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Sanga to decide on British HC post offer

24 August 2015 02:25 pm - 59     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan cricketing icon Kumar Sangakkara said yesterday he was surprised by President Maithripala Sirisena's invitation to take up a diplomatic posting as Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Britain.

He said he would discuss it with the President before taking a decision.

“It is a surprise, I have to think about it and discuss it with the President,” Mr. Sangakkara told the media afterwards.

The President extended this open invitation at the felicitation ceremony held at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium at the conclusion of the second test match against India.

He retired from test cricket after this match.

“You have brought great honour to Sri Lanka,” the President said and thanked him for his contribution to the country.

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  Comments - 59

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  • asfar Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:58 AM

    exactly. sanga is a good cricketer. not a foreign service official. please do not make sri lanka a nation of jokers again. no diplomatic post to azath sally also please. everyone knows his mouth and behavior.

    Ashad Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:00 AM

    Sanga, has the requisite qualifications to be our High Commissioner in the UK. He comes from a very good family background, has attended a leading school, is educated, is intelligent, speaks good English and Sinhala as well. He has no skeletons in nthe cupboard that we know of, is a decent human being, and a patriot. How many of our diplomats who grazed the world capitals, during the former corrupt regime could match these attributes of Sanga?

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:05 AM

    You are very wrong.

    Cobra Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:06 AM

    What is there to think, go for it man, you are the best for the job because you play spin very well!!!

    truth speaker Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:09 AM

    If former army commanders can be appointed as high Commissioners , then why not the great Sanga ?

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:12 AM

    Some people with very high paper qualifications are like frogs in a well. Educated people mean well read and well traveled people. And people with a good IQ.

    suda Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:20 AM

    Sanga I appreciate how you have reacted to the offer. You said you lack experience and need a special knowledge to deliver good result of this post. You have shown your humbleness again. I think you can acquire that skill from a short period of time and do a better job for mother Lanka

    Hobbes Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:21 AM

    I hope Sanga has better sense than to accept this offer. I am surprised that the President has thought fit to put him on the spot in this manner.We need an experienced career diplomat (there are still a few left) in charge of such an important station.

    John Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:22 AM

    Irrespective of the context of this offer, the new Govt should not repeat the abuses of the previous regime which ruined our Foreign Service in ad-hoc appointments outside accepted protocol.

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:22 AM

    King Parakramabahu, King Dutugamunu, Late Honarable D.S. Senanayake. Late Hon: Ranjan Wijeratna, Mr.ken Balandren, ete,etc none of them were / are civil servants.

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:29 AM

    Current NLDB chairman is a professor. His predecessor is an ex-planter. Compair the performances. Paper qualifications are good for a specific area only.

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:35 AM

    If Sanga accepts this position, he will definitely prove, he thousand times better than a civilservants.

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:38 AM

    Most of the civil servants are good to warm-up chairs.

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:44 AM

    The Governor of North ( retired Army Officer ) and the GA of Trincomalee ( retired Army Officer ) both were replaced with civil servants. Compair the performances.

    Waco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 09:51 AM

    Most of the Crickters, Rugby Players, Planters and Army, Air Force, and Navy Officers will do much better than civil servants, who have only the paper qualifications.

    Lakshman Tuesday, 25 August 2015 08:13 AM

    Your are not wrong.Politicians would always use any opportunity or person to suit their agendas.

    justin Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:14 AM

    De Silva, it is called "dark Justice". Verdict is according to books. But it is wrong. So President Maithree knows that. He knows the "Kalli" plays inside the party.

    Sammy Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:15 AM

    There are going to be protests from those who are or who are entitled to be career diplomats, I am sure.

    FerozeG Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:17 AM

    At this moment in time the country is just coming out of Anarchy and a desperate rule by a Dictator, who never ever gave any opportunity to any one to exercise their ideas for the ruling of a Government.Therefore, lets watch a bit longer and see how things materialize.The next is about Mr Sangakkara being given this job, i think this is a very good choice, as Mr Sangakkara, has proven beyong any manneer that he is actually really fit for this type of JOB, as how i understand about the Foreign Service is that you must be "Par Excellence" in Public Relations, for if you are not, and only6 being a Government Servant, will not help as every Government Seervant in this GOD DAMNED COUNTRY IS NOTHING BUT A LOUSY BUREAUCRAT, so we dont need a BUREAUCRAT, what we need is a real MAN to get out ther and RESTOR THE LOST PRIDE AND IMAGE OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE OF SRILANKA.

