Key missions headed by political appointees - JVP

Many key diplomatic missions of Sri Lanka are headed by political appointees, JVP MP Bimal Rathnayake said.

Speaking at the Committee stage debate of the ‘Budget 2019’ in Parliament yesterday when the Expenditure Heads of Foreign Affairs Ministry and Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Ministry were taken up, the MP said Sri Lankan Embassies have become a den of political henchmen. “Currently diplomatic missions in Russia, China, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, South Korea, Canada and all SAARC countries (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Nepal) are headed by political appointees. Political appointments to diplomatic missions must be restricted giving that opportunity to experienced and talented persons in the Foreign Service.We have not appointed an Ambassador to the US for over a year now. If this is the state-of-affairs of the country’s foreign missions, why do we have a Foreign Service?” he asked.

Naming former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga and former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya, the MP pointed out that a number of political appointees as Ambassadors had brought infamy to the country.

He also objected to the appointments of A.S.P. Liyanage as Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar and Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka as Sri Lankan Ambassador in Russia, observing that their meddling in politics were obvious. “Liyanage made the Foreign Service a Porter Service by offering to carry the travelling bags of the Rajapaksa sons.The political coup well-exposed the demeaning conduct of Dr.Jayatilleke.

They only think of their own comforts and privileges,” he commented.

The MP requested the Foreign Minister to update the agreement Sri Lankan Ambassadors sign before leaving for foreign missions with more specific clauses to suit the contemporary needs of the country.

He also requested not to appoint persons with dual citizenship as Ambassadors.