PM cancels visit to Dubai Expo amidst economic crisis

29 December 2021 02:35 pm - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has cancelled a visit to the Dubai Expo scheduled for next week due to rising issues at home and amidst the economic crisis, the Daily Mirror learns.

Prime Minister Rajapaksa was invited by the Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to visit the Expo as a Chief Guest on January 3, which has been declared as a National Day for Sri Lanka at the Expo. In a letter sent by Maktoum to Rajapaksa, he said that Rajapaksa's visit to the Dubai Expo would represent a unique opportunity to share the richness of Sri Lanka's culture and the country's achievements on a truly global stage.

However, when contacted, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister, Yoshitha Rajapaksa said Prime Minister Rajapaksa had cancelled the visit to Dubai scehduled for next week amidst addressing issues in the country as well as addressing issues surrounding the economy.

"The Prime Minister is optimistic that Sri Lanka's economy will be back on track from next year as our foreign reserves has also hit the 3 billion dollar mark. He is unable to make the visit at the moment due to addressing matters back here at home," Yoshitha said.

MP's from both the government and opposition travelling overseas, especially when Sri Lanka is facing its worst ever economic and forex crisis has been severely condemned by the public who have demanded the MPs to practice what they preach and avoid overseas trips, taking out vital foreign exchange. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

Comments - 28

Potta Harry Wednesday, 29 December 2021 03:10 PM

What to showcase as their achievement at a global stage ?

vince Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:38 PM

nothing.

tilak Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:01 PM

so he did not know last week there was an economic problem in the country

saman Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:02 PM

so there was no economic problem last week when he visited Thirupathi

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:17 PM

Friends are there to sponsor a private plane why worry about home problems.

සුනාමි හොරු Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:46 PM

Cannot find a private jet to take him.

DillonDP Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:49 PM

Hmmm sure not for any other reasons or ailments

vithura Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:49 PM

He has cancelled the trip to pay his obeisance to the visiting Chinese FM!

Priyantha Perera Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:53 PM

No friend this time to send a private jet

roni Wednesday, 29 December 2021 05:57 PM

The worst stall on showcase at the exhibition. according to people who had visited same . Bangladesh exhibits were far better. This is playing to the gallery

Punchi Banda Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:17 PM

What ever this Arab is smoking I will have some. It must be something that dispels reality and brings in vivid imagination

Anthony. R Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:18 PM

Aney Pow Aiyo, shedding crocodile Tears over the nation.

Aiyo Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:26 PM

Maybe to check his illegal family bank accounts.

Raayin Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:27 PM

If you are been invited, you should visit. This is the right of the country. That could potentially open up more venues. Not the one you went to..

ding dong bell Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:45 PM

PM would have showcased that how to make a country into bankruptcy

AC Wednesday, 29 December 2021 06:54 PM

Just a bluff to show the nation of his commitment to the present crises and his private jet to visit India recently says it all with all his family. You are a rejected Prime Minister and don’t worry number the days.

Ranaweera Wednesday, 29 December 2021 07:12 PM

Sri lanka pavilion is useless. Nothing to see there. MR trip cancellation will save the country at least Rs 100 million. Otherwise he would go with 100 member delegation and all will stay at top hotels.

Kos Wednesday, 29 December 2021 07:24 PM

You are now unable to attend these functions anymore. All Srilankans need Youth leadership except your ken Kieths. So please be kind enough to retire graciously.

joshua Wednesday, 29 December 2021 07:24 PM

boru show. We know your love towards SL.

Borat Wednesday, 29 December 2021 07:39 PM

Oh how sad .maybe by the time he is back he won’t have the ground to kiss

Dulan de Silva Wednesday, 29 December 2021 08:00 PM

Must be not too fit to undertake the trip after Tirupathi

Ganesh Wednesday, 29 December 2021 08:05 PM

Must be jet lagged after the trip to tirupathi. Old age has certainly caught up

Jude Wednesday, 29 December 2021 08:16 PM

What crisis !!?? We've no issues!! Ask Cabba !!

Sri lankan Wednesday, 29 December 2021 08:59 PM

Wonder why someone should go to Thirupathi and not Dubai… is his health deteriorating?

Anne Karunaratne Wednesday, 29 December 2021 09:02 PM

A little too late to show "off" a good example, isn't it! Is there an election round the corner??

sam Wednesday, 29 December 2021 09:51 PM

Why not use the private jet?

N. Giridharan Wednesday, 29 December 2021 10:37 PM

Cancelled due to illness

Darana Thursday, 30 December 2021 12:32 PM

Lost in Space..! Dysfunctional Brain..

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PM cancels visit to Dubai Expo amidst economic crisis

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