Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association flays Govt. over political appointments

• Expresses disappointment that highly qualified Foreign Service Officers were overlooked in favour of political appointees
• Says appointments violate 2024 election manifesto, which promised to appoint professional career diplomats based on merit

By Huzefa Aliasger   

In the wake of the Daily Mirror report over political  appointments to diplomatic Missions, the Sri Lanka Foreign Service  Association (SLFSA) expressed deep concern that several recent  appointments to Head of Mission (HOM) positions have been made from  outside the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS), disregarding the  established norms of professionalism, meritocracy, and diplomatic  expertise.  

In a media release the SLFSA says, “The SLFSA expresses  its strong disappointment over these appointments, which have overlooked  experienced, highly qualified, and career Foreign Service Officers who  have dedicated their careers to representing Sri Lanka on the global  stage. The Sri Lanka Foreign Service is a specialised cadre, trained  specifically to execute the country’s foreign policy and safeguard its  international interests. Bypassing career diplomats in favour of  political appointees weakens institutional integrity and compromises Sri  Lanka’s diplomatic standing.”   

The SLFSA further mentions the decision is particularly  alarming, as it directly contradicts the Government of Sri Lanka’s 2024  election manifesto, which pledged to: “Appointing professional career  diplomats, with a proven track record to head Sri Lanka’s missions.  Appointing qualified officers for Foreign Service on merit basis with  professional excellence, with the highest standards of ethical conduct and  diplomatic discretion.” “Immediate remedial action must be taken to  depoliticise the Foreign Service and make appointments on merit.”   
The media release further states despite these commitments,  the continuation of politically motivated appointments undermines the  integrity of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic corps and demotivates career  diplomats who have undergone rigorous training and have extensive  international experience. 

There is a longstanding and regrettable precedent of ambassadorial and diplomatic positions being awarded as political favours by successive governments. The SLFSA had hoped that this practice would end, allowing for a stronger, more independent Foreign Service that serves the best interests of Sri Lanka rather than political affiliations.

The continuation of this trend is a matter of grave concern, not only for the Foreign Service but for the country as a whole. The Association has made repeated requests for meetings with the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to discuss these concerns. However, despite multiple followups, an opportunity for engagement has not yet been granted. The SLFSA will continue to pursue these meetings.