Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said that he will forward to the President the report handed over to him by the Sri Lanka Navy regarding the reprimand of a navy officer by the Eastern Province Chief Minister.

The report, prepared by the navy, was handed over to the Defence Secretary today.

Chief Minister Z.A. Nazeer Ahmed scolded a navy officer over a dispute at a recent event at the Sampur Vidyalaya, after the American Ambassador was invited to stage before the Chief Minister. However, the Chief Minister was not expected at the event. It was earlier expected that he would be abroad on the day of the event. He was invited by the Governor to attend the function.

In a video released online, the Chief Minister is seen scolding the navy officer, demanding him to "just get out from here" if he does not understand the 'protocol'.

Nazeer Ahmed has accused the Governor for the dispute. However, speaking to the local media, the Governor Austin Fernando flatly refuted these claims, adding that he only attempted to calm the situation. He also said that it was inappropriate to act in this manner especially in public.

The officer who was reprimanded had done significant service to the area, Fernando also added.