Cabinet Media Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa asserted that the appointments of former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Mahinda Rathnayake as Ambassador to Cuba were based solely on merit and not political motivations.
Jayatissa emphasized that these individuals were deemed most suitable for the positions, dismissing allegations of political favoritism. He stated that the government maintains a firm stance against nepotism in foreign service appointments, highlighting that individuals from various fields with the necessary skills and capabilities to represent the country can be considered for diplomatic roles.
The spokesperson also addressed concerns about the appointment of former Chief Justice Jayasuriya, given the ongoing court cases related to his alleged suppression of cases during his tenure. Jayatissa differentiated between Udayanga Weeratunga’s appointment and Jayasuriya’s, stressing that the government’s criticism was directed at appointments based solely on familial ties to politicians.
He expressed confidence that the appointees would serve the nation diligently in their foreign postings and assured that these appointments would not disadvantage foreign service officers.