Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India in Chennai, Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, has rejected claims that he took part in a meeting with fishermen hosted by any political party, it was reported.
According to Indian media, The Hindu, Geathiswaran said on Sunday (05) that it was a “routine visit” and that the event was not organised by any political party, adding, “I’m not here to do politics.”
The meeting came to the spotlight, after Indian Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Pawan Khera, referred to the meeting reportedly held in the last week of March in a social media post, contending that it was a gross violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations, which states that foreign diplomats “have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State”.
Pointing out that India and Sri Lanka were signatories to the Convention, Khera further sought to know if the Election Commission of India (ECI) will issue a notice to the political party concerned and the BJP for hosting a diplomat in a political event.
Speaking to The Hindu on the matter, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India in Chennai clarified that the incident referred to was his fourth meeting with fishermen in various parts of Tamil Nadu.
“From the time I came here [on his official posting in southern India], I have been discussing with fishermen. Many fishermen associations met me in my office in Chennai six months ago. This is my fourth meeting with them.” Recalling his meetings with fishermen in various parts of Tamil Nadu, he mentioned that he has met with fishermen in Puducherry, Nagapattinam, and Kanniyakumari.
Referring to his speech at the meeting, Ganesanathan Geathiswaran said that he mentioned twice that he didn’t come to represent any political party but purely came to meet the fishermen.
When asked about the social media post involving his meeting with fishermen and criticism over the meeting, Geathiswaran said, “I’m not here to do politics. I have nothing to do with politics.”
In response to criticism that his actions were argued to be against the Vienna Convention, Geathiswaran clarified: “I did not take part in any political campaign. It was in an open area along the seashore. The meeting was not on a stage and in a public area.”
Earlier, Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) president Jose Charles Martin shared photos on social media of Geathiswaran interacting at a gathering. Martin further stated that he had invited Geathiswaran, based on their friendship, to meet and interact with fishermen from Vaithikuppam in Puducherry regarding their grievances.
Martin further stated that various issues facing fishermen in Puducherry and Karaikal were raised. He quoted Geathiswaran as saying that he would attempt to resolve those issues due to the efforts being made by Martin. (Newswire/ The Hindu)