The Parliament of Sri Lanka has issued a clarification on news reports published on the expenses of the tea party for the Ceremonial Opening of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament.
Issuing a statement Director Legislative Services and Acting Director Communication M Jayalath Perera addressed the discrepancies highlighted in a recent news article.
The report claimed that the expenses for the tea party following the ninth Parliament’s inaugural session on August 20, 2020, totalled Rs. 287,340, while the tea party for the tenth Parliament on November 21, 2024, cost Rs. 339,628.55.
The Parliament said that the differences in reported expenses for the tea parties in 2020 and 2024, was due to the market price changes over the period.
The statement attributed the difference primarily to inflation and the economic challenges faced during the intervening four years. “Market prices for goods and services increased significantly due to inflation and the broader economic downturn, resulting in a nearly 100% rise in costs between 2020 and 2024,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Perera also noted that the event’s expenses covered refreshments for Members of Parliament, state officials, invited dignitaries, and Parliamentary staff, clarifying the scope and scale of the gatherings. (Newswire)
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