The government has decided to recall 16 officials from various overseas diplomatic posts who were reportedly appointed based on political connections.
The Foreign Ministry has informed these officials of the decision, and they are expected to return to Sri Lanka shortly.
The following officials have been recalled: Dr. Lalith Chandradasa, Consul General in Los Angeles, USA, Anura Fernando, Consul General in Shanghai, China, Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, India, S.M.A.F. Moulana, Consul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Nishan Manik Muthukrishna, Minister at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, USA, Tharaka Dissanayake, Third Secretary at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, USA, Sanjay Punchinilame, Third Secretary at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, Melki Chandima Perera, Rome Embassy, Dinuka Carmeline Fernando, Canberra High Commission, Sahasra Bandara, Third Secretary in the Paris Embassy, Pandula de Soysa, Minister at the Moscow Embassy, Dr. Anwar Mohammad Hamdani, Minister Counsellor at the New Delhi High Commission, Priyangika Dissanayake, Third Secretary in Beirut, Yasmin Hilmi Mohamed, Second Secretary in Ankara, Ashwini Hapangama, Counsellor at The Hague Embassy in the Netherlands, Janaka Ranatunga, Minister Counsellor in Stockholm, Sweden.
The government is reportedly planning to recall additional individuals who were similarly appointed to diplomatic positions based on political ties.
