Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday, 10 March 2026 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath
Leave aside one’s agility in domestic politics and the rank one occupies in the political establishment. And leave aside one›s intelligence as well.
One may be politically knowledgeable, highly respected within the political establishment, and even good at thinking in one’s own language and communicating effectively.
However, it is pertinent to note that a foreign minister of a country is that country’s No. 1 diplomat to the world. If that Foreign Minister cannot promote the country abroad, defend the country›s interests, or shed light on its policies and positions, especially in external contexts, the country loses BIG.
The Foreign Minister’s
counterparts from other countries — most of them being professionals or political figures capable of communicating in more than one language -- would not fail to find their colleague’s Achilles’ heel.
Why should a situation like that be avoided? Because diplomacy is about negotiating, and communication is key to successful negotiations. Even surrenders, in diplomacy, involve negotiations. So, if a Foreign Minister doesn’t
communicate well, or doesn’t have the language skills to defend the country (he/she can of course choose a language beforehand, with interpreter) or clarify its policies and positions effectively, irrespective of the postures or facial expressions he/she adopts, it amounts to a surrender. It’s not the surrender of the person concerned. It’s the surrender of the country’s interests.
In short, when a foreign minister who is sent abroad at public expense (whatever little) fails to communicate in the manner expected of a Foreign Minister, it’s
a double jeopardy. It’s a financial loss for the country. And a loss of its pride too.
Isn’t it more than a moot point?
