New scheme of foreign trips for elected politicians, public officials

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has won cabinet approval for a new scheme pertaining to foreign trips by public representatives (elected politicians) and public officials, due to various issues earlier.

The approval came at this week’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday. In a communique, the cabinet office said the proposal was based on instruction circulars issued to all public institutions on such trips which have been ignored. 
“… it has been observed that some public representatives as well as officers are engaged in foreign travels as groups especially in provincial councils and local government institutions neglecting these instructions, using public funds and foreign grants,” it said. 
“Therefore, considering the need of expending foreign grants and foreign loans in a productive manner, the proposal made by the President Maithripala Sirisena, to prepare a suitable method on foreign travels of public representatives and public officers, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers,” the statement added. – ENDS -