Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service - a den of political appointees

20 June 2023 05:59 am - 47 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

- Daily Mirror reliably learns that Rohitha Bogollagama was handpicked as SL's HC in the UK by the government to reach out to Tamil diaspora for reconciliation

- Bogollagama's only foreign experience is that he served as the Foreign Minister under Mahinda Rajapaksa during the time of the civil war

- Once political appointees are posted in diplomatic missions, their children and relatives soon follow to serve as officers

- For Moscow in Russia which is a key posting, Sri Lanka has not appointed a career diplomat for two decades now

In recent years, Sri Lanka's foreign service has made questionable and disappointing appointments especially to some of the key countries, resulting in an entire collapse of the foreign service system.

Infact, more and more political appointments are now dominating Sri Lanka's foreign service while career diplomats and real talent are ignored while individuals with no knowledge on foreign service are appointed as Ambassadors and High Commissioners to key countries.

Their only talent is that they are favorites of the government leaders or ruling politicians. If that is not enough, some of these political appointees do not travel alone. Once they are set in their seats as Ambassadors and High Commissioners, their children and relatives soon follow to the foreign destinations to serve as officers to Sri Lanka's foreign missions, with no benefit to Sri Lanka other than a blow to the taxpayers.A recent such appointment is that of Rohitha Bogollagama who has been appointed as Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to the UK, replacing well known career diplomat Saroja Sirisena.

Bogollagama's only foreign experience is that he served as the Foreign Minister under Mahinda Rajapaksa during the time of the civil war. After this Bogollagama served as the Governor of the Eastern Province under Maithripala Sirisena's regime.With no notable achievements even when he was the Foreign Minister, Bogollagama is well known for his lavish official visits overseas when he was the Minister, as reported in some media publications back then.The Sunday Times, in a report in 2008, citing one of his visits overseas said Bogollagama's official trip to Brazil back then had cost the state an estimated Rs. 5 million, and included a vacation in beach resorts in Rio de Janeiro. Bogollagama was then due in New York to join the Sri Lanka presidential delegation in time for the UN General Assembly sessions and was booked to stay at New York’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The Sunday Times quoting reliable sources said the minister’s public relations officer and private security officer, who had been officially designated separate rooms, were scheduled to share a room, and the spare room was made available to Bogollagama’s daughter and her husband, who worked for the Sri Lanka embassy in Washington. Neither the minister’s daughter nor her husband were a member of the official Sri Lanka delegation.

"According to Foreign Ministry sources, the minister has made arrangements with the hotel to ensure that his daughter and son-in-law’s names will not appear in the hotel manifest. It is understood that similar arrangements had been made for the minister’s daughter when she visited other world capitals," the Sunday Times reported back in 2008. This is just one instance when Bogollagama faced such allegations of lavish spending while on official visits overseas. Now with such allegations how did Bogollagama get selected to be Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in the UK that too at a time when the country is struggling amidst an economic crisis?

The Daily Mirror reliably learns that Bogollagama was handpicked to the seat by the government in place of Saroja Sirisena who is expected to complete her stint and return to the country shortly.

The source said the government had selected Bogollagama as someone competent to engage with the Tamil Diaspora as the UK is a country with a sizable population of Sri Lankan Tamils and leads the core group of countries that moved the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka.However no further explanation was given on the government's selection of Bogollagama.

Bogollagama will be the latest to join the list of political appointees serving in Sri Lanka's foreign missions. Presently political appointees serve in important capitals including in New Delhi and Washington. For Moscow in Russia which is a key posting, Sri Lanka has not appointed a career diplomat for two decades now.

Comments - 47

Know All Tuesday, 20 June 2023 06:33 AM

The usual gravy train moves on. No one expected Ranil to do otherwise as his usual cronies always in his infamous Committees which are stop gaps till the issue subsides or becomes stale.

Hadam Tuesday, 20 June 2023 01:57 PM

This is just tip of the iceberg. If we dig other departments such as petroleum, power and energy etc. all be political cronies. Otherwise, why would be all talented people are migrate to countries with better opportunities.

Riyazi Tuesday, 20 June 2023 07:07 AM

Not only foreign service...but see for whom people voted to be in power...who is in power actually...who rules the country...

Lion Tuesday, 20 June 2023 07:10 AM

As long as these two parties including SJB govern this country this is inevitable .

DOT Tuesday, 20 June 2023 07:24 AM

Agreed but same time the foreign service officials are also inefficient and focusing self center matters. Can we trust them?

Fred Tuesday, 20 June 2023 07:32 AM

Haven't gone past the machang level it seems at a time when we need the best. When it comes to negotiating the foreign countries and our neighbours must be loving it

Sunil Tuesday, 20 June 2023 07:50 AM

Not only the Foreign Service, the entire state sector is filled with political appointees at the top. Meritocracy is all but forgotten. The biggest joke is that even a comedian, well known for his tasteless jokes was once named as our high commissioner or ambassador to Germany. No wonder the country is taking a downward slide. There is no place for career diplomats of the caliber of Neville Kanakaratne who were doyens in their field.

Nath Tuesday, 20 June 2023 08:27 AM

This is in the backdrop we are asked to tight our belts and pay more taxes. How can any one urge ordinary people who have only salary income to pay more taxes.

Kevin Goodman Tuesday, 20 June 2023 08:42 AM

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC 1. Tharaka Dissanayake - S.B. Dissanayake's son 2. Sameera Liyanapathirana - Mahinda Samarasinghe's "Domestic Assistant" Ranjani Padmalatha's cousin 3. Hiran Kisala Gunatilake- Ranjani's son Not just politician's relatives, even Ambassador's "Domestic Assistant's " relatives are given opportunities.

Hubert Congreve Tuesday, 20 June 2023 08:56 AM

Very true, Mahinda

Jerald Wilson - Sri Lankan from UK Tuesday, 20 June 2023 08:58 AM

I totally agree with you. This mess was initiated by Mahinda Rajapakshe non others.

Sam Silva Tuesday, 20 June 2023 05:52 PM

It's have been happening for decades. Not just Mahinda. Only now it's have been brought to light and nothing going to change. That is why country know as most corrupt country .

Lank Tuesday, 20 June 2023 09:02 AM

This is not new for decades this has been going on.. MR and co sent their men and friends from army and politicians..we need to need to have career diplomatic people. That is why this country is going down every day . Politics of opportunitism and politics of making money and

Tissa Abeygunawardene (attorney-at-law) Tuesday, 20 June 2023 09:03 AM

Not only for Foreign missions, even locally for all top positions un-educated people from Hambantota, Matara and Galle were recruited by Rajapaksha family.

sacre blieu Tuesday, 20 June 2023 09:17 AM

We have messed around with the foreign service for many years and have lost many an opportunity when such appointments were made. They only farm their own selfish interests at the costs of the taxpayers, many times damaging the image of our country. Now corruption to the core, and even the important position of the Indian post been another political appointment is clear reflection of this. He is now promoting talk shows cunningly pretending that he is doing a great job. Rubbish.

Ruwan Tuesday, 20 June 2023 09:21 AM

What is wrong with Rohitha Bogollagama being handpicked as SL's HC in the UK by the government to reach out to Tamil diaspora for reconciliation, if he is considered capable of delivering it? Why are some so afraid and against reconciling with the diaspora? If he achieve it, then it would be job well done and mission accomplished.

Krodawa Tuesday, 20 June 2023 09:49 AM

What is the use of having a Foreign Service and training officers when political cronies and friends from outside are appointed ? What news of MR's cousin who was appointed as Ambassador in the US some time back and later convicted of some crime ?

Hard Truth Tuesday, 20 June 2023 09:49 AM

Why not recruit a war hero? The reason Sri Lanka cannot move forward are 1) Nepotism 2) Cronies

Ray Silva Tuesday, 20 June 2023 10:37 AM

Nothing changers in SL, RW is a joker appointing a geriatric failure to a key country, what non-sense about the reason "reach out to Tamil diaspora for reconciliation", he's not capable of doing this, need young and forward thinking individuals to deal with this important matter!

Love LK Tuesday, 20 June 2023 10:50 AM

Sri Lanka is sold to politicians long time ago.. since we got independence from British we sold our freedom to our politicians..they can sell us and they can sell our lands and even our country as they like ...they have been doing this for a long time now .. That is why our politicians want to our votes to do what they want . First they send Thier children to foreign countries for education..mostly founded by the public money looted from the government ministries.Then they use their power to promote their friends and families. Consider all those diplomatic missions and their people mostly they are dominated by MR and co family and friends now .

D L Gunasekera Tuesday, 20 June 2023 10:59 AM

I am living in Switzerland since 1973. I can talk about our mission for the UNO who is responsible for counselor services as well.In all of those years, I am very much sure there was one or two Ambassadors who was qualified. The rest and the staff is not wothy for their jobs

Terrence K Tuesday, 20 June 2023 11:08 AM

Is this something new ? it is happening everywhere. Look at all the government organisations which are manned by lackeys of the ruling party. Many eons ago Our foreign service was occupying Star Class Position with many of the CAS Officers and subsequently SLAS officers choosing the foreign service merely because this gave them the opportunity to apply their knowledge of International Relations to spearhead the progress of Sri Lanka. Our foreign service has dried up of brilliant professionals who could advice the rulers what professional steps are to be taken in delicate topics. Look at the disaster during the Rajapakse Regime where some sensitive issues were unprofessionally handled by political appointees which resulted in the axing of the Foreign Minister. We should never mix politics with sensitive subjects like the foreign service which could have detrimental effects for the whole country. Let the foreign service be kept independent with highly rated professionals

Dion Tuesday, 20 June 2023 11:31 AM

Sri Lanka will never be able to move forward. Most politicians and people think of only themselves. We are a selfish nation. Could not a younger person be chosen. It is us, the older folk who is ruining Sri Lanka.

