Neighbouring countries are bound to have issues, but these can be overcome by fostering friendship and understanding, V Krishnamoorthy, deputy high commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India, has said.

A delegation of Sri Lankan students is in Vellore as part of the India Sri Lanka Youth Exchange 2016. This is the consecutive year, the students from Sri Lanka visiting Tamil Nadu.

Addressing students at Auxilium College on Thursday, he said: “To foster this understanding and friendship, everyone should have the opportunity to get to know the culture, language and style of the neighbouring country. This visit would have enriched the delegation to gain some understanding about India.”

He said the aim of this youth exchange programme was to establish a friendly relationship between the two countries. He added that a few of the students were little scared to come to Tamil Nadu due to some rumours. However, the government had provided adequate security for the team, sources in the government said. The team had reached the State on July 22 and has visited tourism spots and educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Krishnagiri and Vellore.

An Indian delegation will visit Sri Lanka in September, according to Dinesh Gajendran of Audacious Dreams Foundation. The team visited CMC, Vellore and Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration in Vellore. On Friday, the Sri Lankan students will visit VIT university and participate in an interaction programme.