After fiery debates in Parliament, the government has dropped Chamodhi from the Cameroon trip list, fueling speculation over favoritism in official travel delegations.
A fresh political storm has erupted after the name of a woman, identified as Chamodhi, was removed from the official delegation list accompanying Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to Cameroon for the World Trade Organization’s annual meeting. The decision came just a day after Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake raised serious concerns in Parliament, questioning the purpose of including her in the minister’s team as a so-called public relations officer.
MP Dassanayake pressed for answers on why public funds should be used to sponsor the trip of an individual whose role and relevance appeared unclear. His sharp remarks triggered a debate about transparency, accountability, and the misuse of privileges in foreign delegations. By the following day, it was confirmed that Chamodhi’s name had been quietly struck from the travel list, a move widely seen as damage control to avoid further public backlash.
The controversy highlights the growing scrutiny over official overseas visits, particularly when taxpayer money is at stake. Critics argue that foreign travel must prioritize national interest, trade negotiations, and diplomatic representation rather than personal agendas or unverified appointments.
As the WTO meeting in Cameroon moves forward, the government is now under pressure to ensure that delegation lists reflect professionalism, necessity, and legitimacy. Opposition MPs have signaled that they will continue to monitor such trips closely, warning that questions of favoritism and misuse of state resources will not be brushed aside.
