Foreign trip expenditure

9 February 2011 03:15 pm

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris had spent Rs. 6.5 million for 13 foreign visits he undertook along with his entourage up to November 25, 2010 since assumption of duties in his office after the General Election in April, the same year, Parliament was informed today.

This was revealed in an answer to a question posed by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake.

However, his predecessor Rohitha Bogollagama had spent as much as Rs.27 million for 36 overseas tours during his 39-month period.  Late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar had spent Rs.7.7 million for four visits during four months, and late Minister Anura Bandaranaike Rs. 2.6 million for three visits during three months. Also, former Minister Mangala Samaraweera had spent Rs.6.3 million for 13 visits during 13 months.  

Prof. Peiris had toured in countries such as Bhutan, China, the USA, Japan, the UK, Iran, Ukraine and Maldives during that period. (KB and YP)