed her ‘dismay’ and ‘anguish’ over the move, saying the ‘ill-advised’ move could have been avoided.
The Ministry of External Affairs, on Wednesday, had sent invitations to all SAARC leaders, including Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Several regional parties from Tamil Nadu, including the DMK and BJP's-ally MDMK have expressed displeasure over inviting Mr. Rajapaksa.
“The news that Rajapaksa has been invited for the swearing-in ceremony has come as a thunderous blow. No Tamilian will tolerate the entry of Rajapaksa into Delhi,” Mr. Vaiko had said.
Tamil parties have accused Mr. Rajapaksa of commiting "genocide" of Tamils in northern and north-eastern Sri Lanka during the Eelam War IV.
Referring to Tamil Nadu’s perceived interference in India’s policy with the island, Sri Lankan Media and Inforamation Minsiter and Cabinet spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella on Monday expressed happiness over the BJP winning a majority in Parliament. Sri Lanka, has for long, believed that Tamil Nadu politicians were dictating India’s diplomacy with Sri Lanka and the BJP’s massive mandate is being read in that context.
