PM cancels visit to Dubai Expo amidst economic crisis

• Prime Minister Rajapaksa was invited by the Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to visit the Dubai Expo as a Chief Guest on January 3
• The Prime Minister has cancelled the visit to Dubai which was scheduled for next week 

By JAMILA HUSAIN

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has cancelled a visit to the Dubai Expo scheduled for next week due to rising issues at home and amidst the economic crisis, the Daily Mirror learns. Prime Minister Rajapaksa was invited by the Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to visit the Expo as a Chief Guest on January 3, which has been declared as a National Day for Sri Lanka at the Expo.  

In a letter sent by Maktoum to Rajapaksa, he said that Rajapaksa’s visit to the Dubai Expo would represent a unique opportunity to share the richness of Sri Lanka’s culture and the country’s achievements on a truly global stage.  

However, when contacted, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister, Yoshitha Rajapaksa said Prime Minister Rajapaksa had cancelled the visit to Dubai scheduled for next week amidst addressing issues in the country as well as addressing issues surrounding the economy.  

“The Prime Minister is optimistic that Sri Lanka’s economy will be back on track from next year as our foreign reserves has also hit the 3 billion dollar mark. He is unable to make the visit at the moment due to addressing matters back here at home,” Yoshitha said.   

MP’s from both the government and opposition travelling overseas, especially when Sri Lanka is facing its worst ever economic and forex crisis has been severely condemned by the public who have demanded the MPs to practice what they preach and avoid overseas trips, taking out vital foreign exchange. 

• The Prime Minister is optimistic that Sri Lanka’s economy will be back on track from next year