PM not visiting Lanka in Feb, alternative dates to be fixed

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will not be able to make it to the diamond jubilee celebrations of Sri Lanka's Independence Day on February 4 and alternative dates for his visit to the island nation are being worked out, a senior government official said here on Sunday.

"The Indian Prime Minister is not coming to Sri Lanka next month due to scheduling problems expressed by the Indian authorities. Alternative dates are being worked out," said the Foreign Ministry official, who did not wish to be named.

Singh had been extended an invitation to visit Sri Lanka for the Independence Day celebrations next month as the Chief Guest.

When contacted, an Indian High Commission official said "dates for the Indian Prime Minister Mamohan Singh's visit to Sri Lanka will be worked out through the diplomatic channels."

Major newspapers here also reported that Singh is not attending the Sri Lankan Independence Day celebrations.

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