In a damage control exercise after an article on its defence ministry's website created an uproar in Tamil Nadu, the Sri Lankan government Friday tendered an "unqualified apology" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa.

 

 "An article titled 'How meaningful are Jayalalitha's love letters to Narendra Modi?' had appeared on our website along with a graphical portrayal of Hon. Prime Minister of India and Hon Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," read a statement hosted on the defence ministry's website.

 

 It said that the article "which had been published without appropriate authorization and not reflecting any official position" of the Sri Lankan government or the defence ministry has since been removed.

 

 "We extend an unqualified apology to the Hon Prime Minister of India and Hon Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," it added.