Speaking in Colombo today at a workshop for diplomats, he refuted statements the UNHRC has granted 3.5 million dollars to hold the festival.

The minister said the aim of the event is to obtain the assistance of expatriate Sri Lankans holding top positions in foreign countries in the progress of the country.

Similar festivals have taken place in India and Ireland, he said.

Speaking to the media yesterday, JHU national organizer Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said he suspected the diaspora festival would be a funeral for the entire country.

The LTTE diaspora has not apologized for the destruction caused to the country, and such an event would endanger national security, he stressed.