India has sought permission from Sri Lanka to open a mission in former LTTE stronghold of Jaffna, even as a media report here claimed that New Delhi has also requested for a similar facility in Hambantota in country’s south-eastern coast.
“Discussions are on between the Sri Lankan and Indian government officials on opening of a deputy high commission in Jaffna. Nothing more can be said at present,” sources in the Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Times reported that India has sought permission from Sri Lanka to open two new missions in Jaffna in the north and Hambantota in the south.
“There was no information as to what India has said to justify the opening of a diplomatic mission in Hambantota,” the paper said.
The sources, however, said they have no knowledge of a request from India for opening a deputy mission in Hambantota.
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Thai PM now under fire over protests
Bangkok, May 31: Thailand’s parliamentary Opposition accused PM Abhisit Vejjajiva of human rights abuses on Monday in a no-confidence motion centred on the use of violence during a crackdown on anti-government protests.
The two-day debate aims to focus attention on tough measures used to break up the “Red Shirt” protests which ended on May 19, and could force Mr Vejjajiva to defend the firing of live ammunition by troops during a six-week period in which 88 people were killed and nearly 2,000 wounded. The Opposition has also accused Mr Vejjajiva and five Cabinet ministers of corruption and economic mismanagement. The no-confidence motion is led by the Puea Thai Party backed by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
—Reuters