President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a High Commissioner and four Ambassadors to represent Sri Lanka in its diplomatic service. These appointments, made during a formal ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat, have drawn criticism from the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA), which has raised concerns over the selection process.
Following the appointments, the newly designated diplomats engaged in a brief discussion with the President, who expressed confidence in their abilities. He underscored their responsibility in strengthening Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations and promoting the country’s interests on the global stage. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of improving Sri Lanka’s international image through proactive diplomatic engagement.
President Dissanayake also highlighted the need to ensure fair and equitable welfare services for Sri Lankan expatriates, particularly those working in regions such as the Middle East, South Korea, and Japan. He urged the newly appointed envoys to prioritize the well-being of migrant workers and offer necessary support without discrimination.
The President further stressed Sri Lanka’s aspirations for economic development, calling on diplomats to facilitate increased foreign investments and expand international market opportunities for local entrepreneurs. He assured them of the government’s full support in achieving these objectives and announced plans to assess progress through follow-up discussions.
Despite these assurances, the SLFSA has expressed serious reservations regarding the appointments, arguing that several Head of Mission (HOM) positions have been assigned to individuals outside the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS). The association contends that this move undermines professionalism, meritocracy, and diplomatic expertise, disregarding established norms.
In a media statement, the SLFSA voiced its disappointment, emphasizing that experienced career diplomats, who have dedicated their professional lives to advancing Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, were overlooked. The association pointed out that the SLFS consists of highly trained specialists who are specifically prepared to manage Sri Lanka’s international relations. Appointing political figures rather than career diplomats, they argue, compromises the integrity of the Foreign Service and weakens Sri Lanka’s diplomatic standing.
Furthermore, the SLFSA noted that these decisions contradict the promises made in the government’s 2024 election manifesto, which pledged to prioritize the appointment of professional diplomats with proven expertise. The manifesto emphasized selecting candidates based on merit and ethical conduct while upholding diplomatic discretion. The SLFSA insists that immediate corrective action is necessary to depoliticize the Foreign Service and ensure that future appointments are based on merit rather than political affiliations.
The association expressed deep concern over the continuation of a long-standing practice where diplomatic positions are awarded as political favors, a tradition they had hoped would end under the current administration. The SLFSA warns that this approach demotivates career diplomats who have undergone rigorous training and possess significant international experience.
Despite multiple requests for discussions with the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, the SLFSA has yet to secure a meeting to address these concerns. The association remains committed to seeking engagement with the government to advocate for a Foreign Service based on professionalism and merit
