Sri Lanka to raise safety concerns with UK government

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka today asked its mission in London to raise with the British authorities the safety of Sri Lankan nationals there after alleged LTTE supporters attacked Lankan cricket fans in Cardiff.

"The ministry has asked the High Commissioner Dr Chris Nonis to raise the issue with the British authorities", Rodney Perera, External Affairs Ministry spokesman said here.

He said the British Foreign Office would be asked to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the Lankan nationals in Britain.

The move came after alleged supporters of the LTTE had assaulted Sri Lankan fans at Cardiff immediately after Thursday's semi final clash with India in the on going ICC Champions Trophy cricket tournament.

It was also alleged that Sri Lankan fans had attacked a group of peaceful Tamil demonstrators at the south east London's Oval cricket ground immediately after Sri Lanka had beaten Australia in the final group game.

At Cardiff, at least five LTTE supporters ran into the ground during the final over of the Sri Lankan innings. They were carrying LTTE flags around their necks.