The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we went to Vietnam on a State diplomatic invitation of the President of Vietnam, and also for the UN Vesak celebrations held there. The President, myself and several officials attended. The Vesak main ceremony was on the morning of the 6th. We informed hosts that returning the same day to vote made attendance difficult. Subsequently, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha arranged, at their expense, a special aircraft for our return. We did not spend a cent of public money for the return flight; our outbound tickets were borne by our Government, while the return was fully covered by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha affiliated with the UN Vesak Organizing Committee. Accommodation and internal logistics were provided by the Vietnamese Government. We will continue to be transparent.