Colombo Telegraph learns that Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Chris Nonis, despite resigning from his position last Monday (29) continues to visit the High Commission premises.
Sources claim that he had visited the High Commission last weekend and had accessed his computer and backed-up/deleted files etc. Colombo Telegraph also learns that a key to the High Commission premises is still in his possession and continues to use his official vehicle.
These frequent visits of Dr. Nonis to the High Commission premises has led to the development of an awkward situation among the staff, as they are uncertain of how to engage with him and are also concerned on whether he might have accessed files containing sensitive information from their computers as well.
The Colombo Telegraph has been unable to reach Nonis for comment.
His official Facebook page still says; “Dr. Chris Nonis, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK”
The External Affairs Monitoring MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, who mercilessly assaulted Nonis at a gathering in New York. His resignation letter that was handed over early last week was eventually accepted by the External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on Friday (3) upon instructions by the President who was irritated over Dr. Nonis complaining about the slapping incident to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who had in turn prevented Vass from meeting the Pope in Vatican.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner to the Maldives Chanaka H. Talpahewa has been appointed as the chargé d’affaires in the UK High Commission.
Related posts;
High Commissioner Nonis Quits After Assault By Sajin Vass
Nonis Resigned But Don’t Quote Me: Media Minister Keheliya
Clarification And Investigation Into Nonis’s Resignation Is Vital: Prof. Wijesinha
Nonis Says Unable To Comment But Says He Is Sure Everyone Knows What Happened
Nonis Confirms Assault And Resignation
Angry President Accepts Nonis’ Resignation
Despite The Drama, Keheliya Knew All About Nonis’ Assault
Robert.R / October 7, 2014
Ha ha not so easy to let go of the perks is it?
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Amarasiri / October 7, 2014
“Colombo Telegraph learns that Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Chris Nonis, despite resigning from his position last Monday (29) continues to visit the High Commission premises”
Let Dr. Nonis enjoy life instead of being a Shill and being beaten up.
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Don Stanley / October 7, 2014
CT editors we need more political economic analysis in these columns!
We hear all the time about the politicization of the MEA and Judiciary, but now we need more analysis of the economy now with the budget round the corner.
The hardship that people face, reflected in the Uva elections, is due to the politicization of the Central Bank and the manner in which the people of the country are forced to pay for the huge borrowings and economic mess that Nivard Cabraal is making and the culture of living on borrowed monies which is endangering the banking sector in the country.
POLITICIZATION OF THE CENTRAL BANK.
The Central Bank is lying about inflation rates to drive down interest rates so the Nivard Cabraal can borrow more money from local banks at low reates for the Mahinda Jarapassa re-election campaign, and to pay debt, but it is the people who live on fixed deposites and the poor who are suffering due to inflation and CB speculation in currencies as well…
Nivard Cabraal is involved in short term manipulation and speculation with savings of average people at this time. We do not know the real inflation rate because Nivard Cabraal wants to embark on a borrowing spree from local banks and is now trying to drive interest rates into the ground – single digits – so he can borrow at low rates from local banks. The interest rates on fixed deposites which is what the elderly live on has dived within six months from 13 percent to 6 percent. Now Cabraal is forcing people to take out their monies and spend on consumption! The CB has lied about inflation rates in order to cut down interest rates. Nivard Cabraal must be held accountable and the politicization of CB explained to Sinhala Modayas who are suffering as a result of policy instability and political circus of premature elections.
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Patriot / October 8, 2014
Don Stanley,
Good to see some of our CT readers keep a close watch on what is happening to our economy.
My only fear is “Kangettas” will polish our Central Bank Gold and Foreign currency reserves before they leave politics and power.
It is time to keep a close watch and to investigate everything happening relating to our economy, monetary policies,FDIs and all the other reserves.
We cannot trust “Kangetta” Central Bank reports.
Cannot forget Seychelles Island and the Pyramid scam Alibabas.
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Dodo / October 7, 2014
A picture says a thousand words..
Sounds like Nonis and Sajin Vass deserve each other. Both are lying bimbos surrounded here by bimbos too!
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Yehiya / October 7, 2014
Yes.someone have 2 takeover. Until his responsibility. Professional officer
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srilal / October 7, 2014
Even though he has tended his resignation letter in an earlier date , MR accepted his resignation letter only on 3 rd of October , isn’t it normal practice when high profile professionals resigns they need to give some ample time ( 1 to 3 months )to complete what ever they have started off? under the circumstances of course Nonis should be able to access the premises and make arrangements to have a smooth transition , i just don’t get why you try to make a big issue over this standard practice ?
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Ben Hurling / October 7, 2014
Smooth & dignified transition of position & power is something unknown to Sri Lankans.
Despite them boasting at any given opportunity 2500 years of civilized history.
Bitterness, bickering, back-stabbing & public brawls are a norm during high profile transitions in SL.
Cheers!
PS:
When the current “King” in SL ascended to throne in 2005, his predecessor CBK was nowhere to be seen. Power was not handed with Pomp or dignity by CBK. She was about having to leave.
However, “King Kong” true to his form managed to organize plenty of Pageantry for himself. Spending billions of tax payers money.
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Robert.R / October 7, 2014
Given the circumstances he resigned I am suspicious what mischief he is up to.
This is not a kothu rotti maker’s job (not that there is anything in doing this and earning a living). This is a highly sensitive job and I wonder what he is doing accessing all the sensitive information on the WEEKEND ???????
It is fine to come in when the replacement is there to teach him but sneak in as he has???
Also given the excellent public transport in the London + he is a doctor so prob well off so either use public transport or use private car NOT official car.
Shows still craving for perks.
Don’t let your hatred of the regime cloud your judgment. This guy is no angel. Coming in on the weekends my foot….
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Peace Lover / October 7, 2014
Good ole Nonis certainly knows to pose for pics with sexy chicks!
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Salted Fish / October 7, 2014
Good photo showing the Charlie and his angels.
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Vibhushana / October 7, 2014
Nonis is kind of a wallflower. He may be good selling tea, but a useless diplomat. The HC needs an Internet savvy, engagement specialist. He/she just need to constantly engage the press, diplomats and the foreign office. It has to be someone who can pre-empt things such as the CHGOM debacle.
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G1 / October 7, 2014
Why don’t you apply for the U.K High Commissioner job?
“He/she just need to constantly engage the press, diplomats and the foreign office. It has to be someone who can pre-empt things such as the CHGOM debacle.”
At the rate you engaged in CT Forums and white washing the current regime, I am sure you are a ideal candidate for this job.
If Sajin Vas Gunerwardanda can be a EAM monitoring MP, I bet you have a very good chance getting Chris Nonis post…..
After all you are very well versed in our twisted 2500 history.
:-)
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Ram / October 7, 2014
Nonis was probably the best High Commissioner in Britain in recent times, miles ahead of the Senewiratnes and the others of similar ilk, who could hardly answer a question put to them. Let us hope that the NEXT will be at least as good as he was.
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sach / October 9, 2014
ah is that why sajin assault him?
The commonwealth debacle was not due to nonis but because of MR gover. Anyone who used to read media news and rational had realised commonwealth was gpoing to be a royal mess for this gover and it certianly was.
It was the idiot who decided to have commonwealth in SL who should be responsible and that is MR.
MR will be brought down but not by his enemies but by people around him like Vaas. Sad thing is the country would be brought down with him
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thrishu / October 7, 2014
So we have a Talapaya now, when do we get KS & SVG’s Halapaya to be the SLK HC in UK
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Mallaiyuran / October 7, 2014
Pommery is a Champagne company as per Google. Certainly it is not Saiyakadai tea!
Kshenuka does not know. But doctors knows to treat well the people.
This Chris Norris drama can take many thousands twist. CT will not be able to cover the entire episode.
I do not know if Naren show the picture. If so he may write some sympathy for DR. Chris Norris.
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jay pathbey / October 7, 2014
Hey Peace Lover,
I don’t see any sexiness in the three women Dr. Nonis is photographed with they look like [Edited out]
JP/USA
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jenn / October 7, 2014
Dr Nonis is also another boot licking [Edited out] just that he is only a bit more sophisticated that than the rest.
Robbing the innocent Sri Lankan tax payer for his personal fancies and jaunts. What a guy
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mike / October 7, 2014
Dr.No is certainly going to miss all the sea food that he richly cherished!
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Kevin / October 7, 2014
The next Wikileaks (from the secret database) to be broadcast as Chrissyleaks?
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chitra / October 7, 2014
Nonis has No shame, no dignity. This is the way he behaves.it is normal. He has foul mouth. Misused his powers. He will continuously do everything possible to jeopardise the work at HC with his lackeys in the community.
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Parakrama / October 8, 2014
I was also told that he used his g boys Jehan and Tuan who arent hc staff to access files not only at his office but also in the information department. They have also made a big fuss and have ckeared files and emails from his Pa machine.. It all to suspicious… And also how can people from outside who aren’t part of the mission or ministry have access or given access….
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sarath / October 7, 2014
May be Trade division files. Those files carry very important details and sensitive data. He allegedly earned millions by giving many trade deals to his company and his friendly companies those came to high commission. Conflict of interests. That’s why this man got this post by giving a huge donation to rajapakse in 2010 presidential election. I assume he earned billions from those doggy deals. Shame on you nonis
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Shiro / October 7, 2014
How they can put their dignity aside, and still try to cling to power. Obviously he enjoys being in this position, and reluctant to let it go. Well, his President has openly taken the side of his goon over him, showing him and the country who he supports, and no surprise it is the thug who attacked a Sri Lankan official who represents the country. The rajapaksa’s keep their thugs close to them.
So it is best to leave with some self respect.
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Harry Hatton / October 7, 2014
We have non-english speaking con-men like Sajin Vass and english speaking con-men like Nonis. Otherwise there is difference in the republic of con-men !
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Nic Xavier / October 7, 2014
Well the Cardinal took precaution to ensure this uncouth thug did not erupt into his usual behaviour and slap His Holiness – that would be an “un-holy strike”?
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Antany Peter / October 7, 2014
Smart work by Dr Nonis, he is having lots of information to give headache to the Rajapaksas. This is how the Rajapaksas deal with Tamils, the UN and Dr. Nonis ;-)
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K.A Sumanasekera / October 7, 2014
Nonis can’t just let go the Duty Free Boose to who ever Vaas sends over.
Besides , considering the damage done to both by a single bottle of old wine Nonis must be worried if a novice gets hold of his collection.
I mean even Colombo Elite are not up to speed with Wine drinking although the per capita incomes have sky rocketed.
Nonis who is a new Pom , and at least can read the label and get a feel.
Just imagine a Sinhala Buddhist relo of the Prez get the job, He will be chasing chicks after a couple of glasses instead of photo shoots….
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Antany Peter / October 7, 2014
Dr. Nonis should have lodged a complaint with New York Police: UNP Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella. It is very true, the New York Police would have dealt with the incident very efficiently. By now Sajin Vaas Gunawardena would be in New York jail. It is not too late to lodge a complaint with the NYPD. Late is better than never.
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Matilda Ellepola / October 7, 2014
a shameless low life man is this Chris Nonis and just got slapped from a even worse moron have helped him to save his day until now and its high time CT as well as folks like Neville de Silva come openly about exposing the real Chris Nonis.
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Eshan G / October 7, 2014
My Dea Mattie
The realisation of truth has dawned, albeit slowly I see
Yes, do ask Neville
Enjoy
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roy / October 7, 2014
Sajin de Vass Gunawardena is an uneducated monkey. [Edited out]
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Safa / October 7, 2014
Nonis – [Edited out]
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Kautilya / October 7, 2014
Sad situation of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service.
The Nonis issue seems never to away and it would be important to see the situation of our Country’s Foreign Service since 2009 May.It has simply been destroyed as the following would show,with so many talented officers being sidelined on account of hostility shown by Monitoring MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena.
1. Mrs Chitranganee Wagiswara ( 34) years in the Foreign Service. An extremely able officer with a extra ordinary service record . Served as Deputy High Commisisoner in London during the challenging years when the LTTE propaganda machine was going full speed in late 1990s.High Commissioner in Singapore,France and Canada where she performed well under challenging conditions.By her experience and talents alone she should have been Foreign Secretary.!compared to mediocre Shenuka Sneviratne. But Wagiswara sidelined since she will never carry out illegal orders of Sajin,which Shenuka will willingly do.Now she is additional secretary and though much senior she reports to junior Shenuka.
2. Mr. Esala Weerakoon. (25 years in the FS)Ambassador in Norway.He kept SL/Norway relations in superb level after the peace talks were called off.acting head of mission in Tokyo and Paris where he was also Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Posted to London he skillfully dealt with Commonwealth Affairs, obtains much for SL. Did much to promote Australia Sri Lanka relation.He was selected by the UN for the prestigious Disarmament Fellowship and by the Commonwelath for a Induction Program.An excellent officer with skill and ability to engage in English and French. His skills were much recognized by those like General Sepala Arttygalle in London and Dr. Ananda Guruge in Paris.He has been sent to Ministry of Economic Development to work under an officer many years his junior Reason for sidelining: Had not called Sajin “Sir”.
