Restructuring and Establishing an Integrated Sri Lankan Foreign Service

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.