By The corridors of power are buzzing with discontent as the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) lashes out against the government’s latest round of diplomatic appointments. In a rare move, career diplomats have broken their silence, openly criticizing the selection of political appointees to Head of Mission (HOM) positions. But why now? After all, Sri Lanka’s embassies have long been safe landing spots for retired service chiefs, deep-pocketed businessmen, political offspring, and even the occasional singer who crooned for a campaign.
What makes this round of appointments different? Insiders claim that the government has essentially tripped over its own promises. The very administration that vowed to “appoint professional career diplomats with a proven track record” is now being called out for blatantly doing the opposite. The SLFSA has even quoted the 2024 election manifesto to highlight the glaring contradiction
Let’s be real—diplomatic postings have always been political gold. Successive governments have strategically placed their loyalists in plush international positions, ensuring that campaign donors, military allies, and political retirees live out their golden years at the taxpayer’s expense. No one seemed to bat an eye when embassies transformed into retirement homes for former generals or when well-connected business moguls suddenly became ‘diplomatic representatives.’ So, what’s changed?
Sources suggest that the foreign service elite has finally had enough. For decades, they have swallowed political appointments as a bitter but inevitable pill. However, this time, the sheer audacity of the appointments—combined with the government’s blatant disregard for its own promises—has hit a nerve.
Government’s Justification: ‘Exceptional Qualifications’
Of course, the government is not backing down without a fight. Media spokesman Nalinda Jayathissa defended the appointments, arguing that there are individuals with “exceptional qualifications” who deserve the opportunity to serve the country, regardless of whether they are career diplomats. But let’s be honest—how many of these “exceptionally qualified” individuals have done anything extraordinary for Sri Lanka beyond enjoying a comfortable overseas assignment on public funds?
Critics argue that if these appointees were truly exceptional, they should have been working in key government positions at home, tackling Sri Lanka’s economic crisis or strengthening foreign policy from within. Instead, many are enjoying taxpayer-funded residencies in global capitals, far removed from the ground realities of governance.
The Diplomatic Mutiny
The SLFSA’s protest is a game-changer. Unlike in the past, where career diplomats grumbled behind closed doors, this time they have gone public, issuing a damning statement about the erosion of professionalism in the Foreign Service. Their concern is not just about being overlooked—it’s about the damage done to Sri Lanka’s diplomatic credibility. If embassies continue to be filled with politically connected placeholders rather than trained professionals, the country risks losing its voice on the global stage.
Despite repeated attempts to meet with the President and the Foreign Minister, the SLFSA claims their requests have fallen on deaf ears. But make no mistake—this is not an issue that will disappear quietly. As the government digs in its heels and career diplomats grow increasingly vocal, the battle over diplomatic appointments is only just beginning.
The big question remains: will the government acknowledge the backlash and course-correct, or will it brush off the outrage and continue the age-old tradition of rewarding political loyalty over professional merit? Either way, the diplomatic cocktail just got a whole lot spicier
