Unexpected turn of events for Basil in India!
Finance minister – Basil Rajapaksa had been unable to meet Indian PM – Narendra Modi due to a planned move by India, the ‘Mawrata’ newspaper reveals.
Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit to India despite the Budget debate was underway had sparked much criticism in Sri Lanka.
The publication’s ‘Raajya Rahas’ (state secrets) column had stated that this was due to a string of broken promises given to India in recent times by the Sri Lankan government.Mr. Rajapaksa, who is considered as the most powerful minister in the Sri Lankan government next to the President and Prime minister, had faced a series of unexpected events during his tour, the column had said.
It notes that although Mr. Rajapaksa, who had initially sought separate meetings with the Indian Finance minister – Ms. Nirmala Seetharaman and Indian Foreign Minister – S. Jayashankar, the entire Sri Lankan delegation had been surprised when both ministers had appeared together unannounced at the beginning of the tour.