India's external affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj assured Tamil Nadu politicians that she would take up the removal of Thondaman's name from government institutions in Sri Lanka with Colombo, PTI reported. 

Savumiamoorthy Thondaman was the leader of the Ceylon Workers' Congress and Tamil of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. 

The leader of the DMK, Stalin expressed his objection to the Sri Lankan government's removal of Mr Thondaman's name in a letter to Ms Swaraj, accusing Colombo of acting against the Indian Tamil population on the island. 

He also tweeted: "Requested the MEA @SushmaSwaraj to raise India's concerns over the removal of Thiru. Savumiamoorthy Thondaman's name from Sri Lankan government institutions with their government. The revered leader of Hill Country Tamils must continue to be recognised for his immense contributions"

Ms Swaraj tweeted in response: "Thiru @mkstalin - We will take up this matter with the Government of Sri Lanka". 

In his letter, Mr Stalin also criticised the Sri Lankan government for failing to conduct a credible investigation into mass atrocities against Tamils. 

"I wish to remind with a sense of disappointment that thought India has been treating Sri Lanka as a friendly country and extending necessary financial aid for development, the Govt of Sri Lanka has miserably failed to reciprocate the goodwill of India. On the one hand the Sri Lankan Govt is arrogantly denying any meaningful or acceptable devolution of powers to the Eelam Tamils and on the other hand refusing to cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council for independent and credibly investigation to punish those responsible for innumerable Crimes against Tamils."

"And now the hill-country Tamils has been intimidated by removeding the name of their beloved leader Thiru Saumiyamoorthy Thondaiman. Series of acts of Sri Lankan Govt against Indian Tamils do not relect a responsible and reconciliatory attitude expected from a friend country."