In addition to 10 engineers, one female accountant is also undertaking the tour.

The CEB will spend 77,000 dollars for their trip, and each engineer will get a daily allowance of 2,500 dollars.

When contacted, power ministry secretary Dr. Suren Batagoda said it was custom to include several seniors when sending teams for overseas trips.

He said the 59 year old engineers have one year of service left, adding that he has sought a report to prevent irregularities.