A Sri Lankan politician namely S.B. Dissanayake went to the U.S.to visit his counterpart. When the senator invited him home for dinner, the minister was very impressed by the lavish mansion and lush grounds and costly furnishings.

"But how can you afford all this on a meager senator's salary?" the minister asked. The sentaor smiled knowingly and took him to the window.
"You see that river?"
"Yes."
"You see the bridge over it?"
"Of course," said the minister.
"Just Ten percent of the project" the senator said smugly.

Some time later, the senator had occasion to pay a return visit. S.B lavished all hospitality on him. When they came to the minister's house, the American was stunned by the huge palace the minister had built, which glittered with precious art and bustled with hundreds of servants.

"But how can you possibly afford this, on a salary in Sri Lankan rupees?" the senator asked, amazed.

The minister called him to the window.

"See the river Kelani over there?"
"Sure," said the senator.
"Can you see the bridge over it?"

The senator looked confused and said,

"No, I'm afraid I don't see any bridge."

The minister grinned and said,

"One hundred percent."