Language skills are not a sign of intelligence.
Sri Lankans, sadly have been bought up with the mindset that knowledge of the English language equates to higher social status, higher cognitive ability and even probably higher sexual appeal.
To be honest, I know very few Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka who speak English coherently without frequent grammatical mishaps. It is utterly stupid moreso to expect your politicians to speak a foreign language, yet not expect them to not steal, not sell drugs, not commit murders etc.