Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who will be among the world leaders to watch Narendra

Modi's swearing in as Prime Minister on Monday, has taken a big step towards reconciliation in his own
country and defusing anger among Indian Tamil parties over his visit. He has invited the Chief Minister of
Lanka's Tamil provinces to join his delegation to India.

CV Wigneswaran, the Chief Minister of Northern Provinces, is yet to confirm his participation, but Sri
Lankan officials say they are "hopeful."

Mr Modi's invitation to Mr Rajapaksa has upset regional parties in Tamil Nadu, including his BJP's ally
MDMK.

MDMK chief Vaiko today met BJP president Rajnath Singh and asked him to speak to Mr Modi and
"avoid" Mr Rajapaksa's presence at the oath ceremony, which, he said, would hurt the feelings of the
Tamil people.

On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa described Mr Modi's move as "unfortunate".