Political appointments during ‘Yahapalanaya’ Grace period extended by a fortnight for diplomats

By Sujith Hewajulige and Thilini de Silva 

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the grace period granted for High Commissioners and Ambassadors – who were politically-appointed during the last regime – has been extended by two weeks. 

Accordingly, they have to return to the country before January 15. The previous deadline was December 31. However, out of the 22 Ambassadors and High Commissioners appointed politically during the previous government, 10 have already returned to Sri Lanka. 

Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Ravinatha Ariyasinghe said they were granted a relief period taking into consideration the requests made by Ambassadors and High Commissioners.