FM demands explanation

18 March 2010 10:37 am

By Gandhya Senanayake

The government has demanded for an official explanation from a Lankan diplomat who has allegedly returned home from Japan with his landlord’s belongings. The diplomat is likely to face charges in accordance to the penal code if found guilty.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told journalists today that he had received a detailed report from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tokyo over the alleged misconduct and had demanded for an explanation from the ‘politically appointed’ diplomat.

“Severe action will be taken against him by the Foreign Ministry if he is found guilty. He will also face appropriate legal action. We will ensure that such misbehavior does not reoccur as the reputation of the Ministry has to be safeguarded,” Minister Bogollagama said.

The Lankan Diplomat had returned back to the island five months ago after serving his term in Tokyo as a Minister Counselor

Soon after his return, the Japanese landlord had contacted the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry and had alleged that the diplomat had shipped back some of his (the landlord’s) personal belongings. The landlord had demanded that his items be shipped back to him immediately.

Soon after the complaint had been lodged, the Ministry had launched a full scale investigation.