The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) has expressed deep concern over recent political appointments to Head of Mission positions, stating that these decisions disregard established norms of professionalism, meritocracy, and diplomatic expertise. In a statement released on February 7, 2025, the SLFSA conveyed its “strong disappointment over these appointments, which have overlooked experienced, highly qualified, and career Foreign Service Officers who have dedicated their careers to representing Sri Lanka on the global stage.”

The Association emphasized that the Sri Lanka Foreign Service is a specialized cadre trained specifically to execute the country’s foreign policy and safeguard its international interests. They warned that “bypassing career diplomats in favour of political appointees weakens institutional integrity and compromises Sri Lanka’s diplomatic standing.”

Highlighting a significant concern, the SLFSA noted that these political appointments directly contradict the Government of Sri Lanka’s 2024 election manifesto, which pledged to appoint “professional career diplomats, with a proven track record to head Sri Lanka’s missions and appointing qualified officers for Foreign Service on merit basis with professional excellence, with highest standards of ethical conduct and diplomatic discretion.”

The SLFSA called for “immediate remedial action” to depoliticize the Foreign Service and make appointments based on merit. They also pointed out that, despite repeated requests, they have not yet been granted meetings with the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss these concerns. The Association intends to continue pursuing these meetings to address the issue.