No payment made by Basil to use VIP arrival lounge at BIA

22 November 2022 06:27 am - 58 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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- With Basil now being a civilian, officials say he cannot use the Gold Route Service free of charge

- Several SLPP MPs were seen enjoying the food, but no payment made

- A cost of 200 USD has to be made per person to use the VIP arrival lounge

- Basil leaves BIA in police escort

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa who arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday morning to a grand welcome at the VIP lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is yet to pay the bill for using the VIP services as well as for the food which was provided to the guests that arrived.

With Basil neither being a minister nor a parliamentarian, he has no right to use the VIP lounge of the BIA and also gather so many guests, most of whom were parliamentarians, officials from the Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya of Sri Lankan Airlines told Daily Mirror.

When contacted officials from Sri Lankan Airlines Catering Service confirmed that they had provided the food to cater to Basil Rajapaksa's grand arrival at the VIP lounge of the BIA, but they were yet to receive the payment for this food from the Aviation Authority.

Basil had arrived at the Gold Route Service at the BIA which costs over 200 US dollars per person if the VIP service is to be used.

Sources said that the lounge has two rooms and at least 100 people, mostly those from the SLPP, had gathered at the Gold Route Service to welcome the Rajapaksa member and the VIP car park was also used.

Inside sources from the BIA confirmed that the VIP lounge had been used by Rajapaksa and his entourage without a payment being made to date and no one had an answer as to who would pay for the services used by Basil and his SLPP party.

Videos which emerged from the event showed several SLPP MPs and guests seen enjoying the food and greeting Basil but when contacted as to who had made the payments, BIA senior officials remained quiet and said they could not comment.

Basil Rajapaksa left for the United States in September after members from the Rajapaksa family were ousted out of office mid this year and he resigned from his parliamentary seat in June.

Kumaran Wattala Tuesday, 22 November 2022 06:46 AM

Make the BIA officials make the payment.thanks for the press to bringing this fraud public.the hench officials should be punishefd.Enough this family has ruined the country.

DPerera Tuesday, 22 November 2022 06:53 AM

Do they allow any other passengers to enter VIP lounge without making payment first? Catch the airport official who allowed Basil to enter VIP lounge without having paid the entrance fee and deduct the cost from the his/her salary.

Demuni de Silva Tuesday, 22 November 2022 06:55 AM

Provider of the services/supplies should be recovered the entire cost.

neil Tuesday, 22 November 2022 07:30 AM

Let us watch how the government handles this issue. Who is responsible etc.

Mahesh Tuesday, 22 November 2022 07:33 AM

The person responsible for giving it without collecting money should be sacked and taken to courts

Stop let MP or 225 use it for free Tuesday, 22 November 2022 07:56 AM

Letting MP use the lounge without government making payment, but just expecting for Sri Lankan to bear costs is why airline is having such great losses. It should be made as full fee business, which doesn't give service unless money is paid for it, Minister or ordinary person. Biggest debacle is MP and Minister getting to use it for free because they are one of the 225 crooks.

Sri Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:04 AM

Eating at the expense of poor people in Sri Lanka..what a shame? This is his patriotism ...no wonder how this country suffers from the economic crisis..yet we have some people to welcome him

Punchi Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:11 AM

The ingrained culture of self entitlement, plunder, self benefiting one self, corruption that has brought us to the stage of our women now being auctioned overseas ie modern slavery will never be expiated from our society and mindset and will keep us perpetually in poverty

Robin Banks Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:12 AM

Let's pay for his 7-star accommodation and travel, and when he leaves reward him in dollars. Let's forget and forgive the billions he stole from our impoverished nation and transferred to his motherland USA. After all, forgiveness is fundamental to our Buddhist upbringing. And president Ranil is so attuned to Buddhist values and culture.

Nilmini Welivita Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:16 AM

He is charismatic and a brilliant scholar, he should be treated with reverence for the great service he has done to SL. Let's spare no expense to welcome him back to our shores.

Truth Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:16 AM

One doesn't have to pay to enjoy his own belongings. In power or not the wealth of the nation is with the family. Simple as that

Meera Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:37 AM

No problem, he has to pay off all what he robbed, if not he is not going to live long.

Sokrates Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:38 AM

Why give service before payment??? Ignorance is bliss but stupid is forever

Asoka Goonawardena Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:39 AM

Please make sure all expenses incurred on his visit through VIP lounge and the security provided is paid for as it is public money , Kaputa now is a NIkama still trying to rob poor people's money. Ranil for your actin

Doomed nation Tuesday, 22 November 2022 08:40 AM

Despite all the protest what's happening in SL is a clear indication of how much corruption and cronyism is ingrained in SLn mindset, culture, heritage, lifestyle etc., you may call whatever it is. And the people aspire to remain a deveping nation where as it's already a doomed nation.

