Sri Lanka missing top diplomats for key strategic nations

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Five heads of mission posts in Sri Lankan Embassies and High Commissions, have been vacant for several months. According to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the positions of High Commissioners in the UK and Kenya and Ambassadors to the US, Russia, and Brazil are vacant. The position of Ambassador to the United States, a major international influence for the country politically, economically and in terms of foreign policy, has been vacant for nine months. The vacancy arose when former Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam was appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Sri Lankan mission in the UK also plays an important role in advancing the country's foreign policy. The position of High Commissioner in the UK has been vacant since Amari Wijeywardene concluded her tenure. The position of Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, another major international partner, has been vacant since March. This position has been vacant since the conclusion of the term of Dr. Saman Weerasinghe. The US, UK, and Russia also happen to be three of the largest sources of export revenue and foreign exchange for the country. JVP Provincial Councilor Wasantha Samarasinghe said that during the past three years the President the Prime minister and their people traveled to over 70 countries under the guise of strengthening the foreign ties. He stated that they said that the support of these nations will be obtained, but, until today they have been unable to appoint ambassadors and high commissioners to USA Brazil Russia and England. Furthermore, he said that the foreign service is collapsing as they have been unable to appoint heads of mission to the major countries. https://www.facebook.com/NewsfirstSL/videos/1939344316125817/