Who’s who at UNGA bash in New York
What’s better than a United Nations Annual General Assembly bash with friends and family in New York—the city that never sleeps?
But some killjoys back home attempted to put spoilers on the fun by raising some unnecessary questions as to why some familiar faces were seen out of place and role as accompanying delegates of the Lankan entourage in Big Apple?
The Foreign Minister Sabry explained away the presence of his son. He said his son was studying in the US and ‘he volunteered to join to contribute his time and expertise for a few days. I am pleased to acknowledge that his contributions assisted me in preparing me for
these crucial engagements. Importantly, neither the Foreign Ministry nor the Government of Sri Lanka has expended a single rupee on his behalf, either for his involvement in these engagements or at any other time.’
That was fine. Nothing like your own flesh and blood lending a helping hand and easing the workload and doing it free for dear papa and country. Splendid.
But what were the tasks and duties and official roles of two former Ministers, namely Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Rohitha Abeygunawardena—MPs of the SLPP—tagging along with Lanka’s delegation? Were they the official handpicked porters to carry the President’s bags? Or as the official menials at Presidential beck and call? But, nevertheless, living the high life for ten days running, perhaps, at New York’s grand
Waldorf. On Lankan taxpayers’ hard earned dough?
Never mind. Fortune smiles not on Lanka’s brave but on Lanka’s servile. For many moons they have been clamouring for Ministerial posts but these perennial complaints have gone unheard unmourned. They have had to bear their grief in silence and wipe unseen their tears. Was this New York junket their consoling reward?
If so, this compromise gesture may in the long run prove value for money. To have these two as Ministers again will spell double trouble and will increase the cost to the taxpayers’ purse even more. Thank god for small mercies.