The Sri Lankan President’s visit to Malaysia has been cancelled following strong discontent surrounding the initial announcement of the visit.
The Malaysian Sri Lankan High Commission’s, media affairs counsellor, Rizvi Hassen, confirmed that,
“President Rajapaksa will not be coming due to unavoidable circumstances.”
Rajapaksa was invited to attend the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIFE) in Malaysia.
The invitation caused several protests, from various leaders in the Malaysian Indian Congress community, who also held positions as ministers in parliament.
Commenting on the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib’s decision, Deputy Chief Minister, P Ramasamy said,
“Najib should be criticised for inviting Rajapaksa in the first place.”
The Sri Lanka War Victim Concerned Team (Api) also launched protests in front of the Sri Lankan High Commission. An Api representative, S Barathidasan, voiced strong disapproval of Malaysian links with Sri lanka, stating,
“We want Malaysia to cut its diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka. Malaysia must not recognise that country.”
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