Aug 17, Colombo: The Government Information Department has issued a statement saying that the government money will not be spent to cover the expenses incurred by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa while abroad.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa along with his wife is currently in Thailand following his stay in Singapore for 28 days after he fled the country on July 13.

Director General of the Department of Government Information Mohan Samaranayake said in a statement that former President Rajapaksa will use his own funds to cover all his expenses while overseas.

During yesterday’s press conference to announce cabinet decisions, journalists had raised questions regarding the former President’s overseas expenses.

In response, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said that former and current presidents are legally entitled to certain privileges.

However, some media had reported the Minister’s statement to suggest that the government was spending funds to cover the expenses of the former President, the Director General of the Government Information Department pointed out.

Meanwhile, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has informed that the reports published by some media about his overseas expenses are incorrect.

The former President has emphasized that his personal funds will be used to cover all his expenses while he is overseas, the statement issued by the Government Information Department said.