The setting up of the Sanchi University is an attempt to bring the civilisations of Asian countries closer [and] will promote cross-pollination of ideas between ancient Indian thought and the thriving Buddhist culture in various countries of Asia, Madhya Pradesh chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said.

In a letter to Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko, the chief Minister urged to regard the event as a constructive step towards promoting peace and harmony across countries of Asia and asked him to call off the protest against President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s scheduled visit to Sanchi for laying the foundation stone of International Buddhist University.

The Chief Minister also said that in order to set up a truly international university and for achieving the desired goals, invitations had been sent to the Heads of States and dignitaries of Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Mangolia, Cambodia, and Nepal.

“The Prime Ministers of Bhutan and President of Sri Lanka have accepted our invitation for the foundation laying ceremony,” Mr. Chauhan wrote, adding that Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigme Yoser Thinley has even confirmed his participation.

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in India Prasad Kariyawasam has said that the Indian Police and security forces have started special operations to identify anti-Sri Lankan elements.

The central Indian government is keen on maintaining positive relations between the two countries and the President's visit to India will lead to further strengthen the bilateral relations, he has said.

During his stay in India President Rajapaksa is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pranab Mukherji.