Speaking to Sri Lanka Mirror, Samaraweera said Rajapaksa aide Udith Lokubandara had informed him about the trip, and on his instructions the ministry has paid for the ex-president’s air ticket.

Samaraweera also said he told Lokubandara that he had no intention of taking revenge from Rajapaksa.

Earlier, deputy minister Harsha de Silva asked that the matter be raised with ministry spokeswoman Maheshini Kolonne, who said she had no details to give to the media.