This week, the Government stated that 15 officials appointed to Sri Lanka’s foreign diplomatic service on a political basis have been instructed to return by 1 December. According to Cabinet Spokesperson and Foreign Affairs Minister, Vijitha Herath, children and spouses of certain Parliamentarians and Ministers have also been directly appointed to positions below top diplomatic positions.

The Government asserted that such appointments would not be made in the future.

Political appointments to Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions have long been a subject of concern, especially in recent years, where the practice has raised serious questions about the qualifications of those selected for high level positions. Often, such appointments are perceived as political favours or rewards for loyalty, rather than based on merit or expertise. The growing frequency of these appointments has intensified criticisms about the lack of a merit-based approach in Sri Lanka’s foreign service, with many wondering whether the country’s international interests are being compromised in favour of political expediency.

In Sri Lanka’s experience, non-career diplomats come from fields such as law, politics, or the corporate sector, and are selected based on their prominence or political connections rather than their expertise in diplomacy. While some of these appointments have led to successful international representations and positive diplomatic outcomes, others have been marked by controversy. During the era of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, several high-profile non-career appointments, including family members, were made. Although such appointments are not limited to the Rajapaksa era, those appointments sparked widespread criticism.

While non-career diplomats can bring a fresh perspective and valuable connections to Sri Lanka’s international dealings, it is crucial to ensure that such appointments are made with careful consideration of the individual’s qualifications. In other words, their appointment is acceptable as long as they can fulfil their responsibilities as required. Diplomacy is a complex and highly specialised field that requires expertise in international relations, negotiation, cultural awareness, and geopolitical understanding. Therefore, any diplomat, whether career or non-career, must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively represent Sri Lanka on the global stage. In this regard, stringent vetting processes should be established to assess candidates’ suitability based on their professional experience, diplomatic judgement, and the ability to understand and deal with the intricacies of international relations. In addition, non-career diplomats should be appointed to positions where their already acquired skills and experience are the most relevant. For example, a successful business leader may be well-suited to a trade or economic mission, while a legal expert might excel in dealing with international law or human rights issues.

Such suitable appointments can not only improve the country’s diplomatic representation but also help avoid controversial and ineffective appointments.

Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe economic crisis, and the need for strong international support and cooperation is more important now than before. Therefore, Sri Lanka’s diplomats must be skilled at managing ties with other nations and securing the international support necessary to stabilise the country’s economy. Effective diplomacy is essential for negotiating loans, fostering trade partnerships, and attracting foreign investments. In this context, diplomats must not only possess the technical skills to navigate the global political landscape but also diplomatic skills to build trust, secure deals, and secure the country’s interests. 

In this context, appointing individuals who are both competent and capable of representing the country’s needs with professionalism and credibility is crucial, and should receive more attention.

To improve Sri Lanka’s diplomatic service, several measures need to be implemented. There must be a move towards a more professional and merit-based system when it comes to selecting diplomats. This includes better training programmes that equip diplomats with the skills needed to deal with the complexities of international diplomacy. In addition, the Government should focus on eliminating unnecessary expenses within the foreign service while ensuring that essential diplomatic activities are adequately funded. Cutting wasteful spending and focusing resources on areas that directly benefit Sri Lanka’s international representation will help streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of the country’s diplomatic missions.