Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath has offered an explanation to BBC Sinhala regarding several photographs circulating on social media that show him holding the hands of children.
The Deputy Minister said the photographs were taken at ceremonies held to open newly constructed houses. He explained that when children offered him betel leaves and attempted to bow before him, he held their hands and guided them away to prevent them from doing so.
Sarath said he told the children that they should not bow before politicians and that they should instead pay respect to their parents.
He added that during such ceremonies, he spoke warmly with schoolchildren about their new homes and school lives.
The Deputy Minister claimed that some of the criticism directed at him on social media was politically motivated.
However, he said he accepted the legal concerns raised by organisations working on child protection and children’s rights.
