Tributes paid to Parthasarathy

Glowing tributes were paid to late diplomat G Parthasarathy with experts at a panel discussion hailing his role in handling various issues including the conflict in Sri Lanka in late 1980s.
The discussion was organised as part of the centenary celebrations of the late diplomat.
Panelists including former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka N N Jha and former Ambassador to US Meera Shankar spoke about his role in handling the Sri Lankan issue.
"GP ensured that the country (Sri Lanka) remained united. It is his greatest achievement. Tamils in Sri Lanka adored him while most of the Sinhalese had faith on him," said Jha.

Shurbir Chhatwal, former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, recalling Parthasarathy's role said he was against sending Indian forces to the island nation.
Shankar said Parthasarathi had mentioned to Sri Lankan government that he could not see any role for Indian military in the country.
The panelists felt that India should invest more in Sri Lanka to counter China's growing influence there.