President responds to comments over Enrique show, says he will safeguard local values

Against a storm of controversy President Maithripala Sirisena today defended his stand on his recent comments about the organisers of the  Enrique Iglesias concert staged in Colombo.

The President said while his views on the concert have been used to disgrace him on the internet and through social media, he said no amount of criticism would  not allow anybody who embraces alien cultures and gives priority to those values to destroy Sri Lanka’s proud culture.

“I am severely being criticized for my statement on asking the public to appreciate local values," President Sirisena was quoted as saying.

However the President insisted that no amount of criticism will stop him voicing out for the protection of local values. The President made these remarks at  ‘Shilpa – 2015’ - a National Handicraft Award Ceremony held today at  the ‘Ape Gama’ premises in Battaramulla.

“The ideas I expressed regarding the musical show of a foreign singer, are now being used to disgrace me in the internet. Those who are doing this should remember that they are destroying their own proud culture and the pride of a great nation”, the President was quoted as saying.

The President further stated that  he would not allow people just to walk around unclothed.

“I am a villager who used to walk in the village paddy field and bunds. Therefore I act according to our values and with a clear understanding of good and bad." President stated.

Earliar on Sunday the President addressing a gathering in Ampara said organisers of the Enrique Iglesias show should be severly punished for organising such a show where girls would throw undergarments at the singer and get on stage to embrace and kiss the singer.