Colombo Municipal Council has stated that a sum of Rs. 71,483.53 representing a daily allowance of $25 per day, totaling USD 225 was disbursed from the Colombo Municipal Council fund for the 9-day official visit to Australia undertaken by Colombo Mayor Vrai Cally Balthazaar from March 21 to March 30, 2026.
Journalist Rekha Nilukshi had requested information regarding the Mayor’s Australian tour from the Colombo Municipal Council on April 7, 2026, under the Right to Information Act.
In the response issued on August 11, 2026, signed by A.D.S. Rohana, Municipal Commissioner (Ag.) of the Colombo Municipal Council, it is stated that payments were made in accordance with the daily allowance provisions stipulated under Western Provincial Finance Circular No. 09/2023, subject to the approval of the Western Provincial Ministry.
Accordingly, a daily allowance of USD 225 was paid to the Mayor at a rate of USD 25 per day for nine days, with the council stating its Sri Lankan Rupee equivalent as Rs. 71,483.53.
The relevant information request sought various details, including the Mayor’s air tickets, accommodation, vehicles, the individuals who participated in the tour, and the expenses incurred on their behalf.
The council stated that the invitation for the tour was received from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian government, and the response noted that expenses such as air tickets and accommodation were borne by DFAT.
The information request also inquired about the reason and objective of organizing this foreign tour. In response, the council stated that the objectives of the visit included gaining an understanding of methodologies related to technical and local government administration, acquiring institutional knowledge regarding urban administration, fostering international relations and partnerships, and developing a vision regarding metropolitan areas and urbanism.
Accordingly, the council described the visit not merely as a foreign tour, but as an official visit aimed at acquiring knowledge and experience in local government and urban administration methodologies, as well as fostering international partnerships.
Regarding the individuals who participated in the tour alongside the Mayor, the inquiry asked for details, to which the Colombo Municipal Council replied that only the Mayor participated in the tour representing the Colombo Municipal Council.
This information was provided in a written response issued by the Municipal Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council, in response to an appeal filed on July 2, 2026.