Tue, 19 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Civil Aviation pays for food served during Basil’s arrival at BIA following Daily Mirror exposure

25 November 2022 12:53 pm - 51     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Civil Aviation Authority has paid a bill of Rs.60,000 to Sri Lankan Airlines Catering Services for the refreshments served at the Gold Route Service during the arrival of former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa last Sunday, after the Daily Mirror exposed that Basil had not paid for the food or the VIP lounge service.

The Daily Mirror learns that following the article titled, 'No payment made by Basil to use VIP arrival lounge at BIA' published on Nov.22, 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority had on Thursday settled a payment of Rs.60,000 for the food served to the guests during Basil's arrival.

This payment was made for rolls, sandwiches, patties and tea served to over 100 people, mostly from the SLPP party, who had flocked inside the Gold route service to greet Basil upon his arrival from the USA.

With Basil neither being a minister nor a parliamentarian, he had 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 had told Daily Mirror earlier this week. 

Videos which emerged from the event showed several SLPP MPs and guests enjoying the food and greeting Basil in a line to welcome him back into the country.

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.


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 51

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Chryshan K Friday, 25 November 2022 01:03 PM

    How can civil aviation authority pay for such expenses. Normally VIP suppose to make payment upfront. Law less country. Rajapakses are yet ruining the country. Spelling mistake. "ruling"

    Judge Friday, 25 November 2022 01:15 PM

    Who funds Civil Aviation Authority? Why can't this guy and other useless clowns who went to see him pay for these? No money?

    Tak Tik Tuk Friday, 25 November 2022 05:09 PM

    They only know to take money, paying is not in their vocabulary

    cineha Friday, 25 November 2022 01:15 PM

    There are no provisions under which the civil aviation authority could pay this bill. Now its time for the Auditor General and the COPE to act.

    Jude Friday, 25 November 2022 01:29 PM

    Who is the owner of Civil Avaiation Authority? Isnt that public money?

    L Jaya Friday, 25 November 2022 01:30 PM

    This was IMPERSONATE Hitler's orders. How many people starving and these blokes enjoy, food, drinks and usage of the VVIP lounge. Do Sri Lankan needs such politicians. Qua Vardis. God bless my motherland Sri Lanka

    Lumbini Friday, 25 November 2022 01:35 PM

    The person who gave orders to pay for Basil's party, must pay back to the Civil Aviation Authority.

    Sunil Friday, 25 November 2022 01:35 PM

    What a sordid affair. This is also public money being misappropriated. Sooner we get rid of these parasites the better.

    Poopage Batha Friday, 25 November 2022 01:44 PM

    Future of this country and its people are in big danger. This is not a short-eats case. A family of thieves come out to light with the protection of their own executive proxy. What kind of a democracy these foreign missions like IMF have to deal with, for the benefit of the ordinary people? So called enlightened bamunu rulers have already sold the country.

    Sam Friday, 25 November 2022 01:45 PM

    Correct me if im wrong but still a government agency so the greedy buggers were still feasting on our tax money!!!!

    Tissa Fernando Friday, 25 November 2022 01:48 PM

    So this guy just eats and does not pay the bill. The Aragalaya guys should go to big restaurants and eat and then should simply walk out. They can demand Basil to pay from all the stolen money.

    Kumara Friday, 25 November 2022 01:56 PM

    MPs belong into SLPP are paid by CIA (tax payers money) at the VIP lounge of BIA for a tea party. None, including Basil, of them should have been there in the first instance. This shows the corrupt nature of the ruling party which still alive and kicking in the 21st centaury. Can't the American afford Rs60,000?

    Observer Friday, 25 November 2022 02:04 PM

    Civil Aviation Authority settling the Rs. 60,000/ bill ? Is this in order ? If Basil and no right to use Gold Route Service, how did this happen and who is answerable ?

    Sandy Friday, 25 November 2022 02:10 PM

    Live in the united states and have no money to settle food bill.

    BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 25 November 2022 02:19 PM

    This is Hench-Aiya country. Now Civil Aviation pays Basil's bills, if we question this the answer will be Minister of Civil Aviation or any other Minister monkey ordered it. The ban-choon goes on despite the country in crisis.

    Lokka Friday, 25 November 2022 02:19 PM

    Rajapakse curse is still haunting this country. Why on earth the bill was settled by the Civil Aviation Authority. Who gave orders to the Authority for such an illegal act.

    Chris Friday, 25 November 2022 02:20 PM

    Can I have SL catering for my birthday for 100 pax. 600/- Rs for a roll, pattie, sandwiches and tea is a steal. Bloody hangers on

    Lion Friday, 25 November 2022 02:22 PM

    Has basil reimbursed the paid some to civil aviation authority ?

    Dhansel with Public Money Friday, 25 November 2022 02:22 PM

    Thank You Daily Mirror.

    Gayantha Hemachandra Friday, 25 November 2022 02:23 PM

    Is the Civil Aviation Authority a private company or government entity? Those Kaputas made the country bankrupt and caused unspeakable misery and hardships to the people. Now they are entertaining themselves using funds from those authorities. No laws or rules being applied to the Kaputas but only to general public… What a godforsaken bankrupt country with cowardice people !

    Nandasena R Friday, 25 November 2022 02:29 PM

    Why this Thamasha for a low level scoundrel who has fleeced this country via his siblings. This only goes to prove that there are bootlickers who will do anything to keep the Rajapakse family in power. This is all because they too can have the crumbs that fall off the table.

    joshua Friday, 25 November 2022 02:42 PM

    How come Civil aviation authority pay for these expenses? This should be investigated, and the perpetrators should be punished. Moreover, the country stinks moment Kaaka lands in the island.

    Lala Friday, 25 November 2022 02:42 PM

    WHAT AUTHORITY CIVIL AVIATION HAVE?? WHO’S MONEY?? WHO ORDER THE FOOD ? WHY BASIL NOT PAID?? 60,000/- ONLY 200USD. FOR HIM PEANUT??

    Neel Godfree Saturday, 26 November 2022 12:55 PM

    Yes, it's worth to note Civil Aviation Authority also one of the government Authority which is getting millions of loses every years .This 6o thousands also gone from the tax payers pocket. Actually we are sheme on our politicians and the who are in top posts of government institutions. Daily mirror has exposed some thing to the nation. Thanks

    tilak Friday, 25 November 2022 02:52 PM

    can soemone check if Basil paid for his flight ticket. I am sure that too was settled by someone else

    Punchi Friday, 25 November 2022 03:14 PM

    Chinese Kindergarten collection money for our school children taken by Civil aviation Authority to pay for Basils Tamasha

    sam Friday, 25 November 2022 03:25 PM

    Public funds were paid by the Authority to treat a gang of looters

    Merill Friday, 25 November 2022 03:31 PM

    When will this looting by these people be over. Its in our hand remember!

    CitizenP Friday, 25 November 2022 03:34 PM

    One family rule the country....

    vinod Friday, 25 November 2022 05:09 PM

    can't the aragalaya strom kaputas house- probably maintained at state expense

    sundar Friday, 25 November 2022 05:12 PM

    there are vidoes and photos available-name and shame these 100 people who eat at other peopels expense and go away without paying the bills-ARAGALAYA YOU HAVE A NEW TARGET NOW

    neil Friday, 25 November 2022 05:35 PM

    System change means this type of joke is thing of the past. Politicians do serve people. Power is not abused. Who ordered this need to be paid back with interest and a fine!!! Nor with hefty taxes, people f this county needs to demand justification for their tax money

    Lanka Shantha Friday, 25 November 2022 06:54 PM

    Civil Aviation Authority is owned by Flying Kaputa. Also see how sri Lanka people are losing their hard earned money.

    Sam Silva Friday, 25 November 2022 07:02 PM

    Now you complain the vip lounge and and the food issue after. First why did you let it happen in the first place. Also the aviation chairman is Rajapaksa appointee and he will do anything for them. Sad situation.

