It was Austin Fernando's fault: Nazeer

25 May 2016 08:40 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Eastern Province Chief Minister Nazeer Ahamed yesterday gave the background to the incident that occurred at the function held at the Sampur Maha Vidyalaya. He said he had lost his temper because of the actions of Governor Austin Fernando.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, he said the governor had shown a lack of the respect for him, frequently undermining his authority in the province and interfering in his work .

Commenting on the incident at the function, he said that he, the Chief Minister, had not been acknowledged officially by the compère.

“However, when I tried to get on the stage after the governor called me, the compère tried to stop me. Then I lost my temper. If the governor had told the organisers that I was the chief minister and that I should be allowed on stage, this wouldn’t have happened. I know the navy officers are innocent. It was the governor who was at fault,” he said.

Prior to attending the Sampur function, he said, they had attended another function in Kinniya. When he asked the governor about going from there to Sampur in the helicopter, the governor had said there was no room for him .

“I was hurt. He asked me to leave the function early so that I could get to Sampur on time, and that they would follow in the helicopter. So I went to Sampur and waited for them. The governor, ambassador and others arrived later. I was not even acknowledged there. Had the governor informed the organisers, this would not have happened,” he said.

When asked whether his ‘outburst’ was justifiable in front of the students, he said he had lost his temper because he had been snubbed in front of his people. “This shows how the Chief Minister is treated. The post should be respected. After all, he is the head of the province,” he said.

He said his province had people belonging to many different communities and it required much work to achieve reconciliation. “That is what I have been doing here. I am working for the people, dealing with the TNA, SLMC, UNP and the UPFA. This is why the East is different to the North,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 17

sach Wednesday, 25 May 2016 05:22 PM

remove the governer

Abu Emad Thursday, 26 May 2016 05:37 PM

May be it is the Governor Austin Fernando or could be the Navy Officer, but it is you who acted very badly in front of the other dignitaries and school children....shame on you...please rectify the damage done in a appropriate way......, if possible.

usuf Thursday, 26 May 2016 05:06 PM

This man is a disgrace for our Muslim community. As a former Mayor of d Mawanella Town Council I offer my deepest sympathy to d Govenor & d Army Officer via DM Android App

Ashayle Thursday, 26 May 2016 02:43 PM

Austin should be sacked and punished for disrespecting representative of the people.

ABC Thursday, 26 May 2016 01:03 PM

My warmest salute to the Naval Officer for his patients. well disciplined personnel in the service. THANK YOU for showing your highness to morons.

Servent Thursday, 26 May 2016 01:02 PM

This "seasoned administrator" should remember he is a SERVANT TO THE PUBLIC. who goes on a helicopter ! CM is representing the voters (public)

Lanka Wednesday, 25 May 2016 07:33 PM

Of course, point the finger at someone else!

Adrian de Visserc Wednesday, 25 May 2016 06:21 PM

I watched the episode, I was shocked by the childish behavior of the CMI was deeply impressed by the naval officer Promote the Naval officer for his excellent behavior and sack the CM he is not fit to hold such an high office

Ananda Wednesday, 25 May 2016 06:12 PM

Learn the basics in protocol then you may not repeat the uncalled behavior displayed by the CM on the naval officer. via DM Android App

Thomas Ranger Wednesday, 25 May 2016 11:41 AM

This is all bunkum. If this fellow had a grouse with the Governor, he should have sorted it out between both of the them. The CM has shown disrespect to the uniform of one of the armed forces by pointing a finger to an officer. Mr. Secretary of Defense, what are you going to do about this one.

Aruna Wednesday, 25 May 2016 04:54 PM

I watched the incident on TV.Great behavior by Navy officers in response to the stupid behavior by the CM/politicians in the presence of the US envoy. Hope this will convince US that SL armed forces are highly professional and well disciplined at a time they blame on killing innocent civilians by SL forces during the last stages of eliminating terrorism form the motherland.

Mahesh Wednesday, 25 May 2016 04:33 PM

What ever he says is irrelevant... It doesnt mattaer who he was angry wit. His actions were wrong and he should suffer the consequences....

Rohan Wednesday, 25 May 2016 04:33 PM

Words used here by him are Governor, Chief Minister, Helicopter, Respect etc etc..How about listing anything you have done for the country to deserve any of those words.

Arnold Wednesday, 25 May 2016 12:46 PM

What was the uniformed person doing at a civilian function at the first place??

citizen perera Wednesday, 25 May 2016 12:39 PM

Appoint a sinhala chief minister. YAHAPALANAYA AT ITS BEST!

Nelum Fernando Wednesday, 25 May 2016 12:39 PM

Hats off to the Officer and the Gentleman for his patients in front of a (I have no words to describe him).

ananda Wednesday, 25 May 2016 11:47 AM

Austin Fernando is a seasoned administrator & civil servant who dont need to show what his priorities are. via DM Android App

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It was Austin Fernando's fault: Nazeer

Comments - 17

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