UNP Unaware Of Reasons Behind Chandrani’s Son’s Diplomatic Posting: Kiriella

October 1, 2014

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella today called upon the government to ensure appropriate legal measures are taken against Monitoring MP of External Affairs Sajin Vass, against assaulting Chris Nonis – the Sri Lankan High Commissioner for UK and thereby set a precedent to protect Lankan diplomats.

UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella

Speaking at a media briefing today, Kiriella told media the ‘Minister responsible for the assault’ should be duly apprehended using relevant criminal law provisions.

“There are plenty of eyewitnesses to this incident to which includes the Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs and the President himself. If they abide by the rule of law, appropriate legal action should be taken against this Minister in question,” the MP said.

He referred to an incident that occurred several years ago in Sri Lanka involving a Burmese diplomat, his wife and a Lankan journalist that led to a murder as a result of an extra marital affair.

“Necessary legal measures were taken regarding the incident. Criminal law does not discern state level officials – it is equal to all,” he said.

He also blamed the highly politicized situation in the Foreign Service that has resulted in the present plight, pointing out that 75% of the diplomats are political appointees.

“This government appointed a tea powder merchant as the Ambassador to the US. He went there andswindled millions of public money. Although these deals were revealed by media no action has been taken so far against him,” he said.

Meanwhile, queries were also made concerning the diplomatic posting given to UNP MP Chandrani Bandara’s son recently – a disclosure made by Colombo Telegraph.

“I am not aware on what basis his appointment was given. Maybe he passed the relevant examination to enter the diplomatic service. What is important at this juncture anyway are the top positions and he was not appointed as an Ambassador,” Kiriella said.

The son of UNP Parliamentarian Chandrani Bandara, Rukshan Jayasinghe has been given a diplomatic posting by the Rajapaksa Government even though he has not passed the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Exam or gone through the appropriate channels.