The Hindu : National : India rejects Sri Lankan Minister's charge

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Friday, Sep 08, 2006

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India rejects Sri Lankan Minister's charge

Special Correspondent

New Delhi: Reacting to the accusation of Indian interference made by Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday defended the conduct of its High Commissioner in Colombo and said her contribution to the strengthening of bilateral ties "is well appreciated by the host Government."

Speaking on the floor of the Sri Lankan Parliament on Wednesday, Mr. Bandaranaike accused Nirupama Rao, Indian High Commissioner, of interfering in his country's internal affairs.

"It is not the policy of [the] Government of India and its representative abroad to interfere in the internal affairs of any country," Ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said in response to a question. "Our High Commissioner in Colombo, Mrs. Nirupama Rao, is a senior diplomat and has conducted herself in accordance with the highest professional standards."

"Unwarranted remarks"

PTI reports from Colombo:

Sri Lankan official sources told PTI on Thursday that Mr. Bandaranaike's outburst was "absolutely unwarranted." A report in The Island newspaper also quoted an unnamed Government official as saying his comments did not reflect Government thinking.

"The pretty Mrs. Rao should look after her Embassy and we will look after our own internal affairs," Mr. Bandaranaike was quoted as saying in Parliament on Wednesday by The Island. The daily, however, did not say what prompted the attack.

Mr. Bandaranaike said both his parents, who were Prime Ministers, and the sister Chandrika Kumaratunga, who retired as President last year, maintained good relations with India and that Mrs. Rao should not "meddle" in Sri Lanka.

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