Foreign policy implementation should be led by Foreign Ministry
Friday, 5 February 2016
Friday, 5 February 2016
The Sunday Times last Sunday had a headline that said a Committee headed by Charitha Ratwatte, a one-time UNP Chairman, will with immediate effect oversee the working of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The committee would be called the Global Affairs Committee.
While this still to be officially confirmed, there is no question Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s understanding of international politics is outstanding and he is held in high esteem by senior politicians like Senator McCain and Collin Powell (both have told me in person), therefore the Prime Minister giving directions on foreign policy is a good thing. But for a committee sitting outside the foreign office giving directions may lead to bigger conflicts between the Prime Minister’s office and the Foreign Office.
Mangala and his Deputy Harsha are very capable people with a lot of energy and can articulate very well our political and economic vision overseas. Mangala unlike most other politicians has a lot of political acumen and therefore he needs to be empowered fully to
deliver and in return he needs to up his game. However, there is no question the foreign policy for the country must be determined by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers supported by a competent foreign service.
Revive the Ministry
During the last administration, of the 49 posts, 35 heads of diplomatic missions were filled with political appointees, and this practice turned the Foreign Service into a branch of the UPFA. The politicisation of the Foreign Service led to the dismal state in the foreign relations sphere in the country.
While this still to be officially confirmed, there is no question Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s understanding of international politics is outstanding and he is held in high esteem by senior politicians like Senator McCain and Collin Powell (both have told me in person), therefore the Prime Minister giving directions on foreign policy is a good thing. But for a committee sitting outside the foreign office giving directions may lead to bigger conflicts between the Prime Minister’s office and the Foreign Office.
Mangala and his Deputy Harsha are very capable people with a lot of energy and can articulate very well our political and economic vision overseas. Mangala unlike most other politicians has a lot of political acumen and therefore he needs to be empowered fully to
deliver and in return he needs to up his game. However, there is no question the foreign policy for the country must be determined by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers supported by a competent foreign service. Revive the Ministry
During the last administration, of the 49 posts, 35 heads of diplomatic missions were filled with political appointees, and this practice turned the Foreign Service into a branch of the UPFA. The politicisation of the Foreign Service led to the dismal state in the foreign relations sphere in the country.
Diplomacy plays a direct role in addressing the root cause of insecurity. Diplomatic initiatives build partnerships so that nations can work together to address bilateral and multilateral issues. Diplomacy refers to communication or negotiations tactics that use political and legal channels to address both bilateral and multilateral issues.
