The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association has expressed deep concern over the political appointments being made to Sri Lankan Missions abroad.
A statement issued by the association is as follows:
Press Release
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association expresses its deep concern over the political appointments being made to Sri Lankan Missions abroad.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association observes with deep concern that the recent appointments to several posts of Heads of Missions (High Commissioners and Ambassadors) of Sri Lankan Missions abroad have been made outside the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, disregarding the accepted norms of professionalism, merit-based appointments, and diplomatic expertise.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association strongly condemns these appointments, which have been made without considering the highly qualified, experienced, and professional Foreign Service officers who have dedicated their careers to representing Sri Lanka on the global stage. The Sri Lanka Foreign Service is a specialized service that is specifically trained to implement the country’s foreign policy and protect national interests.
Ignoring professional diplomats for political appointments weakens institutional integrity and jeopardizes Sri Lanka’s diplomatic stability.
“Sri Lanka’s appointment of professional diplomats with proven track records as Heads of Missions is crucial. The move to scrap this policy is particularly alarming, as it directly violates the 2024 government’s election manifesto, which states that:
“Professional excellence, the highest standards of ethical conduct, and merit-based recruitment of qualified officers for the Foreign Service should be ensured.”
Immediate steps should be taken to depoliticize the Foreign Service and establish a transparent, merit-based recruitment process.
Despite these promises, the continued use of political recruitment undermines the integrity of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic community and demoralizes professional diplomats, even those who are highly trained and possess extensive international experience.
There is a long and deeply regrettable tradition in the country where successive governments appoint High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and other diplomatic officers as political favors.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association had hoped that this regrettable tradition would end, paving the way for a stronger, more independent Foreign Service that would serve the best interests and progress of Sri Lanka rather than political favoritism. The continuation of this trend is a cause of grave concern, not only for the Sri Lanka Foreign Service but for the entire country.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association strongly urges the government to reconsider these appointments, ensure merit-based selections, and uphold its commitment to a professional, independent, and effective Foreign Service.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association has formally requested His Excellency the President and the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Action, and Tourism to grant an opportunity to discuss this matter. However, despite repeated follow-ups, no such opportunity has been provided thus far. The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association continues to seek a dialogue on this critical issue.
Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association
Colombo
