Why President took large delegation to UK; questions Welgama

20 September 2022 11:12 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 17 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Parliamentarian Kumara Welgama raised concerns about President Ranil Wickremesinghe accompanying a large delegation to the United Kingdom whereas only a three-member delegate should have been taken with him to minimize unnecessary expenses.

He told Parliament that President Wickremesinghe had accompanied around ten delegates with him to the UK and questioned as to why he did that.

"It would have been sufficient if he had taken three members. We are facing an economic crisis as a result of Shiranthi Rajapaksa and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa adopted similar practice by accompanying a large contingent of people along with them during their overseas visits," he said.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)

Comments - 17

Dharmatileke Tuesday, 20 September 2022 01:06 PM

Mr. Welgama there are other business matters can be discussed at a time when the head of state also there rather than making phone calls Srilanka need to talk to useful people when they are in the same place. This was not a joyride

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Udage Tuesday, 20 September 2022 01:32 PM

Tell us what those other business would be and what benefits brought them.

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K A Rathnayake Tuesday, 20 September 2022 02:24 PM

Calling BS on that one. Most other Heads of State left for the airport straight after the funeral.

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Kesaralal Dissanayake Tuesday, 20 September 2022 03:30 PM

Mr Dharmatileke seemed to be under the elusion that President would have taken advantage of such special visits to engage in bilateral discussions with UK authorities on matters of bilateral interest. He should realize the fact this particular visit did not give him any opportunity to meet with UK authorities since he was in the UK on courtesy visit. So don't try to fool us with your halfhearted lies just to earn browny points from your political masters.

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Nimal Tuesday, 20 September 2022 04:46 PM

LOL business matters? Most international delegates came and were gone immediately after paying due respects. For example, the US President went straight from Westminster to the airport. Didn't even stay overnight in the UK.

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Ram Tuesday, 20 September 2022 01:29 PM

Seven is not large compared with past foreign visits of our Head

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KA Rathnayake Tuesday, 20 September 2022 06:35 PM

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Please. Aim higher. Being ”not as bad” as the last lot is a pretty low bar to aim for.

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Cheran Tuesday, 20 September 2022 01:30 PM

There were many "joy" trips that were made in the past and why don't you question those Mr Welgama?

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ravin Tuesday, 20 September 2022 02:35 PM

"only President Wickremesinghe, Ms. Wickremesinghe, a special aide, three security personnel and the Director International Affairs attached to the President’s office " the above news from president office. Though I am not a fan of RW delegation is reasonable due to security concerns all leader have at present .

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Wrong, Wrong wrong Tuesday, 20 September 2022 03:54 PM

@Dharmatileke After having even a getting a day off for state sector, and schools also being off for the UK/Queen happening, it is absolutely a must to scrutinize about Ranil's delegation. The amount of learning lost, and lack of productivity because of the day off is already unacceptable. If the trend continues maybe even King Charles going through the show of coronation might take up Ranil's attention. Any rot has to be stopped now.

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Mahila Tuesday, 20 September 2022 06:00 PM

Where were you when the 'ROT' of Chartered Sri Lankan plane load of imbeciles were taken to New York and London led by the Scarf wearing Joker went and enjoyed the loot with his acolytes?? Or cricket fanfare to Barbados?? Hiding under the bed?? Oh no that was different, because you would have lost your Skull, and 6 feet under, if you raised objection??!!

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Mahila Tuesday, 20 September 2022 06:25 PM

Bunch of “know all”, commenting as if they were MC’s at the event?? For edification of all concerned the arrangement were 12 hour duration, in 6 different locations in succession ending in Windsor Castle?!! From approximately 6 am on Monday 19th GMT (Sri Lanka time 12:30 am 19th September) and finished at almost 6 pm GMT on the 19th September - same day SL time 12 :00 am on 20th September)!! Jokers don't know the program and commenting, because of 'Pay Master’!! Open their mouths to declare their ignorance?? Nincompoops??'

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Once upon a time I used to party Tuesday, 20 September 2022 06:32 PM

SL is all about partying, socialising and dancing. After all, western governments and silly overseas Sri Lankan’s will send money to pay our bills.

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Wrong, Wrong wrong Tuesday, 20 September 2022 09:01 PM

@Mahila Whatever past politicians trips before the economic crisis was a different situation. Old men rave, but the youth don't get caught up in their lost self-serving causes. I find the time before our current financial crisis, pre-2022 time is really ancient history. Interesting but not worth dwelling on. Rotten times of our long since rotten country culture.

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sam Wednesday, 21 September 2022 08:34 AM

Wonder whether the first lady was there?

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sam Wednesday, 21 September 2022 08:34 AM

Wonder whether the first lady was there?

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sam Wednesday, 21 September 2022 08:34 AM

Wonder whether the first lady was there?

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