Foreign service officers criticise politicisation of diplomatic appointments

Saturday, 8 February 2025 02:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposes recent Head of Mission appointments citing lack of professionalism, meritocracy
Urges Govt. to reverse appointments, uphold professional, independent foreign service
Claims Govt. favouring political selections over experienced career diplomats
Warns these decisions weaken Sri Lanka Foreign Service, harm country’s global diplomatic standing
Highlights contradiction with Govt.’s 2024 election pledge to ensure merit-based diplomatic appointments
Reveals multiple requests for meetings with President, Foreign Minister gone unanswered

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) yesterday voiced strong concerns over recent Head of Mission (HOM) appointments, arguing that the Government has disregarded professionalism, meritocracy, and diplomatic expertise in favour of politically motivated selections.

In a statement issued, the SLFSA expressed deep disappointment over these appointments, which it claims have overlooked highly qualified career diplomats in favour of external candidates.

The Association urged the Government to reverse these appointments and adhere to its commitment to a professional and independent Foreign Service.

The SLFSA warned that such decisions undermine the institutional integrity of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS) and compromise the country’s diplomatic standing on the global stage. The Association highlighted that SLFS is a specialised cadre, with officers trained to excite foreign policy and safeguard national interests. By sidelining career diplomats, the Government risks weakening Sri Lanka’s diplomatic influence, it noted.

Criticism of the latest appointments is particularly pointed given that they contradict explicit commitments made in the Government’s 2024 election manifesto, which pledged to appoint professional career diplomats with proven track records to head missions, ensure merit-based and professional selection of Foreign Service officers, and take immediate action to depoliticise the SLFS.

Despite these assurances, the SLFSA noted politically influenced appointments have continued, demotivating career diplomats who have undergone rigorous training and extensive international service.

The Association also pointed to the longstanding practice of awarding diplomatic positions as political favours, which has been a feature of successive Governments.

It had hoped that these appointments would now be driven by competence rather than political loyalty, but latest developments suggest otherwise.

The SLFSA also revealed that multiple requests for meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath have gone unanswered, despite repeated follow-ups.

The Association said it will continue to seek engagement to press for reforms.

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