    Freebird Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:29 AM

    Sanga is a honest tallented person. He should not fall into politics via DM Android App

    Abdul Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:39 AM

    Sanga is not an ordinary cricketer. It is rare to find a person of his calibre. He is far better than some of the civil servants.

    upali Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:55 AM

    But he himself mentioned in the press conference that he lacks exposure in taking up a diplomatic position.

    Thomas Ranger Tuesday, 25 August 2015 11:19 AM

    Very correct.

    milroy Tuesday, 25 August 2015 11:36 AM

    @de silva and Thomas....you both are kidding men...sanga is not only a great cricketer but also a well qualified person. do not look @ it as a political view.who knows sangas hidden talents. so do not under estimate this great cricketer with other sports persons who are with political backgrounds.... for sure sanga will not accept offer bcoz is far more greater than this.

    Rubert Tuesday, 25 August 2015 11:56 AM

    You hit the nail on the head! It is hilarious that a promised good governance is disappearing through the kitchen door by the minute. There are very qualified people in the diplomatic circle for this highly sensitive job. Sangakkara must have been offered a special post to develop village cricket.

    Eran Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:07 PM

    This is not true, to get the more tourists from EU,to get the GSP and to bring more investes we need to have a loud and clear voice in Britain, also we need to rebuild our brand name in EU, hence i think Sanga is the most suitable person for this position @ this moment.

    saman Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:37 PM

    he is capable and that is the best option.

    MSR Tuesday, 25 August 2015 01:02 PM

    Sanga please decide otherwise.this is a like a Yoker. once taken neither you will be a cricketer nor a diplomat.

    john Tuesday, 25 August 2015 02:46 PM

    I truly think what the President said was done in good faith but I also think diplomacy is a thing that who ever wants to do has to be a person who has a knowledge and also to represent SL in in a place like London is a huge job. As a cricketer I say yes but for this type if job sorry. Anyway President is a good gentleman.Hats off for that.

    Shaf Wednesday, 26 August 2015 03:25 PM

    He is concerned that this will to politics. Sanga is qualified with his knowledge and attitude. He should be able to do a very good job.

    Donald Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:26 AM

    There are people with high caliber and competence in foreign diplomatic relations. Personally I know a people with even PhDs in the relevant field. Cricket is not everything.

    Sherman G. de Silva Monday, 24 August 2015 08:25 PM

    Endowed with gift of the gab, Sanga has already proved his credentials as an able diplomat in the international arena.

    jawfer Monday, 24 August 2015 08:34 PM

    Sanga pls. take the offer.

    de silva Monday, 24 August 2015 09:16 PM

    I wonder what is happening with the President.First he allowed the loosers who were rejected by the people of this country to enter to the Parliament and now offering a very high ly sensitive job to a cricketer.This post should be given to a highly qualified civil servant from the Foreign Ministry and not to a cricketer.Am I wrong.

    galaxysun Monday, 24 August 2015 09:56 PM

    You are admired by every Sri Lankan. You have proved your capabilities and stood for what you thought was right. It is better not to tarnish your image by accepting political positions no matter how big it is. You are young and talented. Finish your law degree and spend quality time with your family which you had to sacrifice. Take time and choose your future anything other than politics. Good luck

    Nick Monday, 24 August 2015 10:17 PM

    The appointment of Director to The Jayawadenapura Hospital too is of the same senrario. via DM Android App

    Liyange Monday, 24 August 2015 10:21 PM

    Unique to Sri Lanka.

    Narayan Monday, 24 August 2015 10:34 PM

    "For many countries, to become an ambassador usually requires a degree in international studies, fluency in one or more foreign languages, years of experience in the foreign service, and proven diplomatic ability". Sri Lanka and its rulers are spoiling the country with bad precedence.

    TONY Monday, 24 August 2015 10:39 PM

    THIS IS ACCEPTED WITH MIXED FEELINGS. WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO SANGA WHO HAS DONE SRI LANKA PROUD AS A CRICKETER, THIS POST HAS TO BE OFFERED TO SOMEONE FROM THE FOREIGN SERVICE. THAT IS YAHAPALANAYA

    Grace Monday, 24 August 2015 10:40 PM

    Yeah ..you are correct ..I agree but same thing to Skandakumar as Australian HC ..cricket alrounder for Royal ..business giant ..but maturity is there ..Santa too young for the post

    Cristo Monday, 24 August 2015 10:54 PM

    He is a much respected cricketer both in Sri Lanka and England ... a very intelligent man ,,capable and proven to have an intellect and an ability to understand complex issues......if he had been a dubious politician for 20 years and then lost his seat ....people would not question his appointment, despite the requirement of no qualifications to be an MP, and not always with the best interests of the country at heart. If he takes the post,I am sure he will be a credit to Sri Lanka. And this is my perspective as an Englishman

    Cedrick Monday, 24 August 2015 11:48 PM

    How can a cricketer hold such a high profile post. I think our president is going over the top.

