Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri has issued a statement explaining his son’s participation in several official meetings alongside the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs made this clarification after a photo of Foreign Minister Ali Sabri with his son was widely circulated on social media at an event held in conjunction with the United Nations.
Many had questioned why Ali Sabri’s son was part of the official delegation. They alleged that the foreign minister had done nepotism.
The foreign minister gave a long explanation in this regard.
He says that he is making this clarification after seeing the concerns raised on social media about his son’s attendance at several bilateral meetings held concurrently with the United Nations.
The minister says that in addition to his personal responsibilities, the foreign minister has to attend high-level diplomatic meetings with the president and maintain a very tight schedule as the foreign minister, according to the plan of his trips to the United Nations General Assembly and Washington.
According to the minister, this journey will include ten meetings and speeches on behalf of Sri Lanka, joining three public meetings and participating in many bilateral and multilateral meetings.
He points out that this extensive workload requires in-depth research, writing and meticulous preparation.
“The minister points out that a ministerial bureau of paid and volunteer resource persons may be maintained to assist ministers in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“He has been assisting me as a research assistant and draftsman on a temporary, voluntary basis at my request for some time. As he is currently pursuing his studies in the United States, he is volunteering his time and expertise for a few days during the UN General Assembly.
“I am happy to acknowledge that his contributions have helped prepare me for these crucial tasks. Most importantly, neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Government of Sri Lanka spent a single rupee on him.”
“His involvement in these activities or in any other case has not borne a single cent of his cost to the taxpayers. His contribution was completely voluntary.”
I strongly believe that the public has every right to demand accountability from their representatives. That is why I am committed to providing facts for your informed judgment.” Foreign Minister has said.
