Non-career diplomats likely to return by 15 Jan.

All non-career heads of missions and diplomatic officials have been asked to return to Colombo by 15 January. 

Some of them are due to finish their terms by the end of the year and will likely not be re-assigned at the Ministry of Foreign Relations, a source told the Daily FT. 

Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunewardene had issued instructions to recall all political appointees to Sri Lanka’s foreign missions with immediate effect. The Ministry had sent out instructions to return the career diplomats who have ended their service.

Sources also told Daily FT some of the non-career officials and heads of missions had requested from the Minister to allow them to finish their terms. It is unclear if the requests received approval.