Seegiripala Amarabandu Tuesday, 22 November 2022 09:01 AM

In SL government run by RW (a henchman of SLPP) going to change $200 pp? $200x100=???. Is there any officer with guts to charge this from Kaputa? How he has given access to this lounge? Wonderful - wonderPUL - PULL - PULL!!

suresh Tuesday, 22 November 2022 09:10 AM

Dont tell us. If we used it, you know how to charge us isnt it?

They Own Tuesday, 22 November 2022 09:16 AM

SRI LANKA is their property. They are EXEMPTED from all Taxes and Levy.

tilak Tuesday, 22 November 2022 09:40 AM

freaking Charlie, a thief returns and the whole govt. establishment goes to receive him and eats free food at tax payers expense- This is the reson IMF do not come forward to assist us Hey RW, is this why wwe pay such exhorbitatnt taxes, to feed you clowns, while we starve

Sam Tuesday, 22 November 2022 10:24 AM

I see no reason to make a big bang about this. Please ask him or a henchman to pay his bills. Done and dusterd.

Tonynadaraja Tuesday, 22 November 2022 10:38 AM

Whoever authorised must be made to pay and explain why.

Tax Payer Tuesday, 22 November 2022 10:46 AM

Whatever adverse comments made by the tax payers whose money is being wasted on this rogue and his cronies, are useless as these things may be done with the President's tacit consent.

Roman De Silva Tuesday, 22 November 2022 10:46 AM

In response to Basils assistant Nilmin Welvita in these comment section Yes he is the best crow there ever was in this country. He Caw Caws our ideals, and his english is the stuff of legends. We should make a diamond route for him to come, forget about the gold route. All bow to our mighty crow.

Gayantha Hemachandra Tuesday, 22 November 2022 10:58 AM

Those guys including BR, GR , MR, CR, NR,SR have no decency in paying bills or bearing cost of such things and they will continue do so till our people stop worshiping them and hunting them down. Those Rajapaksas have made the country bankrupt and looted national wealth . Now except Rajapaksas ,their inner circle supporters and top bureaucrats , all are paying heavy prices and suffering gravely.

Nandasena R Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:18 AM

Do Not worry give him a few weeks stay in Sri Lanka and 'mister 10%' will collect his dues from forthcoming Sri Lankan deals and pay Sri Lanka BIA.

Laalindra Y Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:26 AM

Can Janaka Wijayapathirana of Srilankan Airlines -SNSS explain this?

Jef Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:32 AM

Like the IMF said sri Lanka should seriously privertise all sectors have very important local administraded council local government in place then much of mismanagement financial curoption should be minimize or stop. government need firm reforms policies in place no point jumping up and down outside world have very poor opinion about sri Lanka we need to change the way do things You simply can't blame basil

Thambi Vijay Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:50 AM

No hope for turning this country around

Aiyo Basil Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:51 AM

I heard 10% of the invoice value went to his account, regardless of the bill being settled ..that's how Basil works

Neel Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:58 AM

This what the politicians and high authorities loves to enjoy. They never wanted or interested in providing any services to anyone instead suckings everyone's hard earned money and enjoy to the best. We just can't do much...sad...

Thimothy Tuesday, 22 November 2022 12:01 PM

Can someone file a case for this on the basis of unauthorized usage of public property and wastage of public money.

Sandy Tuesday, 22 November 2022 12:03 PM

This is why privatization is important many people had too many free lunches for too long

Parakrama Weerasinghe Tuesday, 22 November 2022 12:10 PM

Not only using VIP lounge, even getting police escort is a fraud. How can goverenment give this facility with our tax money??? Someone should pay for this facility, who ever approved it. He is an American citizen having duel citizenship in Sri Lanka.

G SEGARAM Tuesday, 22 November 2022 12:34 PM

Charge the officials of airport and those on duty not to obey rules. Inform Mr.Anthony, custom officer in BIA arrivals who retained me and asked to declare because I had USD 50 in my travel pouch... ridiculous.

sam Tuesday, 22 November 2022 01:03 PM

Someone will use public funds to settle this

Joseph Tuesday, 22 November 2022 01:19 PM

This is exactly how these low life politicians do in Sri Lanka, live off the government and its institutions. All for personal gain and to advance their blood sucking ways. Now run to the temple.

Be Fair Tuesday, 22 November 2022 01:35 PM

Well, Basil is still powerful and controls. Who the hell gave orders, made arrangements, sure that can be tracked. Take them to task. Why cant no one do that

Surrounded with all miserable stories. Tuesday, 22 November 2022 01:35 PM

Yes we all are aware that Rajapakshas are the God's of this country for many people of this country. Thanks to Prabakaran. But finally we have to to pay for our sins and we are paying now.

