Decided to quit two weeks after assuming duties - Prof. Nalin de Silva

Sri Lanka's ambassador in Myanmar Prof. Nalin de Silva said he decided to quit his post just two weeks after taking over.

He said he chose to be the ambassador in Myanmar with the hope of fostering ties with the countries having Theravada Buddhism. But he said it dawned on him that it could not be realized.

The ambassador said he opted to render his service in another way.

“The ambassador's post is nothing but confined to paper work. It won’t be something unusual for those without creativity,” he said.

He said, “I have been in Myanmar for ten months. The latest reason for announcing my decision was the fishermen’s issue. Recently the Maha Sanga proposed to the President that retired people should not be appointed as ambassadors. It also said pious individuals with a sound knowledge in Buddhist philosophy should be appointed to Thailand and Myanmar as envoys,"