The Foreign Office yesterday warned VIPs and others to be extra cautious while travelling overseas following a spate of attacks on Sri Lankan interests in foreign capitals by suspected pro-LTTE activists while at the same time it has called for more security at the Lankan missions in those countries.
Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Palitha Kohona told The Sunday Times that a range of measures had already been put in place and that the response from the foreign governments has been very encouraging. Several governments in Europe and elsewhere have already provided ‘static’ guards at the entrance to the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions after concern for their safety was raised by Colombo, Dr. Kohona said.
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| Mr. Wickrem-esinghe visiting the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oslo, that came under pro-LTTE mob attack recently |
“This however would not prevent someone hurling a hand grenade or petrol bomb into the premises, but at the same time it is a promising step in the right direction”, Dr. Kohona added.
The diplomats and other support staff at the embassies have also been asked to be vigilant and extra careful in their movements in those foreign capitals, he said.
The Sri Lankan business community has also been cautioned against the visible threats and urged to remain in constant touch with the missions, Dr. Kohona said.
Apart from the measures taken overseas to counter the threat, the Foreign Ministry is also in constant touch with the foreign diplomatic community in Colombo, he added.
There have been at least 10 attacks on Sri Lankan embassies and Buddhist centres in Berlin, London, Oslo, Paris Toronto and The Hague. In Oslo, this week, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was heckled by pro-LTTE Tamils when he was leaving the Conservative Party office.
Recently, the Sri Lankan mission in Oslo was attacked by a mob. At least 10 persons have been taken into custody in connection with this incident but are yet to face charges. |
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