Lankan war crimes: SL to close down embassies in Europe

Colombo, Mar 28: Sri Lanka will shut down some of its embassies in Europe, said the External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday. [UPDATE:

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According to the Ministry spokesperson, Sri Lankan government took the step as it felt that the embassies in Europe which did not help in garnering support for the country's national issues should be closed, and new embassies will be opened in Asia.

"President Mahinda Rajapaksa had discussed the issue with the government and it will now be decided exactly which embassy in which country in Europe will be closed," said the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson.

He, however, said that the step was not the aftereffect of US moved resolution against Sri Lanka for its alleged war crimes against Lankan Tamils in the country.

Quoting External Affairs Minister, GL Peiris, he said since except India all Asian countries supported Sri Lanka, it would be wise to strengthen its ties in Asia, as it would prove to be fruitful to the country later.

"The government has limited resources, so it is difficult to maintain embassies in every single country. So the government feels it will be more productive to have embassies in countries where we can gain something," said the spokesperson.

OneIndia News