Colombo, Oct 26 (Daily Mirror) - All necessary arrangements, including security, were made for Thai Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthumpun during her visit to Sri Lanka, and the visiting delegation expressed its sincere appreciation to the Foreign Affairs Ministry for the assistance provided, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament.
Herath made these remarks while responding to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Prasad Siriwardana’s criticism over the government’s handling of Suthumpun’s visit.
“This is Parliament, not the Mirigama tuition class,” Herath told the MP during the exchange.
Suthumpun visited Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest at the ceremony to unveil the pinnacle of the Mihindu Maha Seya at Mihintale.
Siriwardana questioned the government over the absence of a formal diplomatic reception for the visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister, raising concerns about the diplomatic courtesies extended to her.
Responding to the criticism, Herath said the visit was undertaken primarily for religious purposes in connection with the Mihintale ceremony.
He explained that formal diplomatic courtesies and traditional state receptions were not extended to visits undertaken in a private or religious capacity in the same manner as official state visits.
The Minister also outlined the government’s approach to distinguishing religious engagements from official state functions.