Abstract:
In the modern context, any sovereign country should have an extremely professional Foreign Service,
which is capable of conducting foreign relations of the country. Having such a pragmatic and
professional Foreign Service, a country expects to promote and protect national interests. In addition,
it is of paramount importance for political, economic, social, cultural and technological development
of any country.
Unlike in the early stages, the diplomatic structure, international practices and procedures have
become very complex in the 21st century and therefore, each and every country ought to be hastened
to adjust its Foreign Service in line with the dynamics of foreign relations. The Sri Lankan Foreign
Service seems to be neglected and downgraded as a professional service in the same way as the
Administrative Service. It is important to note that the Sri Lankan Foreign Service is politicized, lacks
transparency in recruitment, tends to recruit incompetent staff and wastes public funds.
This research covers the practice of foreign relations in the last decade and this study is based
primarily on secondary data. The purpose of this study is to identify some challenges, problems in
recruitment and professional conduct of Sri Lankan Foreign Service officials. In conclusion, the
Foreign Service should be revamped without political appointments as well as with skilled staff with
economical use of public funds for best national interests.