Gaston Tuesday, 20 June 2023 11:37 AM

Remember, 25 years ago, when I was employed in Singapore, there was a notable incident involving Bogollagama's sister-in-law being appointed as the ambassador to Singapore. It was evident that she encountered significant challenges in fulfilling her diplomatic duties due to her inability to speak English and lack of awareness and proactivity. She acted and looked bamboozled most of the time when socialising at events. Meanwhile, she and her family seemed to thoroughly enjoy the numerous perks and luxurious living comforts that came with her position. This situation was particularly challenging for us as we struggled to manage our finances due to the high cost of living and exorbitant rental charges for lodging. Indeed, it is very unfortunate that even after more than 20 years, instances like the one involving politicians and their extended families benefiting from taxpayers' money continue to persist.

Aquarius Tuesday, 20 June 2023 11:39 AM

Our foreign service is just a service to send cronies of those in power to represent the country in global matters and what do you expect? I am pretty sure we have very good talent in the Foreign Service but because of these political appointees, they are overlooked and languishing at home.

nihal jayaweera Tuesday, 20 June 2023 11:50 AM

Very true .........majority of us are self serving henchmen ............ this country will never come out of this mess due to our our own making ..... CIA or RAW or whoever do not need to do anything to perish this island ........ nj

Best Tuesday, 20 June 2023 12:10 PM

Same old proven failures trying to develop the country in 2048 in same old way, risking the lives of 22 million and unborn

pradeep Tuesday, 20 June 2023 12:24 PM

we all must gettogether and put end to this corrupted and vagrant political culture, lasted for more the 50 years, in the next election

Diplomatic Tuesday, 20 June 2023 12:51 PM

Unfortunately Sri Lanka has failed to make a clearer distinction between politics and professionalism.. politics and civil service is mixed up in Sri Lanka ; politics and judiciary is mixed up in Sri Lanka. Politics and military service is mixed up in Sri Lanka...there is no leverage and freedom for experts in any field to do their jobs freely and professionally ..All foreign missions are filled by MR and co theive..They are not loyal Sri Lankans but they use Politics to make money ...MR was a library assistant in Colombo university according to his own CV and yet; he is now one of richest persons in Srilanka ..where did get those money? A lot of his friends and family are living like some richest people in Srilanka?where did they get all those money? He sent some of his friends to diplomatic missions to work as Sri Lankan diplomatic.those people didn't know anything about diplomacy and it's service ..they didn't have any skills to do their jobs ..now our country is almost a failed..

Cherath Tuesday, 20 June 2023 01:57 PM

Sri Lanka's appointments of foreign dignitaries are very similar to those by some African states. Being in tuck with the govt. supremos matters. Skills and qualifications don't. If this is not a recipe for total bankruptcy and disintegration of the State, what it?

Lion Tuesday, 20 June 2023 03:07 PM

Lot of people thought when Ranil comes things will be changed to the betterment of our country but now they have realized it’s the same system of governance of Rajapakshas

Shalwerd Tuesday, 20 June 2023 03:11 PM

The entire country is a den of Political appointees.

Ram Tuesday, 20 June 2023 03:36 PM

We must understand that we are not qualified enough to criticise the political appointment as politicians are above the law even if the country go to hell. Voters must vote for honest candidates if any can be found. There are a few and many areas it will be candidates with skeletons in their cupboards

Volker Metzger Tuesday, 20 June 2023 04:04 PM

It is downright grotesque, but in view of the overall state of the government and the MPs supporting it, it is not surprising how and according to which criteria the selection of the "top diplomats" in Sri Lanka's foreign service takes place! The metaphor: "The fish stinks from the head! expresses the whole dilemma of an incompetent policy, driven only by selfish motives and personal interests, which has lost touch with the quality standards of its diplomats and their professional requirements as well as with the realities of the country's citizens! The result of this policy is the deep chasm and division of society into the haves, who can afford almost anything, and the poor, who lack the existential necessities and who suffer massively from their condition! This discrepancy between wealth and poverty in Sri Lanka has increased excessively in all areas of life under the last governments!!!

Volker Metzger Tuesday, 20 June 2023 04:06 PM

If there is not soon a radical change in policy towards more social justice and social balance, the explosives for the future of the country lie there!

