RIYADH, 12 April 2004 — Sri Lankan ambassadors in five Gulf countries are to be recalled by the new government of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) under President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
They are the ambassadors to Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The five were political appointees.
The island’s new Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar has announced the Foreign Service will be revamped.
Sri Lanka has some 55 foreign missions around the world, only 13 of which — including Saudi Arabia — are headed by career diplomats. All others were political appointments by former Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The foreign minister’s decision has other political ambassadors fearing for their jobs. However, sources say the ministry cannot recall officers who have not completed their employment contract, which usually runs for two years.
Such recalls are standard practice in Sri Lanka.
