43-member delegation went with MR

22 June 2011 10:33 am Views - 9524

The President’s Office said today a 43-member delegation accompanied President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his visit to St Petersburg in Russia last week.

Presidential spokesman Bandula Jayasekara rejected claims made by UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayaka that an 81-member delegation accompanied the President.

“Mr. Attanayaka should not utter lies and tarnish the President’s image. As a former minister he is aware who should be included in a delegation accompanying a Head of State and that ministers, MPs, officials, media and security personnel and medical doctors should be included in a Presidential delegation,” Mr. Jayasekera said.

He said there was nothing wrong with a President chartering a plane.

“I ask Mr Attanayaka whether he wants President Rajapaksa to put his life at risk,” Mr. Jayasekera asked.

He said the President’s visit to St Petersburg was very productive adding that discussions were held with four world leaders within a 48-hour period.