MR Govt's bribe to British MP debated in Parliament

COLOMBO (News 1st) - It was reported this week that

a British MP was paid by the former Government to visit Sri Lanka on holiday

. The matter was debated in Parliament today (July 20). "It is now revealed that the Government of Sri Lanka had spent almost 20 Million Rupees for a British MP named Ian Paisley and his family to visit Sri Lanka on holiday.", said UNP MP Mujibur Rahman, adding that it's not only the locals who have been bribed but those in the UK as well. MP Rahman also stated that he will lodge a complaint with the Bribery Commission. MP Mujibur Rahman added that MP Ian Paisley had been given money to approach the British PM, requesting him to support the Sri Lankan Government. Rahman went onto note that the then-Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Chris Nonis will also have to be summoned to ascertain more information. "G.L.Peiris was the Foreign Minister. What was done? They ruined Sri Lanka's image under the guise of promoting it. During that time the Prime Minister of Swaziland and other African countries came to the country. We suspect, they too may have been given money to come here ...", he added. Rahman also said that there are a number of other british MPs including James Morton, who received money from the previous government. Minister (Dr) Harsha De Silva pointed out that the punishment given to Ian Paisley (30 sitting suspension), is the most severe punishment given to a British MP in 15 years. "... Since this has already been proven in the UK and investigation needs to be carried out how the money left Sri Lanka. We need to know the reason for those payments ...", said Niroshan Perera, State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs