Political henchmen exploit BIA VIP Lounge: UNP

26 May 2013 04:52 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The VIP lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was exploited for the comfort of politically connected persons travelling abroad, United National Party (UNP) MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam charged in Parliament last week.

MP Kariyawasam said though the VIP lounge was meant to ensure a smooth passage at the airport for eminent personalities, that facility was abused at the behest of ruling party politicians.

“I recently used the VIP lounge when travelling abroad and noticed how political henchmen were provided facilities there. They were even served tea at the lounge. I had previously raised this 1question regarding persons eligible to use the VIP lounge but did not receive a proper response,” he said.

He said there were also instances where politically connected persons were sent abroad when they faced criminal charges. The UNP MP raised the issue as a supplementary matter during question time.

Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Geethanjana Gunawardane who did not respond to this question, simply evaded it saying it was not relevant to the main question. (Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 10

Be fair...... Monday, 27 May 2013 02:35 AM

Hey Akila,
This is a minor matter, you at least have the privillege of using it, I the tax payer, whose money was used to build it will only can dream of that privillege.

BudinOz Monday, 27 May 2013 02:47 AM

Don't they exploit everything and anything for their own benefit?

Chewing Gum Monday, 27 May 2013 02:55 AM

Is these a big difference between political henchmen and the politicians. There are just the same.

Chewing Gum Monday, 27 May 2013 03:23 AM

Agree, away with the VIP hole.

Harshana Monday, 27 May 2013 05:08 AM

Seriously? dude! we have bigger problems than BIA VIP Lounge. Whats wrong with these UNP people now...God!!!

renu Monday, 27 May 2013 05:17 AM

Kudu karayas are entertained at the VIP lounge by some politicians

Sherly Monday, 27 May 2013 05:40 AM

Akila, please don't use the vip lounge.

siripala Monday, 27 May 2013 08:09 AM

This is the biggest problem for Akila !!!!!!!!!

lyza Monday, 27 May 2013 12:40 PM

So, only big problems can be raised ?

Aslam Tuesday, 28 May 2013 08:10 AM

Dear Minister can you make the airport visitor pass to Rs.50/= or even Rs.100/= would be ok. and the parking Fee about Rs.20/= per hour. This will speak some sense. I dont know why they charge so much from visitors and for parking.

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Political henchmen exploit BIA VIP Lounge: UNP

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