Jayantha to America, Yasoja to Canberra, Mahishini to New Delhi - New Government's Ambassadors Ready

The new government is finalizing a list of appointees after recalling several Sri Lankan diplomatic mission heads from overseas. Former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya is set to take over as Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

He will replace another former Chief Justice, Mohan Peiris, who was recalled along with other political appointees last November.

Yasoja Gunasekera, who has the longest service record in the Sri Lankan Foreign Service, is set to assume the position of High Commissioner in Canberra, while Mahishini Colonne, who served as Deputy High Commissioner to India from 2011 to 2014, is to be appointed as High Commissioner in New Delhi.

Both these officials are career diplomats with extensive experience.

The list also includes Dr. Janaka Kumarasinghe from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Recently retired Air Force Commander, Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, is also set to receive an ambassadorial position. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath stated that this list is being finalized.

Last year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration recalled 16 politically appointed heads of diplomatic missions. According to Minister Herath, replacements will be appointed from both the foreign service and other professions based on regional requirements.

While the government has considered factors such as educational qualifications, experience, and subject knowledge in selecting suitable candidates for these positions, many Sri Lankan diplomatic missions are likely to be filled with non-career (political) appointees.