Tamil Nadu chief Minister withdraws representative from Sri Lankan visit

Criticising Sri Lanka's "anti-Tamil" approach, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, announced her decision to withdraw her party's (AIADMK) only representative to an all-party Indian delegation to Sri Lanka next week.

Stating that she did not want this visit to be a "mere eye-wash like the previous one", Jayalalithaa expressed concern at the lack of opportunities to engage directly with victims and those affected. 

Jayalalithaa said,

"According to itinerary sent by External Affairs Ministry, there are no opportunities to interact with war-affected persons and know about their difficulties while the priority is placed on feasts with President Mahinda Rajapakse and Lankan authorities,"

"A lack of enough opportunities to interact with the affected persons is disappointing."

"I wish to inform that AIADMK is withdrawing from the delegation and its member Bernard will not participate."

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