Lankan HC summoned over article; conveyed `anger and concern` of MPs

New Delhi: India on Monday summoned the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and lodged a protest against a derogatory article about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa which rocked parliament here. Sri Lankan High Commissioner Sudharshan Seneviratne was summoned by the External Affairs Ministry and was conveyed the "anger and concerns" among parliamentarians on the issue in the strongest possible words by the Joint Secretary incharge of Sri Lanka division in MEA, officials said here. Earlier, in response to agitation in parliament by AIADMK members who trooped into the Well demanding a statement from the government, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said "the issue raised by (AIADMK leader) V Maitreyan is indeed very serious. India strongly condemns it. We will definitely summon the High Commissioner of that country and tell him about it." The controversy, which forced adjournments of the both Houses in Parliament, began last week when an article titled `How meaningful are Jayalalitha`s love letters to Narendra Modi?` appeared on the Sri Lankan government website, referring to her letter to Modi about the harassment of fishermen. Following uproar over the article, the Sri Lankan government pulled it down and posted an official statement of apology.