    Saliya Friday, 25 November 2022 08:19 PM

    First we heard that food bill wasn't paid, then we heard that the Civil Aviation settled it again the latest is a denial from Civil Aviation that they have not. Which one to believe; No names have been mentioned. Only thing is certain is that the food was consumed by the bootlickers who were there prostrating.

    Kumar Friday, 25 November 2022 08:44 PM

    First of all, I would like to thank you to Daily mirror to bring this news to public. We general public ask all the news channel in Sri Lanka to bring these types of stories to public. This way we could reduce corruption and day light robberies from politicians. Everyone be strong and do it for your country and your future generation.

    Pantha kumaran Saturday, 26 November 2022 12:00 AM

    I am sick to hear this news. Basil ruined our beloved country. Why should we meet his expenses on arrival at BIA. Ranil, fox, keep his eyes shout. Are we all stupid. Let Ranil. the fox, answer to our request.

    Vadivelu Yogaratnam Saturday, 26 November 2022 01:31 AM

    Who finance Civil Aviation Authority, president must immediately set an public inquiry if state money was spent people responsible must pay back the total amount with interest to the treasury.

    Bandu Saturday, 26 November 2022 03:11 AM

    Good work. Need more on political corruption. That is the only way for SL to progress.

    Ben Saturday, 26 November 2022 03:23 AM

    Ultimately cost of food is paid, but that by civil aviation, is a government department ,it is financed by tax collected by people of the country , why people have to pay for basil’s tea,and who foot the bill of using the vip lounge

    Andrew Silva Saturday, 26 November 2022 04:06 AM

    It stinks to the high heavens these kinds of people don’t even pay a cent to fill their rotten bellies. They use the poor peoples money and let these people and their families go hungry even with out one square meal a day.

    Yoshana Saturday, 26 November 2022 05:18 AM

    Why should ordinary citizens pay taxes.

    Timothy Perera Saturday, 26 November 2022 06:25 AM

    Stop serving Basmathi Rice Seer Fish, roast chicken and other good food to the Parliamentarians. They must be served food like rice packets from ordinary “Bath Kadays. Otherwise their wives must cook and give them food and tea teawhen they leave for Parliament ,Stop this immediately. The ordinary public has to pay for these gluttons.

    Shelly Saturday, 26 November 2022 06:52 AM

    Is the VIP lounge only for politicians? Just want to know the definition of a VIP for my next trip to Sri Lanka.

    Jef Saturday, 26 November 2022 09:40 AM

    It's like the good old days back in 60s 70s When we use to have a feed in busy those kade have a good feed cup a tea then slowly take off we had few kids doing that We would have been very young kids back then..now its adults

    qkehgfkhf Saturday, 26 November 2022 10:04 AM

    He is not a government official . How can Civil Aviation Authority pay the cost of the refreshments ?

    LankanLover Saturday, 26 November 2022 11:54 AM

    Dude even domestic workers are able to pay Rs.60,000, but this horasil can't even pay for his guests? insane

    Sas Saturday, 26 November 2022 01:20 PM

    Who in the Aviation Authority approved and authorised payments? Money thus spent must be recovered from the people who have approved and authorised the payment.

    Buddhist Saturday, 26 November 2022 07:27 PM

    Once a thief will always be a thief. SRI lankan voters are fools.

    Disgusted Saturday, 26 November 2022 09:02 PM

    This guy is a NOBODY in politics other than one of the many who brought the country to its knees and masses crawling on their bellies for lack of basic needs. Why the hell did they allow this guy and so many stooges who came to greet him. This guy should have got into a vehicle and gone straight home like everyone else does, he should have provided the food at his place at his own expense. When will those in control see the light at the end of the tunnel?. I can't see this happening until all the old backside lickers get booted and a honourable lot are elected who have honesty and integrity.

    Deby John Monday, 28 November 2022 04:58 AM

    What is Aragalaya doing? Aragalaya should get involved in this type of irregularities and deal with them as they happen. They should go in numbers that security forces cannot do anything. How many people they can shoot???


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka