Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva made a controversial comment on Facebook yesterday by saying that many Sri Lankans critical of government's efforts to bring national unity were living comfortable lives abroad.

" I have noticed that a lot of Sri Lankans who are critical of our governments efforts to unite this nation are actually living comfortable lives overseas!" he said as a response to a critical comment by an overseas Sri Lankan on singing the Tamil National Anthem at the National Day celebrations.

The original comment advised the government to "get an example from Our neighbour India" adding that "they have only one national anthem although they speak nearly 60 languages."

Dr. De Silva's comments attracted mixed reactions. Some respondents applauded him for being bold enough to comment on the singing of the Tamil National Anthem, knowing that he would be criticized severely. However, others challenged the argument put forward by De Silva saying that anyone could have their opinion and that there were many overseas Sri Lankans who were supportive of the move.