3) Mr.Ahamed Jaward. (25 years expirience in the FS) Ambassador to Norway and Saudi Arabia.Was in Norway in the years of peace talks.His excellent reports on Norway’s attitude to the peace talks were much valued by Palihkkara former secretary.Was CEO of SAARC heads of state conference Colombo 2008.Was Deputy PermanentDelegate to UNESCO in Paris. Was selected by UN for Disarmament Fellowship and by Commonwelath for Induction Program Speaks excellent English and French.As Deputy head in ChinaWas nominated to negotiate accredited destination status agreement with China so that Chinese tourist can visit SL.Obtained Saudi support in favour of sl at UNCHR for 3 years.Reason for sidelining: Did not receive Sajin at the airport in Oslo although he was then just a coordinating secretary to excellency president.
3)Maznavee Sadick (24 years in FS) Was responsible for drafting the best Miniute in SLFS history.Ambassador to Saudi Arabia where he did much to improve relations with Sl,especially with Saudi Fund.As ambassador in Brazil set up the embassy and got Brazil support for SL at UNCHR which was extra ordinary achievement since Brazil was to vote against SL.Did much for helpless refugees in Kuwait in 1st gulf war.Talented officer.Speaks excellent English and Arabic.Reason for sidelining.:Refused to carry out illegal order to appoint a friend of Sajin as a local recruit to the Embassy in Brazil.
4) Mr. Mohamed Amza (20 Years in FS) Did brilliantly well as DHC madras having links to Karunanidhi and Jayalathia..Reason for sidelining.: wrote email to some friends about Sajin refusing him Additional Secretary post to him, some thing already granted to Majintha Jayasinhe,officer with only 13 Years experience .
5.Mr.WGS Prasanna (14 years in FS) Excelent officer especially in Administration field.Did very well as country director for SL at SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandhu.Reason for sidelining: Wrote email in frustration of Sajins mad handling of Ministry.
6) mr. Ransiri Perera,18 years in SLFS excellent officer .trained and worked under mr palihakkara one of the most excellent diplomats , in Bangkok.Speaks good English and Japanese.Reason for sidelining: could not get Sajin through VIP lounge in New York when he came for UNGA in 2012,when the maximum allowed by US immigration was 6 persons.
7) Mr Kapila Jayaweera,18 years in FS ,excellent speaker in Chinese,and political analyst .Did very well in Ottawa, Beijing and New Delhi.Speaks good Hindi too..Reason for sidelining.Refused to carry out illegal appointment ordered by Sajin while Kapila was Director of Overseas Administration Division.
8) Mr T Raveendran 19 years in FS. As High Commisioner in Kenya did excellent service specially in securing the release of Sri Lankan sailors held by Somali pirates.Organized State vists by Excellency the president to Kenya and Uganda..Reason for sidelining: Did not see Sajin off at the airport whereas Mr Ravvendran had to see off a Minister at the airport.
9) Mr. MHMN Bandara 12 years in FS. Fluent speaker in Chinese.Gave much assistance to SL students in China by helping them immensely.Did much Consular and administrative work to help Sri Lankans in both China and Nethelands..Reason for sidelining: As Director in the Consular Division in the External Affairs Ministry refused to certify a FORGED certificate brought by a close friend of Sajin.
Sajin has carried tales about all the above officers to The President tell him that all the above are not supporting the government and president has been given a wrong impression.Sri Lanka thus suffers
With such capable officers sidelined by Sajin Vass Gunawardena, all Divisions except one Divison headed by very junior officers,with no seniors to supervise.Ministry now in fully messed condition.There are many more wronged officers.But no one cares.Ultimately no surprise that government gets a bad name abroad.
President must remove Sajin for External Ministry and appoint some who can advise him on foreign affairs like HMGS Palihakkara a respected diplomat or at least Dayan Jayatilleke or Rajeeva Wigesinghe .But Sajin will never allow it.and President and government will get a bad image abroad.
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Native Vedda / October 7, 2014
Kautilya
Thanks for your information.
Are they all fluent in doublespeak?
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srilal / October 7, 2014
Kautilya ,
so much valuable information and would have been an excellent comment , but whole comment is worthless when you read just the last paragraph.
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Jayantha / October 8, 2014
Kautilya,
Thank you for the info. Yes we know that we had some great Academics and real Diplomats who were highly respected by the International community. But they were all been either sent on early retirement or been kicked out from the Foreign Ministry. Many of them left Sri Lanka to settle abroad. Now a bunch of crooks, thugs and criminals run our Foreign Ministry.
It is still great to see that at least some of our CT readers are keeping a track of them and keeping in their memories.
We need to brain storm and educate public with more articles and publishing Books and refer archives on our Foreign Ministry personnel and their work.
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Tony / October 7, 2014
Oh an interesting piece of information comes out of this article where most were no aware of, where Sajin did not have an opportunity to meet the Pope. He rushed out of the country even missing a media gathering saying he was going to meet the Pope with the President and the hooligan seems to have not got a chance to do so….that’s a bigger slap on the face. This should be given more prominence & highlight to tell the people that Sajin in a no-body and not a boot licking some body.
