President’s impending UN junket cancelled in the midst of visa hassles and wrangles faced by Ministers
(Lanka-e-News, August 22, 2009, 5.25PM) The President’s junket to the United Nations Assembly in August this year has been cancelled , according to the latest information received.
The delegation comprising over 80 members and led by the President Rajapakse included Ministers , State Officials and high profile personnel of the Forces.
The grounds for the decision according to reports are ….
The period of the tour overlaps with the tail end of the Southern Provincial Council elections.
President’s health concerns
The likely rejection of visas for the Forces personnel on human rights violation allegations , and the loss of prestige in that event.
It is significant to note that when the visa application of Attorney General Mohan Peiris to tour U.K. was made, he has been requested to face an interview before visa is granted. by the U.K.High Commission.
Similarly , the Visa applications of Western Provincial Council Governor Alavi Moulana and his family were turned down by the UK High Commission.
The Govt. Defense Media Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella‘s visa request to travel to Canada was also rejected by the Canadian High Commission.
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