The Island
Special VIP suite included
Government says visiting dignitaries can stay at the special suite without spending money on hotels. People struggling to make ends meet too will contribute to this project. A new official residence for Sri Lankan High Commissioner in London will cost the taxpayer approximately Rs. 600 million.
The proposed three-storeyed residential complex at No 35 Avenue Road, London will comprise a special suite for visiting Sri Lankan VIPs. There will be two separate bungalows at the same premises for the heads of the political and visa sections.
The Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau is in charge of the project expected to be completed by September next year.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner in London Nihal Jayasinghe has told the London-based Sri Lankan media that the government could save money on hotel accommodation by having a special suite of its own for visiting VIPs.
This is the first instance a special suite would be built at the premises of a head of mission for the convenience of visiting VIPs.
According to Jayasinghe it took more than two years to secure permission from the local council for the proposed complex. The old dilapidated structure will be demolished to pave the way for the new building.
Reacting to a news item in The Island (September 28, 2007) Former High Commissioner Kshenuka Senewiratne, emphasized that delay in renovating the HC official residence was caused by changes of key personnel in the line ministries and departments responsible for taking substantive decisions and acting on the same.
Two minor employees had the opportunity to live at the HC’s residence for some time. During that time, the HC had paid a monthly rent of 8,000 pounds for a new house beginning early 2007, though the Treasury approved a 10,000 pound monthly rent for that purpose.
Sources said that there was dispute regarding the need to either renovate the dilapidated HC’s residence or build a new complex, though requirement for a special VIP suite is debatable. In that case, the government would have to set up special suites alongside the heads of missions in world capitals to accommodate VIPs.
Not to defend the extravagance of our public servants, but in the long run, this may be a prudent move. At the very least, it is an investment that will probably appreciate. Rs. 600 million = GBP 3.6 million. Leaving aside the High Commissioner’s rent, the saving of hotel expenses could in fact be sizeable. For instance, the President’s preferred hotel in recent years has been the Royal Dorchester, in Mayfair, which runs GBP 8000 + VAT per night (room only) for his suite, and obviously extra for his usually immodest entourage. Of course, London being one of the more frequented destinations of our politicians, this type of expense adds up quickly. So maybe staying at the High Commission’s place is fiscally wiser. (I guess we should ignore the Harrods hangar + service fees at Stansted Airport for the Mihin Air jet).
Nice review.
Oh also, liking your blog layout. I used to have a similar blog myself before I sold it a year ago.