Diplomat given deadline

30 March 2010 10:53 am - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin

The Foreign Ministry has issued a deadline for a diplomat who was working at the Sri Lankan embassy in Japan to give an explanation over his conduct or face disciplinary action.

The diplomat, Tilak Attanayaka, who was holding the post as a Minister Consular in the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tokyo from mid 2007 till 2009 is alleged to have returned to Colombo with antique items from his landlord’s residence in Japan.

The landlord had lodged a complaint with the Foreign Ministry in Colombo immediately, demanding Attanayaka to return back his belongings.

Sources at the Foreign Ministry told Daily Mirror online that the Ministry had informed Attanayaka to be present for an inquiry over his conduct last week but the diplomat had failed to appear stating he had to attend to some personal matters.

However the Ministry has now issued a deadline of Thursday and has warned that if the diplomat fails to be present on or before the said date then the Ministry will resort to taking serious action.

Daily Mirror online learns that Attanayaka is now discussing with the Japanese landlord to reach to some sort of agreement without getting the authorities involved.

However a report on the incident from Japan has already reached Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama who has said that a full scale inquiry should be held. In order to begin the inquiry, Attanayaka has to be present and submit a written explanation to the Ministry, sources said.

Until the items are returned to him, the landlord, an influential Japanese businessman, has said he will not return the 610,000 Yen (Rs.762,500) deposit placed with him by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 24

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 01:54 PM

IF GOSL CAN ARREST SF , WHY CAN'T THEY ARREST THIS ROGUE DIP LO MAT???

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:15 PM

There is a saying: 'When a fish rots, it rots from the head' ...

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 10:49 PM

This is a disgrace to Sri Lanka. This is what happens when you appoint people with no conscience or respect for anyone (perhaps ministerial cronies?), who bring only disgrace to our country. This man should be proscuted, and if found guilty, sent to jail for a length of time.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 09:38 PM

This is the outcome when political appointees are sent on foreign service. GOSL, wake-up and send the right people to represent our country.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 08:13 PM

Shame to be a Sri Lankan.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 06:39 PM

Arrest him and lock him up in the room next to SF's ...

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 05:09 PM

This is what happens when ordinary 'hangers-on' of ministers and MPs are given diplomatic positions overseas, in return for their favours. The so-called diplomats then become 'diplo-mutts.' It is also worthwhile finding out who approved this man's appointment.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 04:12 PM

Did he bring kimonos of ladiesas souveniars?

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 04:10 PM

He is innocent, the land lord must have gifted the piano for the wonderful work done in Japan, He must be having dementia.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 02:50 PM

not a smart or wise move. country should maintain a class of character and moral dignity. we all ask is it exists in modern society. elders leaders must set examples not to repeat these happenings. first one must establish the facts.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 02:26 PM

He's not a career diplomat and thats how he got caught!!

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 01:54 PM

what a shame all world come to know diplomat also involve this type of incidence [theft ] that is punishable offence we wanted to know

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:05 AM

Do we need more evidence about this rogue element within our diplomatic service who has disgraced our country's image and brought disrepute to all Sri lankans. He must be punished severely to bar and send a warning to anyone that will attempt similar criminal activities elsewhere in the Sri Lankan Diplomatic community.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 01:53 PM

some time back one of our Diplomat claimed refugee in canada and another in UK. I know a diplomat who went to uk did not pay his car rental for two months. We are sri lankans what can you expect.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 01:17 PM

Did you guys check "Temple trees"?
He must be briefed for his next overseas appointment to represent sinking lanka.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 01:11 PM

Dear Minister, please take immediate action and punish the person concern as this ia a very bad act that tarnish the immage of Sri Lanak. Do not allow him to settle outside the ministry as this will have a bad impact.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 12:44 PM

Why is this guy still free? he should be charged with treason and punished. But in SL these people are welcome to run the country and serve the Ruling clan.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 12:02 PM

The most that will happen is, there will be an apology and the Jap will accept with SL Govt. intervening in the matter and the diplomat will bide his time until he is returned to a higher position elsewhere. This sounds similar to the SSP Vas Gunawardene incident. We are humans, we are Sri Lankans, we are Buddhiists, we are forgiving. All's forgiven and forgotten.
Prabharakan had said something like this, we remember, about Sinhalese.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:58 AM

Now appoint a Better Rogue !.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:49 AM

Better Late than Never !.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:27 AM

such are Sri Lankans? A diplomat at that.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:25 AM

SHAME ON GOSL-OVER TO YOU MR.FOREIGN MINISTER

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:18 AM

"THUNDERING TYPHOONS, BLISTERING BARNACLES & BLUNDERING S.L. DIPLOMATS!" AS CAPT. HADDOCK IN THE TIN TIN COMIC SERIES WOULD SAY. SADLY PORTRAYS THE CLASS & QUALITY OF OUR SRI LANKA DIPLOMATS OF THE 21ST CENTURY.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010 11:07 AM

If the dpl was not a career diplomat who appointed him? Is it the President or the Minister?

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Diplomat given deadline

Comments - 24

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