Some MPs used state-funded overseas trips for shopping, U.S. Chief Sanghanayake claims

15 March 2026 08:03 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 27 Bookmark

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By Sisira Wijesinghe from Washington DC

March 15 (Daily Mirror) - The Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the United States and Chief Incumbent of the Maryland International Buddhist Temple, Katugastota Uparathana Thera said he had previously met several Members of Parliament and ministers who had gone shopping during official overseas visits at the expense of public funds.

However, the Thera expressed confidence that the present government’s MPs and ministers have refrained from such shortsighted practices.

He made these remarks when Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, visited him on last Friday (13) to seek his blessings during his visit to the United States.

Dr. Gunasena is currently in the U.S. to participate in the “Transforming Transportation 2026” programme organized annually by the World Bank, aimed at promoting new transformations in the global transportation sector.

During the meeting, Venerable Uparathana Thera said that international exposure and experience are extremely important for strengthening Sri Lanka’s road transport sector.

The Thera further pointed out that developed countries such as the United States maintain transport services primarily as a public service rather than a profit-oriented venture, adding that a similar approach should be considered in Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister also briefed the Thera on strategies that could be adopted to improve Sri Lanka’s road transport system through knowledge gained from the four-day “Transforming Transportation 2026” programme held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington.