Rao takes up new posting in China

Manjula Fernando

COLOMBO: The new Indian High Commissioner to Colombo Alok Prasad will assume office in mid-December although his predecessor Nirupama Rao was to fly to Beijing last night to take up her new posting there.

Rao will go there straight without a stopover in India to prepare the ground work for Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to India, scheduled next week.

Indian High Commission sources said her presence there is felt necessary due to the top dignitaries' upcoming visit to Delhi, reported to be a much awaited event by the Centre.

She will not be having a break back at home between the postings but is flying direct, sources said, adding that Rao was in Delhi last week attending a briefing on tasks connected with her new appointment.

The Deputy High Commissioner will be acting until the new Chief arrives at Colombo office.

According to Indian media, CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury who just concluded a visit to China told Premier Manmohan Singh that the Chinese leadership wanted the relationship with India to be elevated to new heights.

Meanwhile, the new Foreign Secretary, a former high commissioner in Colombo, Shivshankar Menon is poised to arrive in Sri Lanka shortly as part of a familiarisation visit to neighbouring countries.

The High Commission sources said the dates are yet to be finalised. Menon will begin a three day trip to Bhutan on Thursday, Indian media reported.