A new circular issued by the Secretary to the President has imposed restrictions on ministers, ministry secretaries, and governor’s secretaries from holding discussions with foreign ambassadors without prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.
Speaking in Parliament, Jayasekara noted that under the new directive, ministers are only permitted to communicate their needs and seek assistance through approved channels. The MP criticized the move, claiming it obstructs efforts to secure foreign funding for domestic projects and likened the situation to restrictive policies seen in nations like North Korea.
He acknowledged that while it is beneficial to establish guidelines on how Sri Lankan missions abroad should engage with members of Parliament and ministers for personal visits, the current restrictions could hinder effective governance.
In response, Minister Bimal Ratnayake refuted the claim, stating that he had recently met the Australian High Commissioner on the Parliament premises without encountering any such restrictions.
Jayasekara reiterated that the circular had indeed been issued and promised to provide further clarification to Ratnayake. He warned that such limitations might create operational challenges for the government and its ministers in managing international relations and securing external support.
The circular appears to aim at streamlining diplomatic communications and ensuring that all engagements with foreign representatives align with the country’s foreign policy objectives. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the flexibility and autonomy of government officials in fostering international collaborations.
