Paper qualifications not everything when choosing diplomats: Ajith. P Perera

8 January 2019 05:48 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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There should be a shift in the process of selecting suitable people for the diplomatic service, Non-Cabinet Minister Ajith. P Perera told Parliament today.

Mr. Perera said 90 per cent of the marks given during an interview while selecting suitable persons for diplomatic posts is concentrated on their educational qualifications.

This focus on paper qualifications alone tends to neglect other important aspects such as the personality of a person and their language skills. “If one looks at a person’s skill set other than their education qualifications, then a number of talented, young people could be appointed to diplomatic posts,” he said.

He was of the view that while the building in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is housed badly needs a makeover; the original, rustic charm of the building should not be compromised in this endeavour. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

Comments - 16

concern Tuesday, 08 January 2019 07:06 PM

In our country you need connections and to be a crook.

1 46

BABY CLASS Wednesday, 09 January 2019 10:34 AM

YES - only a piece of paper to say the person was admitted to the baby class.

0 2

Cyril Wimalasena Tuesday, 08 January 2019 07:11 PM

MR. MINISTER, FOREIGN SERIVICE IS NOT A FOR LOST CANDIDATES AND PARTY FRIENDS AND RELATIONS DPL SERVICE ONLY FOR HIGH QUALIFY SLAS FOREIGN SERVICES ONLY I CAN JUST IMAGIN MANY OF OUR DPLS IN EU AND USA OK?

0 33

Upul Tuesday, 08 January 2019 07:20 PM

Hmm... It looks like he is much more interested in spending money for his comforts than the public matters. This is based on his statement "which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is housed badly needs a makeover". Looks as if he is a follower of the Mayor of CMC.

9 19

Saradiel Tuesday, 08 January 2019 07:39 PM

Agree to some extent. However, there should be a minimum qualification to any post. Just look at what has happened to the parliament where no minimum qualification is required.

0 37

Nimal Tuesday, 08 January 2019 07:52 PM

Back scratching also!!

0 19

Goraka Tuesday, 08 January 2019 07:58 PM

He is right - we don't need O/L to be a politician. Every dumb with a big mouth can be one.

0 28

Manel Tuesday, 08 January 2019 09:17 PM

We should have people like Jayantha Dhanapala in foreign service and not rogues like Udayanga Weeratunga and other relatives of King's and Queens.

2 26

BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 09 January 2019 09:23 AM

Dayan Jayatilleke another hench-aiya.

3 10

dickie bird Tuesday, 08 January 2019 09:18 PM

saradiel /Goraka…. You have no idea the meaning of Universal Franchise. Two suitable candidates to be diplomuts.

1 10

Arthur Wednesday, 09 January 2019 09:48 AM

Universal Franchise is the right of every citizen to vote without any discrimination. It has no bearing on appointments which are always based on qualifications and experience.

2 5

elmi Tuesday, 08 January 2019 09:41 PM

Agreed but more importantly you should specifically mention that unqualified monkeys but with political connection should not even be interviewed.

0 22

Alex Wednesday, 09 January 2019 07:55 AM

Yes, this was proved by many Sri Lankan diplomats in the recent past. For eg.Chris Nonis who was reported to have spoken the obscene language in the embassy etc. The well-known clash with Vas Gunawardhana was a result of his behaviour unbecoming for a diplomat.

3 5

Donovan Jayamanne Wednesday, 09 January 2019 08:33 AM

Nothing further from an absolute truth

1 2

amaraweera Wednesday, 09 January 2019 10:03 AM

There should be proper systems in place to select candidates suitable for posts. Right person at right post.

0 6

Priyan Almeda Wednesday, 09 January 2019 10:33 AM

I remember a lady with a beautiful face was given a diplomatic post in 1980s. No qualifications at all.

0 10

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