Buddharakkitha Tuesday, 22 November 2022 01:37 PM

All these pohottu and all other politicians and officials who are in power directly or indirectly; follow their ancestors who pioneered terroreism(1959) in this country after independence. New laws or new or present constitution cannot solve anything until people completely reject all these thugs, thieves and murders. What is the value of judiciary that is supreme if this system cannot stop these thugs contesting elections again?

Karl Tuesday, 22 November 2022 01:45 PM

Why this is a news even?? We all know he's the biggest crook is SL!

annecunt Tuesday, 22 November 2022 02:06 PM

Put him in jail where he belongs

UMAS Tuesday, 22 November 2022 02:09 PM

What a disgraceful family this is NOBODY SHOULD VOTE FOR NAMAL RAJAPAKSA

emilyjoack Tuesday, 22 November 2022 02:11 PM

He got 4 houses in califonia under his wifes name given for rent

Christo Smith Tuesday, 22 November 2022 02:55 PM

Where is the minister for Aviation? Another bootlicker of the Rajapaksha's, he will do anything to get a ministerial post. Stupidity at its best

Cherath Tuesday, 22 November 2022 03:25 PM

Unfortunate though it is, some people in Sri Lanka actually live and behave as though they are superior to others and are more Sri Lankan that those who toil, not by morality or ethics but by enforced thuggery. Having lived almost 50 yrs abroad, this is my unfailing impression I get every time I visit. I used my own funds for my higher education.

Kunara Tuesday, 22 November 2022 03:49 PM

This is called "CORRUPTION". The family do not realise that they are corrupt to the core since long before MR became President.

Aquarius Tuesday, 22 November 2022 04:04 PM

The VIP lounge and the catering services did not just happen without someone being behind it. It should not be difficult to find the details and these person/persons should now bear the cost. The fact that they all gathered to have a tamasha at the expense of the people, is really sickening. This is the true picture of our political culture - scroungers with no accountability.

Martin milton Tuesday, 22 November 2022 04:45 PM

Why on earth was this thieving 'ratbag' allowed to enter the VIP Lounge anyway? The person who allowed that needs to be punished. The more people flock round rogues, hypocrites and traitors such as these specimens, the more time Sri Lanka will take to correct her course to enter a stable economic path. These crooks should never be allowed to set foot on hallowed Sri Lanka soil. MM

Lion Tuesday, 22 November 2022 04:54 PM

This is not a surprise as Rajapakshas are under the impression that this country is owned by them and now governed by a man who was selected by them.

Binky Ratna, Tuesday, 22 November 2022 05:53 PM

They are all in each other’s pockets.Ranil knows how to pull wool over the eyes of the Rajapaksa’s and sell the country to the USA.His LTTE adviser is now in

DJ Tuesday, 22 November 2022 09:44 PM

Why are you all surprised? This is Corruption at its best in Sri Lanka.

dickie bird Tuesday, 22 November 2022 09:48 PM

It must be their personal property. Disgraceful free loader.

Lal. Fernando. Wednesday, 23 November 2022 05:25 AM

What do you expect from this person. No education, cannot speak English properly. A person like that have no self-respect to him or to any other. It is high time people of this great nation REJECT people like this out rright.

Ben Wednesday, 23 November 2022 06:36 AM

In the parliament they wine and dine out of public funds ,they won’t pay electricity water or any other bills,even their piece of soap or food on the table coming out of peoples money,so BR doesn’t feel difference,but children fainting in schools or families skipping meals in the country due to these political scavengers uninterrupted looting

Will we/they remember? Wednesday, 23 November 2022 08:17 AM

Basil was denied entry to VIP lounge, and he took his revenge while returning back. But the whole country saw the ALIBABA and THE 40 ACCOMPLICES. Now it is for the voters to treat every on of them with respect, generosity and kindness. Will we/they remember?

Chandana Kumara Wednesday, 23 November 2022 12:01 PM

No point being bewildered who would pay. Find out on whose orders the catering service has served the guests. Someone in authority has to place an order and it is easy to find out who. Afterwards, it is a matter of finding out from him/her the basis of h/her placing the order with the catering service.

Sam sen Wednesday, 23 November 2022 01:58 PM

It is very obvious that Rajapakses are still in full control of everything in the country. We all know that they looted the country and made it a beggar status. We also know that they bend the law the way they want. They are also sitting in the country...not run away anywhere. Said that, Rajapakses are smart and will prevail as long as people are idiots and feeble.

Ranjan Tuesday, 29 November 2022 12:14 AM

It was seriously a like a religious affair with the Pohottuwa thieves worshiping and even kissing his feet. He should be called Saint BR.

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No payment made by Basil to use VIP arrival lounge at BIA

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