The CM’s behaviour cannot be condoned, but some oppose him purely because he is a Muslim, according to Senaratne.

The matter could have been resolved easily, but some are speaking like heroes due to their anti-Muslim sentiments, he says.

However, they kept their mouths tightly shut when ex-Army chief Sarath Fonseka was dragged on the floor and taken to prison, he says.

Meanwhile, Nasir has written to the president and the prime minister, expressing his regret over the incident, to all those present.

Noting that protocol was not followed at the event, at a school run by the provincial council, he said other parties to the incident too, should be sorry.