A wave of social media posts alleging corruption, cronyism, and sexual misconduct against Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath is sweeping the nation, creating a severe crisis for the current government, which came to power pledging to eliminate politicization, favoritism, and sexual impropriety.
Accusations circulating on social media claim that the Minister has used his position to appoint close associates and personal contacts to senior positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has awarded them major financial projects without any competitive tender process.
More seriously, some posts accuse the Minister of engaging in sexual misconduct, exchanging positions and privileges of women within the Ministry for personal gratification. Photos and videos circulating online have further fueled these suspicions.
Silent Response and Breakdown of Professionalism
Notably, the Ministry and the Foreign Minister have refrained from providing a clear response to these allegations. However, several NPP politicians have filed police complaints against social media users making these accusations, alleging “character assassination,” which appears to divert attention from the core of the allegations.
An internal source within the Ministry, speaking anonymously, described the atmosphere within the Ministry as “extremely stressful” and noted a “complete breakdown of professionalism.”
Diplomat’s Disappointment
A retired senior diplomat with years of experience in the foreign service commented that this situation is “nothing new,” and that “sexual misconduct, cronyism, and moral corruption” have existed within Sri Lanka’s diplomatic institutions for many years.
“Some officials used their power for personal pleasure, promoted those who complied, and marginalized those who didn’t. It is extremely regrettable and shameful. Sometimes I wonder if we need a foreign service if those who perpetuate this have no conscience left,” the diplomat stated.
Foreign Minister’s Absence and Website Downtime
Amidst the allegations against the Minister, Mr. Wijitha Herath’s absence from the preparatory discussion for the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 was conspicuous. Instead, 34-year-old Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra chaired the event, and his handling of the situation in front of senior diplomats reportedly demonstrated his inexperience.
Furthermore, the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been inactive for over two days, raising questions about transparency.
JVP Takes a Strong Stance
Meanwhile, internal sources within the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) state that if credible allegations are made against any member of the government, a comprehensive investigation will be launched. They emphasized that the party has previously acted decisively against its members involved in such misconduct, and that “no one is above accountability.”
