By NPP Government Moves Forward with Political Appointments to Key Diplomatic Missions
Despite earlier commitments to minimize political appointments in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic service, the National People’s Power (NPP) government is making moves to appoint political figures to key overseas positions. The decision has raised concerns among career diplomats who argue that such appointments contradict previous promises to prioritize career diplomats. However, the government justifies the move, claiming that political appointments are necessary to ensure qualified individuals head important missions.
Notable appointments include:
Prof. Janaka Kumarasinghe for the Embassy in Tokyo
Former Air Force Commander Udeni Rajapaksa for South Africa
Nimal Senadheera for High Commissioner to the UK
Prof. Arusha Cooray for the UAE
Sonali Samarasinghe, widow of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga, for the Sri Lanka UN Mission
These decisions highlight the ongoing trend of filling diplomatic posts with non-career diplomats, a choice the government attributes to a shortage of experienced career diplomats.
