Sri Lanka apologizes to Modi, Jaya over 'letter' post on its defence website - Times of India

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka on Friday apologized to Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa for an article which appeared on its defence ministry website, describing the latter's communications to the PM over the fishermen issue as "love letters". The article was taken off the website shortly after India lodged a strong protest with the Lankan authorities.

"We extend an unqualified apology to the Prime Minister of India and chief minister of Tamil Nadu," said a statement on the same website.

The article titled 'How meaningful are Jayalalitha's love letters to Narendra Modi?' had appeared on the website along with a graphical portrayal of the two leaders.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said it was taken up strongly with the Lankan authorities through the Indian high commission in Colombo but he did not clarify if India had insisted on an apology.

"The article which had been published without appropriate authorization and not reflecting any official position of the Government of Sri Lanka or Ministry of Defence and Urban Development has since been removed,'' said the statement.

Jayalalithaa had reacted to the article by accusing Lanka of trying to create fissures in India's federal polity. In a letter to Modi hours after the controversy broke out, she said that it also depicted him in a "disrespectful manner".

Though the article had been removed following an outcry, she said, the damage had been done.

She urged Modi to immediately direct the MEA to summon the Sri Lankan high commissioner and "clearly express India's displeasure" over the manner in which the article was hosted and "seek an unconditional apology from the Government of Sri Lanka".

The controversy sparked protests in Parliament with parties, including AIADMK and CPI, condemning it and asking the Centre to seek an apology from Colombo.

S Muthukaruppan of AIADMK raised the issue during Zero Hour.

D Raja of CPI, who gave a notice of suspension of Question Hour in Rajya Sabha over the issue, said the article carried "nasty comments" on Jayalalithaa.

While saying that the issue "will not die" out even though the article was removed from the site, Raja said, "How can they target an elected chief minister of a state who has been taking up the issue with our Union Government."

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