Milinda next envoy in India with special rank

Former Minister Milinda Moragoda will be Sri Lanka’s next High Commissioner to India with a special rank

A senior Foreign Service Officer who will be his deputy will have ambassadorial rank, well informed sources said.

Moragoda has been persuaded by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to accept this appointment despite his many business, think tank and other commitments here. He will be making frequent visits to Colombo from New Delhi. He also plays a special role as a chief lay disciple of the Buddhist hierarchy.

The appointment must be approved by the Parliamentary High Posts Committee which has not yet been set up but it is understood that the appointment is confirmed by the government leadership.