Minister’s daughter’s B’day bash in USA cost Rs.4.5 million

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohithe Bogollagama is in a dilemma as the American Embassy has refused to pay the bill of Rs.4.5 million the minister has spent for the birthday celebration of his daughter held during Minister and his family’s tour to the USA.

The birthday of the minister’s daughter had been celebrated when the minister and his family toured the USA recently . The birthday cake and sweets had cost US$19,000 while US$25,000 had been paid for the photographer got down to cover the event. With all other expenses the birthday party had cost Rs.45,00,000 and the request made by the minister from the US Embassy asking them to pay the bill has been turned down. It is reported that the minister has now asked the government of Sri Lanka to settle the bill.

Minister Bogollagama is known for his extravagant living and he used to go with his family and relatives in all his official tours. He spent the one year’s vote for his ministry within six months and attempted to get more money passed for his ministry from the Parliament.

On 24th May Minister Bogollagama admitted in Parliament that during the period from January, 2008 to May this year he had gone on 25 foreign tours and spent Rs.10 million. When the opposition questioned the minister regarding the high expenses he said his tours enabled Sri Lanka to correct wrong views many countries had regarding the war in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka was able to get support of many countries.

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