I don’t think Maldives statement is a problem, I love Sri Lanka - Harin

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said that he doesn’t believe his statement regarding the Maldives was problematic, as he didn’t make any wrong statement. 

“I love Sri Lanka and I promote it. I only asked tourists who visit the Maldives to visit Sri Lanka after 5 days, as they are a small island. If I upset anyone, I have extended my apology,”  he said. 

Fernando faced backlash after a statement made at an international travel and trade fair held in Berlin, Germany, where he said that Sri Lanka had much more to offer tourists in comparison to the Maldives. The Minister's comment attracted anger from Maldivians including politicians and influential figures. 

He claimed that his comments were taken out of context and misrepresented. "Everyone with a phone is now a journalist, therefore anyone can interpret my statement in whatever way they want,” Fernando said.