By Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Service Faces Controversy: Political Appointments Shake Up Foreign Relations
Is the NPP Government Undermining Professional Diplomacy?
Sri Lanka’s diplomatic corps is facing mounting controversy after the new government appointed seven out of eight ambassadorial nominees to key overseas positions from outside the traditional career diplomat pool. This move has stirred significant opposition within the foreign service, where long-standing diplomats have raised concerns over the politicization of Sri Lanka’s international representation.
Political Figures Appointed to Key Diplomatic Posts—Is This the New Norm?
Among the political appointees are prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Jayantha Chandrasiri Jayasuriya, P.C., who has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Other high-profile political figures named for ambassadorial roles include ex-Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, nominated to serve as Ambassador to South Africa, and retired Navy officer Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne, a leading member of the National People’s Power (NPP)’s retired armed forces collective, appointed to Pakistan.
Political Appointees Dominate—Is Sri Lanka’s Diplomacy Becoming a Political Playground?
The remaining political appointees in the first batch of nominations include R.M.M. Ratnayake, who is set to represent Sri Lanka in Cuba, Professor Arusha Vinodhini Cooray to the United Arab Emirates, Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe to Japan, and Upali Senadheera as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. These appointments, overwhelmingly political in nature, have sparked a heated debate, particularly given the NPP government’s previous stance in opposition.
NPP’s About-Face: From Opposing Political Appointments to Embracing Them
Notably, the NPP had voiced strong opposition to political appointments to the diplomatic service during their time in the opposition, advocating for a career-based selection process. The party’s former rhetoric focused on the need for experienced, career diplomats to hold ambassadorial posts, citing concerns about professionalism and the protection of Sri Lanka’s global interests. Yet, in a dramatic shift, the party has nominated an overwhelming number of political figures for these key diplomatic roles.
One Career Diplomat in the Mix—Is Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Future at Risk?
The lone exception to the trend is Mahishini Colonne, a career diplomat, who has been named High Commissioner-designate to New Delhi, India. Colonne, who has served in various foreign service roles, represents the traditional path to the diplomatic corps, highlighting the ongoing tension between political appointments and the established norms of Sri Lanka’s overseas service.
Public to Weigh In on Controversial Diplomatic Appointments—Have Your Say
The nominees have been submitted to the Parliament High Post Committee, which is tasked with reviewing the suitability of these appointments. Members of the public have been invited to submit their representations regarding the nominations, with a deadline of March 10, 2025. The committee will also review the appointments of 22 ministry secretaries, who have already taken office under the new administration.
The Committee That Will Decide Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Future
The Committee on High Posts plays a critical role in confirming the suitability of individuals appointed to top government positions, including secretaries to cabinet ministries, heads of Sri Lanka’s foreign missions, and chairpersons of state corporations. This body will have a significant say in determining the final list of appointees.
Critics Warn Political Appointments Could Weaken Sri Lanka’s Global Standing
The shift in diplomatic appointments has sparked concerns within Sri Lanka’s foreign service, with critics arguing that political appointments threaten to undermine the professionalism of the nation’s diplomatic representation. Long-time diplomats fear that such moves may prioritize political loyalty over experience and diplomatic acumen, weakening Sri Lanka’s ability to effectively navigate complex global relations.
Judiciary and Military Figures: A Disturbing Trend of Close Ties Between Power Structures
In addition to concerns over professional integrity, this development also underscores the growing interconnections between Sri Lanka’s judiciary, military, and political leadership. The nominations of figures with strong ties to the military and judiciary demonstrate the close links between these powerful institutions, which often benefit one another. Jayantha Chandrasiri Jayasuriya, former Chief Justice, and military figures like Udeni Rajapaksa and Fred Seneviratne have longstanding connections within the NPP, highlighting how former judicial figures and service chiefs have been integrated into the political landscape. These appointments reflect a broader trend of intertwining of state institutions for political gain, with critics arguing that these cross-institutional ties may serve to consolidate power, further politicizing state positions and reducing the checks and balances that are vital for a functioning democracy.
Political Appointments: A Sign of Things to Come in Sri Lanka’s Political Future?
This situation also brings into question the broader issue of how government policy affects public service. With the NPP’s past opposition to political appointments now at odds with their current actions, there is growing scrutiny on the political motivations behind these choices.
What’s Next for Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Service? The Public Will Decide
As the Parliament High Post Committee moves to examine these appointments, the outcome will likely determine whether Sri Lanka’s foreign service will experience a shift toward increased politicization or whether career diplomats will maintain their influence in representing the country abroad. With the nation’s international standing at stake, this ongoing debate is one to watch closely.
