Sri Lankans stage anti-India protests after attacks

COLOMBO (AFP) - Scores of Sri Lankan protesters demonstrated in the capital Colombo on Thursday against attacks on pilgrims visiting the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

An organisation of Tamil businessmen marched to the Indian High Commission (embassy) to hand over a petition condemning recent attacks on Sri Lankans, including buses being stoned by Indian mobs.

"Stop harassing our pilgrims," the protesters chanted, demanding better protection for Sri Lankans, some of whom were visiting India to pray at Christian shrines.

Earlier this week, Sri Lanka warned its citizens against visiting Tamil Nadu after a string of assaults and the expulsion of two school football teams visiting the state for friendly games.