Foreign Service Appointees on Political Basis Recalled by December 1

During today’s (6 November) Cabinet briefing, Minister Herath explained that some MPs’ and Ministers’ children and spouses had been directly appointed to roles below senior diplomatic positions, which he criticized as improper. He confirmed that 15 such individuals have already been recalled and assured that future Foreign Service appointments will be based on skills and expertise.

Herath clarified that while some appointees have prior experience, such as military or relevant service backgrounds, others were direct political appointees. He emphasized that all individuals appointed in that manner must return to Sri Lanka by December 1 and that future appointments will focus on the country's economic and international priorities, avoiding political influence in these selections.