“Undoubtedly the contribution of Dr.Dayan Jayatilake as a Diplomat , to Sri Lanka and to its leadership has been patriotic, dynamic and stands ahead of the rest of the Sri Lankan Diplomats. Certainly there are lessons that other diplomats could learn from Dr.Dayan Jayatilake.”_______________
By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam
(June 23, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Are our Diplomats performing their duties overseas ? Are they Patriotic ? How many of them are trying to seek permanent residence in the countries they serve ? How many of them have defended their country and its leadership ? How many of them are conversant in English ? How many of them observe the norms required of a Diplomat ? Is it true that some of them are a disgrace to the diplomatic world and to the country they represent ?
A great number of matters have to be put in order in many place in the arena of diplomacy. The country they represent, the Leadership should benefit from the Diplomat who represents the respective country. It is so unfortunate that the importance of diplomacy is undefined, unexplored, unused and unaccountable. One could assess the activism of the Diplomat by browsing through the website of the embassy they represent. Websites are a reflection of their performance.
I have been studying the subject with much ease and observing the performance of those representing Sri Lanka. I must admit that the best website is the website of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in the UN in Geneva. Undoubtedly the contribution of Dr.Dayan Jayatilake as a Diplomat , to Sri Lanka and to its leadership has been patriotic, dynamic and stands ahead of the rest of the Sri Lankan Diplomats. Certainly there are lessons that other diplomats could learn from Dr.Dayan Jayatilake.
His Excellency President Rajapaksa addressing the inauguration Project of “The Road Map tp Promote Spoken English Skills in Sri Lanka” at Temple Trees on June22,2009 stated “English is everywhere. Millions and millions the world over speak English as their first language, and more than that number uses it as their second language. It is the language of globalization and we need to be proficient in English. “And, It’s the language of international business, politics, diplomacy, computers and the internet,” . As such we need to promote English to our Diplomatic community serving overseas. Professional eloquence in English should be a pre requisite for diplomats.
The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies has been acknowledged as a Professional Institution to cater to those interested to pursue careers and interests in international studies. However, the same has not been spoken regarding the Kadirgamar Institute for International Affairs & Strategic Studies although their Mission Statement has hopes and aspirations. The Professional and academic Institutions catering towards diplomacy should function up to their expectations and this could be done only if there is an effective Board of Management to accelerate programs of international standard or it’s very existence becomes futile and an abomination to diplomacy and strategic studies.
(The writer can be reached tcrajaratnam@gmail.com )-Sri Lanka Guardian
The onus of administering the return of Sri Lankan diplomats and their families lies with Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, they turn a blind eye and have failed to show any accountability on sordid issues that have occurred in numerous countries. Canada is one of them. Former Consul General for Sri Lanka in Toronto left his wife and family back and is enjoying a high post in Colombo with GOSL. The last Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canada too did the same on the Consul General's advise. His family now lives in Ottawa. Many others have sought permanent residential status not only in Canada but many other western countries. This is a most disgraceful act of shame. But no one cares, at least the GOSL does not care. What is the point of DJ advocating policy when GOSL does not care a damn. Who is fooling whom?
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