Opposition lawmaker Dayasiri Jayasekara has claimed a new circular issued by the secretary to the president prohibits ministers, ministry secretaries and secretaries to provincial governors from meeting foreign envoys without prior approval from the ministry of foreign affairs.
In the past, we as ministers used to meet foreign envoys, communicate our needs, and obtain assistance, which has now been halted completely, Jayasekara told parliament yesterday (08).
He acknowledged certain positive aspects of the circular in question, including guidelines for Sri Lankan missions abroad to engage with MPs and ministers with regard to personal visits.
Jayasekara also said he had in the past facilitated fundings for local government projects under sister cities initiatives with other countries.
“This has become like North Korea now,” he said, expressing concerns over broader restrictions contained therein.
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