John: The family man's daughter stuck in China

This is a story that will shock Sri Lankans who believe in good governance or yaha palanaya with the advent of the present Government. Sri Lanka joined China as a “Country Partner” in its Silk Road International Tourism Expo 2016 from August 26 to 28. The event was part of “One belt, One Road” project initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was being held in Xian, an ancient capital to 14 dynasties. The “One Belt, One Road” 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative encompasses more than 50 countries including Sri Lanka. Last week we published a photograph in our front page under the headline “The Art of Diplomacy,” an exhibition held at the BMICH as part of this Chinese initiative.

Since Sri Lanka is a “country partner” one would have thought that tourism industry and government experts would attend. Alas, it was not so. Other than Tourism Authority Chairman, Paddy Withana, there was a Ms Anu Rasiah, daughter of Tourism Minister, John Amaratunga participating. She has no title or designation, official or unofficial except being the daughter of the Minister.

When the question of who was to pay for her air fare came up, Tourism Ministry Secretary, P.H.J.B. Sugathadasa, refused to place his signature on documents confirming that she was a member of the Sri Lanka delegation nor authorise foreign exchange for the trip. State officers are now more conscious that they would be running the risk of facing investigation from the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the police if they do so.

However, “dada boy” did the needful. She not only received the requirements but also the foreign exchange for the trip. It did not however go from the Ministry funds as the alert Secretary refused to oblige.

Off she flew to the Chinese city of Xian, as part of the official Sri Lanka delegation, but soon thereafter, Ms Rasiah found to her dismay that she had lost her handbag and with it, her passport. Panic telephone calls were made. The conference had ended but she could not leave China without proving that she had entered the country legitimately. It came to light that her father Minister Amaratunga was not in Sri Lanka. He was attending a seminar together with his son-in-law Dinesh Weerakkody in South Korea.

Ms. Rasiah kicked her heels in Xian. Soon, an official of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing flew into Xian with an emergency certificate. Ms Rasiah is now due in Colombo today.

For Minister Ameratunga, doing the unusual is nothing new. When the United National Party (UNP) was in the opposition, he joined President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his foreign tours. Despite pressure for disciplinary action, he said he had obtained prior permission. His party leader said that he will pay back the air fare the Rajapaksa Government had paid for his ticket.

At least the Minister has proved that he is a faithful family man.