The Indian High Commission of India has clarified that there is no truth in reports about non-acceptance of ‘credentials’ of High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India by Government of India.
“High Commission of India has noticed that there have been several media reports regarding ‘credentials’ of H.E Asoka Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India, who has arrived in New Delhi. It is clarified that there is no truth in reports about non-acceptance of ‘credentials’ of High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India by Government of India,” a statement by a High Commission spokesperson said.
A few days back, media reported that India has reportedly declined to accept certain provisions of the ‘Cabinet rank’ status of Milinda Moragoda – the High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India.
The present government appointed Moragoda as a High Commissioner enjoying “Cabinet rank,”, and he is the first diplomat receiving such an appointment.
Reports further said that India’s External Affairs Ministry has said an agrément (or a set of credentials) where Moragoda was referred to as High Commissioner holding “Cabinet rank,” cannot be forwarded to the President’s Office and asked for a fresh set of documents with no reference to “Cabinet rank” status.