Harin slams Wimal, says ‘Part of India’ remark a Cultural Connection, not Geopolitical Claim

February 21, 2024 at 4:19 PM

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando today provided a clarification on his statement made during a tourism roadshow in India, which had caused controversy in Sri Lanka recently. 

A protest was staged outside the Tourism Ministry this week, over Minister Fernando’s statement that Sri Lanka was part of India. 

Addressing the Parliament today (Feb 21), Minister Fernando said his statement had been taken out of context, pointing out that a minute or two from a 15-minute speech published on social media or by media stations had resulted in this.

Stating that this was the threat from social media faced at present, the minister revealed this was also the answer to questions as to why Sri Lanka requires an Online Safety Act. 

Explaining the context of his statement in India, Minister Fernando said he had thanked India for the continuous support provided over the last 13 to 14 months and had proceeded to highlight the similarities between the two nations, such as food, arts, and culture. 

“I said Sri Lanka is a part of India pointing out the similarities between the two nations. I can’t sell Sri Lanka to India. What kind of an imbecile is the person who is trying to create something that is completely out of context,” he said. 

The minister further pointed out that India is praised for providing monetary aid, medicines, and assistance during Sri Lanka’s difficult times, but is frowned upon when Indian investors are invited to Sri Lanka. 

Citing Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia for being developed through foreign investments, he questioned how a country could develop without investments.

Pointing out that the Indian Foreign Minister himself had urged Indians to travel to Sri Lanka, Minister Fernando said that based on the ancient history shared between the two nations, was it wrong to say India and Sri Lanka are part of each other?

The Tourism Minister further expressed regret that a statement made on similarities between Sri Lanka and India had been misused for political advantage. (NewsWire)