The Queen appeared to fleetingly shake hands with Rajapaksa

( June 06, 2012, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) "The monarch and her luncheon guests arrived to angry scenes as hundreds of Tamil and human rights campaigners gathered outside Marlborough House in central London in opposition to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse’s presence at the meal," the Daily Mail, based in London reported.

Their chants echoed around the forecourt as guests arrived.

The demonstration, which included burning effigies of Rajapaska, comes as increasing pressure is being put on Commonwealth leaders to take a tougher line on human and political rights abuses.

Much debate has focused on Sri Lanka amid accusations of war crimes during its 25-year civil war, especially in its final months in 2009.

Mr Rajapakse was jeered as he swept through the main gate in a Range Rover. His car did not carry a flag because of security concerns.

The Queen seemed relaxed as she was handed a bouquet by nine-year-old Aduke Badale, the daughter of a member of the Commonwealth Secretariat staff.

The Queen spent a brief moment with Mr Rajapakse and appeared to fleetingly shake hands with him as she met guests at a reception in the Blenheim Saloon inside Marlborough House.

Controversial: The Queen upset human rights protesters by greeting Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left, and his wife Shiranthi Rajapaksa during a reception prior to the Diamond Jubilee Commonwealth lunch

Gathering: The Queen, centre, front, poses with Commonwealth Nations Heads of Government and representatives of the Commonwealth nations following a lunch today.