Buddhist Tuesday, 20 June 2023 04:20 PM

A fundamental rights case should be filed by a person to reclaim all the expenses the state spends on other family members of politicians and senior government servants.

Wiraj Tuesday, 20 June 2023 04:35 PM

Not only foreign service, even the one time impeccable civil service is infested with corrupt cronies of politicians, who themselves do not deserve to be in the parliament or provincial councils. We can only lament about our fate!

DJ Tuesday, 20 June 2023 05:08 PM

Sadly, this will continue. Very disappointing to the carrier foreign service officials.

S.Siva Tuesday, 20 June 2023 05:10 PM

Rama never wanted to rule Sri Lanka. He should have left behind at least one monkey to rule the place then the place could have been much better.

Reply to all Tuesday, 20 June 2023 08:08 PM

Wiraj and all other who expressed their dismay about this diplomatic missions.. What happened in all civil service is funny joke.. Many of our top class graduates sit for all those examinations such SLOS and SL AS and other civil service exams ...many of them easily pass the written exams..some of them good excellent results and yet in the second interviews these politicians force the selection committee to select their men and girls ...in this way some of weakest graduates are being selected because some of these politicians think they own this country and they think they can do anything and everything I'm this country. That is why we say we need send some good people to parliament who are really loyal to this country..any honest politician would be the country first not his personal greed...they don't do any good by selecting weakest candidates for all these posts..A smarter upcountry Sri Lankan boy Tamil graduate can do far better than less smart Sinhala graduate...

RP Tuesday, 20 June 2023 11:13 PM

Please figure yourself. Ceylon donated Great Britain $1 Million pounds after the second world war. Now, we are pretty much begging from everyone. Ceylon was successful due to merit based system and Sri Lanka is struggling due to race and political based appointees!

Victor Bakut Wednesday, 21 June 2023 12:08 AM

What do you expect in the Foreign Service in Sri Lanka when the president , the parliament all are comprised of thieves. No democracy no elections only political dictatorship and corruption by the rulers.

Tharmi S Wednesday, 21 June 2023 12:12 AM

And yet we argue we would not vote for JVP because they rebeled against corrupt government decades ago. But keep electing the same crooks as they keep sucking us dry. Sinhalese voters are the bane of Srilanka!

Demuni de Silva Wednesday, 21 June 2023 03:45 AM

We need a fresher to rule the country with a fresh Constitution sans Presidency !

Nihal S. Samarasinha Wednesday, 21 June 2023 09:54 AM

The problem lies elsewhere. The so called Foreign Ministry carrier Diplomats who came on assignments for 2 or 3 years most of them do nothing constructive and just waste foreign exchange of the country. The engage in silly things like giving Tea parties to their friends. Go with the begging bowl to the community to collect funds for functions etc. They usually spent their first year to get used to the place. the second year they pretend to do some work and on the third year the spent on collecting stuff to take home and or tour around the region. In most instances, Political appointees are better placed.

Unscruplous Leader Wednesday, 21 June 2023 09:57 AM

RANIL WILL CONTINUE TO APPOINT PERSONS TO POSTS AND COMMITTEES IN THE WAY HE APPOINTED HIS COMMITTEE SOON AFTER THE CB BOND SCAM WAS EXPOSED !

ANNECUNT Wednesday, 21 June 2023 01:56 PM

It is not RANIL it is MAHINDA hiding behind ranil giving the orders bogollagama is a cronie of mahinda

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service - a den of political appointees

Comments - 47

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Most Viewed in News

Rupee expected to dip to Rs.310-320 range later this year: FCR

Sajith bars Daily Mirror over liquor controversy

Not only on-arrival visas but online visas too should be stopped

Tharshan Selvarajah makes history as first Sri Lankan to carry Olympic torch

Concessionary vehicle permits: MPs have their way, ignoring economic crisis

A leading hotel in Derby, UK sold to Sri Lankan company

MIRROR CRICKET

Over 400 players to go under the hammer at LPL Auction

'Mehta Toss Rule' for Indian Premier League Playoffs

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup FanCraze Greatest Moments: The hunt begins

Game-changers and record-makers: Statistical standouts from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Match-fixing allegations Court calls for report on voice sample of Sachithra

Customs seize Mexican Methamphetamine worth Rs.100Mn through Facebook lover from Guatemala

Rathupaswala shooting Case Accused acquitted after more than ten years

UK and Sri Lanka join forces to protect marine environment

Sri Lanka to vie at Asian Relays in Thailand

Over 400 players to go under the hammer at LPL Auction

'Mehta Toss Rule' for Indian Premier League Playoffs

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup FanCraze Greatest Moments: The hunt begins