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Roy / October 7, 2014
You are lucky that Sajin Vaas G didn’t see this picture before the slap.
He would have given a contract to DIG Vaas G.
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Ansar / October 7, 2014
Kautilya,
All due respect to all your observations, the last phrase in your comment is reprehensible, “President should remove Sajin Vaas Gunawardane”.
Do you think that this uneducated corrupted moron will keep anyone with a good track record close to him. It is not at all possible, going by the track record of him.Starting from EMBEZZLEMENT OF TSUNAMI FUND AND ALL THE CORRUPT DEALS UP TO DATE.
NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNTIL THIS MORON IS UN-SEATED. IT IS LIKE CHANGING THE PILLOW FOR YOUR PAIN IN THE NECK. THE PAIN IS IN THE NECK, NOT DUE TO THE PILLOW.
I am surprised that you did not mention this basic fact in your comment.
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douglas / October 7, 2014
Kautiya: Thank you for the info. You missed one fact in the conclusion, i.e. all those “brilliant” Foreign Service personnel and many more did not have the “Most Essential” qualification, “Failure of GCE (O) Level” even attending Royal College and a “Criminal Record” comparable to those of Sajin Vass Gunawardane. So without these “qualifications” do you expect any in the Foreign Service to succeed? I doubt.
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NG / October 7, 2014
Read in the media that as per his employment contract, Chris Nonis is required to give a month’s notice with his resignation. If that is correct he still is the HC for the next 30 days from the date of his resignation. Therefore, he is obliged to attend office unless he is specifically instructed not to do so.
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Tamil from the north / October 7, 2014
[Edited out]
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Know All / October 7, 2014
In major private sector companies there are clear procedures laid out that are to apply when employees, including senior personnel, leave. And those procedures provide, however, painful it might be to the persons involved, for the departing employees to be denied access to any computers in the organisation from the moment of their resignation or dismissal from their positions. Such employees are usually escorted out of their offices without delay and if they need access to their offices to clear any personal effects, they need to do so in the presence of another designated employee. Such procedures are part of the normal arrangements covering employment and are advised to and well understood by every employee, so that when someone leaves or has to leave suddenly there is no misunderstanding; everyone accepts that it is part of the employment conditions.
I wonder whether the SL High Commissions and Embassies abroad adopt such procedures to ensure the security of data and data access, and to save everyone concerned unnecessary embarrassment. If not, such procedures should be put in place without delay.
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kevin / October 8, 2014
Know all. What you say is true. But that is only in intelligently run organisations, not in claptrap setups like our foreign ministry. Good luck with the theorising. By now Nonis would have copied all the files he wanted. Chrisyleaks to follow soon?
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srilal / October 9, 2014
often high profile professionals do have remote access to their PC’s and main servers , not only that nowadays almost every body uses laptops and those laptops go every where they go , so as far as accessing the data is concerned it won’t be a major issue for him .
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Lasantha / October 8, 2014
Yes Resignation letter with 30 day Notice. Otherwise Dr.Nonis will not get his Pension and other benefits.
Also Dr.Nonis need not come back to Sri Lanka if he’s a Duel Citizen. He could go back to his old profession as a surgeon in London or be the country director for Mackwoods Tea, or simply work for PM David Cameron or Ranil Wickremasinghe.
Happy go Lucky guy with chicks beside.
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Top Man / October 8, 2014
Sending Talpahewa to London from the Maldives has many ironies.First, it’s a long long way from Male to London.Second the work in Maldives is near zero while in London it over 110 !I understand that Talpehewa has been in Male for over 3 years. So one may fathom how rusty in the professional sense this officer must be.Thirdly, He is supposed to have had only 2 postings in terms of experience ,the rest being spent in Colombo due to his own peculiar wishes.Fourthly, Talpehewa is said to have only 13 years of diplomatic experience .Lastly He is said to have what is temeperemetally an introverted personality and his own world view of things,so much so he was purposefully kept in the small sub division dealing withCIS countries without a break for 8 years which he is said to have enjoyed tremendously in view of the solitude it afforded just as Maldives does right now.In other words he preferred cold storage.
Now , sending a person with such a professional back ground to what is a very important Capital indicates the utter bankruptcy of our once Professional Foreign Service and indeed the Minister of Foreign Affairs who is said to have personally selected this ” young man”.
Now what does all this say of our Foreign Policy , if indeed there is one? CT readers who are very knowledgeable are the best judges to answer this question.
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