Obama to visit by year-end: Kiriella

Dismissing Opposition statements, the Government yesterday insisted its relationship with the international community was on firm ground, saying global leaders were “lining up” to visit Sri Lanka, with even US President Barack Obama expected here by end 2015.

Minister and United National Party Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella told reporters after the new Government took office that several world leaders were keen on visiting the country. He noted that while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State John Kerry had already visited Sri Lanka, US President Obama was expected to visit Sri Lanka by the end of this year.

Kiriella also denied allegations that the Government was taking revenge on Opposition members by holding investigations over alleged corruption and then arresting them.

“It is only those who have something to hide who need to worry about investigations. If they have nothing to hide, why should they worry? They are now going to Court to stop the investigations,” he said.

The Minister said that there was not enough time or resources to investigate all the allegations which keep surfacing over fraud and corruption said to have taken place during the former regime.

Kiriella said that despite all the allegations being raised against the new Government, the Government was continuing with its work in order to meet the expectations of the public. (Colombo Gazette)