    Haig Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:04 AM

    It requires a lot of common sense and playing it straight-- no bribes, no favorite few... Sanga has both credentials and will do good.

    giri Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:06 AM

    I think u re 100% right. It seems its a popularity contest where style take precedence over substance... very disappointed on MS approach

    Lima Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:10 AM

    SANGA , DO NOT TAKE THIS , IF YOU TAKE THIS YOU WILL BE UNDER THE FOREIGN MINISTRY , STILL IT IS POLITICS. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CAREER , IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG , THEN YOU WILL BE FIRED. YOU ARE STILL TO GET FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF THE CREER DIPLOMAT. WE ADVISE YOU TO TAKE UP APPOINTMENTS AT ICC LEVEL , ALL THOSE WHO ARE THERE ARE OVERAGE AND WILL GO OUT ANY TIME , EYE ON THE ICC POSTING TO THE TOP LEVEL , CEO OR PRESIDENT , THAT SUITS YOU IN THE CAPACITY AS A CRICKETER

    ziyard Monday, 24 August 2015 08:18 PM

    please accept the offer mate,"kalu rata sudu kala haki ekama pudgalaya obai "....

    Hadeniya Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:31 AM

    I agree that this is not a job for Kumar Sangakkara. London us perhaps the most important posting and requires a seasoned diplomat.

    jan Tuesday, 25 August 2015 12:51 AM

    Its a waste of your talents to be kept in ice in London please dedicate your time to cricket and charity. With all respect to you keep away from politicians and politics. See the image of Sana today

    ranga Tuesday, 25 August 2015 01:18 AM

    you have been the best ambassador ever for the country Sanga ...Political appointments are always double sided...dont pls get in to politics... via DM Android App

    Melda Tuesday, 25 August 2015 02:40 AM

    No offence at all to Sanga.... when our leaders will learn that fluency in English is not the only qualification to be a diplomat. via DM Android App

    Nihal Gunatilake Tuesday, 25 August 2015 03:30 AM

    Hi - I congratulate Sanga, but he is young and no experience in Foreign Affairs though he toured so many foreign countries to play cricket during the last 15 years.. This action by Prez not a wise decision there are re plenty of experience officers in the Foreign Ministry willing to work as HC in London. First send Sanga to South Africa to get some experience and appoint to London after that.. bye- Nihal Gunatilake

    marco Tuesday, 25 August 2015 03:52 AM

    Sanga, you have done so much for our country for 15 years or so. Now You deserve to be with your family!!! Be careful. Our politicians are not so matured. I am a UNP-Voter , but I think this could be a trap for you. Be careful. Perhaps in 10 years if we are a devoloped Nation-than think about politics. I whish you all the best.

    Asokamala Tuesday, 25 August 2015 04:08 AM

    Very true. Giving ministerial posts to a few good people who were on his side is acceptable. But giving top ministerial posts to fraudsters in the previous regime is unacceptable. Will HE use his powers to suppress the ongoing investigations against the two who were holding top positions previously

    Ari Dissanayake Tuesday, 25 August 2015 07:09 AM

    Sanga can be a much better diplomat than those lethargic Civil Servants.

    Maha Tuesday, 25 August 2015 07:21 AM

    Dear SangaPl dont get involve with this sort of appointments. You are a inteligent and respectable Sri Lankan and you must think not twice but many times before making the decision.Happy and peaceful retirement to you.

    Zscore Tuesday, 25 August 2015 07:46 AM

    really mate? can you name a few "highly qualified civil servants" who have held the post before?

    Ravi Tuesday, 25 August 2015 07:58 AM

    De Silva you are not wrong. Sanga deserves top recognition but this is not a post given away as a token of apriciaton. Specially as the country is trying to build its reputation.

    fan Tuesday, 25 August 2015 08:08 AM

    Idiot. Sanga is over qualified for such a posting. He deserves it above any others u can think of. Do not post idiotic comments for a man like sanga

    Lakshman Tuesday, 25 August 2015 08:11 AM

    Sanga,We have the highest regard for you as a true gentleman who has played the game and brought honors to this Country.You will always be remembered wherever you go and whatever you intend to do hereafter.Though your suitability to hold the offered position is not the major issue but what happens if you decide to take the offer is.Many a good people before you have fallen to this temptation and perished. Be independent and live up to your unblemished reputation


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