Foreign Affairs Ministry gets tough with nepotism in dpl appointments

by damith
October 6, 2024 1:18 am 0 comment 2.5K views

By Chamikara Weerasinghe

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to take action regarding allegations of nepotism in the appointments to Sri Lankan Embassies and High Commissions abroad, a ministry official said on Friday evening.

Responding to an inquiry from the Sunday Observer, the official said that the Ministry is reviewing appointments involving those with close ties to politicians. It has been alleged that the sons, daughters and other relatives of former Ministers, State Ministers, and influential political families were appointed to Foreign Missions.

Efforts to obtain a direct comment from officials at the Human Resources and Mission Management division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry were unsuccessful. Attempts to contact them on Wednesday and Thursday were redirected, and we were asked to submit questions via email.

In the email, the Sunday Observer raised the following questions: Has the Ministry identified those involved in nepotistic appointments? Is action being taken following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s instructions to recall them? Does the Ministry acknowledge the misuse of public funds and resources in these appointments? How many such individuals are currently serving in Foreign Missions, and what are their roles?

The same inquiry was made to Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Aruni Wijewardene on Friday, after being directed to do so by the Mission Management Department.

A ministry official, responding on Friday, said that while they could not answer all the questions at this time, the matter was under consideration. The Ministry’s response, delivered in a brief two-paragraph statement, read:”As per discretionary power granted to H.E. the President by the Constitution to appoint Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and other diplomatic agents, there had been appointments made to Sri Lanka Overseas Missions. These officers are currently serving in Sri Lanka Missions as per the duties assigned to them.

“As per the Extraordinary Gazette Notification issued by the Department of Elections on September 25, 2024, the transfers of public officers of whatever nature in public institutions have been stopped during the election period. The Ministry will be taking appropriate action on the matter.”

The issue of nepotism in diplomatic appointments has sparked widespread public concern, with many questioning the qualifications and merits of those appointed to serve in Foreign Missions.

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