President Dissanayake’s Use of a Private Jet After Vietnam Visit

Following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s official visit to Vietnam, social media has been abuzz with commentary regarding his use of a private jet upon his return to Sri Lanka. Questions have been raised concerning who bore the cost of this flight.

Addressing this matter in Parliament today, Minister Wijitha provided a clear explanation in response to a query posed by MP Harsha Rajakaruna. He stated:

“The entire cost of the special flight used for the President’s return to Sri Lanka was covered by the Buddhist Association in Vietnam. Neither the Government of Sri Lanka nor its citizens spent a single cent on this.”

He further clarified that although the Vietnamese government initially indicated they would fund the return flight, it was ultimately the Buddhist Association in Vietnam that bore the full expense. Minister Wijitha elaborated that:

The Sri Lankan government only covered the cost of airline tickets for the visit.

Accommodation and internal travel expenses within Vietnam were provided by the Vietnamese government.

The cost of the return private jet was fully funded by the Committee of Buddhist Organizations affiliated with the United Nations.

He emphasized that the arrangements were a joint effort between the Vietnamese government and the UN-affiliated Buddhist Organizations Committee.