By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera – Dailynews
Export Development and International Trade Minister G.L. Peiris has spent Rs.6.2 million in 2007 and Rs.5.8 million last year for his overseas trips in addition to Rs.9.8 million spent on those accompanying him during the two years, parliament was told yesterday.
The Minister provided the details of his foreign visits in response to a question asked by UNP front-liner Ravi Karunanayake during oral question time. According to the report tabled in the House, Prof. Peiris had undertaken 16 tours in 2007 visiting countries such as Britain, the United States, Canada and Switzerland and had spent Rs.3.1 million for air tickets; Rs.1.8 million for hotel charges and another Rs.1.2 million for other expenses.
It was also revealed that last year, Rs.2 million was spent on air tickets for 12 foreign visits, Rs.2.4 million for hotel accommodation and another Rs.1.2 million as other expenses.
The report tabled in the House showed no budget allocation for such tours in 2007 since his Ministry was established only on January 29 of that year and this had resulted in Rs.3 million being obtained as a supplementary estimate on June 19, 2007.
Rs.2 million was transferred from the then Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Marketing Development and Co-operatives and Rs.1.5 million transferred under monetary regulations to meet travelling expenses. Last year Rs.7.5 million had been provided through the budget while a further Rs.2.8 million was obtained through financial transfers.
In the report Prof. Peiris underlining the objectives and outcomes of his visits during these two years said Sri Lanka was able to secure tax concessions for its exports to the world market.