India refutes allegation of interfering in Lanka'a internal affairs

New Delhi, Sep 7 (UNI) India today strongly refuted Sri Lankan Tourism Minister's allegation that its High Commissioner in Colombo Mrs Nirupama Rao was interfering in the internal affairs of the island nation and added it is not New Delhi's policy to interfere in any country's internal matters.

''It is not the policy of the Government of India and its representatives abroad to interfere in the internal affairs of any country,'' an External Affairs spokesman said in response to a question.

Sri Lanka Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike had said in his country's parliament that Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Mrs Nirupama Rao was interfering in the internal affairs of the country.

The spokesman said the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo is a senior diplomat and had conducted herself in accordance with the highest professional standards. Her contribution to strengthning Indo-Sri Lankan bilateral relations is well appreciated by the host government.

UNI RB PA MIR HT1825