Controversial ’white only’ party cancelled amid public outcry

23 February 2024 08:26 pm - 62 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Feb 23 (Daily Mirror) - A controversial 'white only' themed party scheduled to take place on February 24 at a Russian run cafe in the south has been cancelled by its organizers following widespread public backlash.

The event, which was promoted as an 'Opening White Party,' stirred significant controversy due to its discriminatory nature. Organizers intended to implement a face control policy where entry would be restricted solely to individuals deemed fitting by bouncers based on their white skin, wealth, style, or demeanor.

'Face control,' a term commonly used in upscale nightclubs, refers to the practice of regulating entry based on subjective assessments of individuals' appearances and social status.

Announcing the cancellation on Instagram, the organizers cited escalating concerns about racism as the primary reason behind their decision. In a post, they expressed regret for the hurt feelings caused by the event's concept and apologized to those offended by the idea.

"We decided to have a small White Party on 24/02 with white face control in a Russian cafe and received a lot of aggression against the background of an inflated opinion about racism. THE WHITE PARTY IS CANCELED!!! I apologize to everyone whose feelings were hurt," read the statement.

Reports indicated that the event organizers had planned to enforce strict entry criteria, including an entrance fee of Rs 3000, solely permitting participation from individuals meeting certain racial and financial qualifications.

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Comments - 62

Punchi Friday, 23 February 2024 08:36 PM

We have descended so low that we have progressed from Sinhala superiority to giving whites superiority. But overseas we remain a black people

Ravi Friday, 23 February 2024 08:37 PM

My first question is: this Russian entity is conducting business in Sri Lanka, though they came in on a tourist visa. Where or what are the monetary benefits for our country? Like the prostitutes, they earn dollars and take these earnings back. And we are being duped by our government who say "We had a massive influx of tourists"!! White Only, as well as all other ethnic groups only, as we sink lower and lower.

Jayantha Friday, 23 February 2024 09:11 PM

This kind of things should not be allowed. Legal action should be taken against the organizers for trying to start a unnecessary racial tension. Send these guys to 10years in jail.

Mahendra Fernando Friday, 23 February 2024 09:14 PM

They just wanted to keep the ugly people out

Junius Abey Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:30 PM

Only an idiot would equate white with pretty

What do they mean 'an inflated opinion about racism' Friday, 23 February 2024 10:02 PM

Who are these foreigners. Do they think they run the country. Pale skinned types have to be shown aggression regardless of madman Harin Fernando welcome them with open arms, because they are from overseas or pale skinned.

Patcitz Friday, 23 February 2024 10:14 PM

The US COMMAND working behind the election sabotaging attempts to mislead the people has stepped into the practical move.

DISCRIMINATION SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED IN THE COUNTRY. Friday, 23 February 2024 10:19 PM

WHAT A JOKE, CLOSE DOWN THIS CAFE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE WE HAVE MORE PROTESTS. DISCRIMINATION SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED IN SRI LANKA. WHY DOESN'T THIS CAFE OWNER GO OPEN A WHITE ONLY CAFE IN RUSSIA. OWNER/S SHOULD BE TAKEN TO TASK AND WARNED.

European Friday, 23 February 2024 10:24 PM

Can't blame the organisers, locals ruin the vibe.

Local vibe is better than Europeans vibe Saturday, 24 February 2024 05:06 PM

Europeans think they are superior because they are the 'white face'. No they are pales skinned devils, and our countryman has yet another example of the Europeans dastardly attitude. When it comes to vibe, Europeans just encourage for drugs and alcohol too much.

Rip Winkle Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:55 PM

This land belongs to the 'locals' and not to foreigners, moron.

What a stupid thing to try an organizs Friday, 23 February 2024 10:50 PM

Russia is a perfect place for such an ignorant themed party. Perfect time for them to pack up and head home. The majority of them are rude and arrogant anyway.

White Lankan Friday, 23 February 2024 11:07 PM

Double standards: a white party is racist, but tickets to attractions and hotel rooms are 10-100 times more expensive for whites, that's ok... So Sri Lanka

Nujra Atiw Saturday, 24 February 2024 06:26 PM

Higher prices are for all non-Sri Lankans. Black, brown or white. White party is definitely racist.

Ruwan Friday, 23 February 2024 11:38 PM

Face Control is a Russian concept. Since there are lots of Russian tourists in Sri Lanka, the organisers could have a 'private party' to cater to them instead.

SSZ KHAN Saturday, 24 February 2024 12:08 AM

Whites are gone but the upholding whites as superior is a national sickness in our country. Don't forget whites robbed our countr6 too.

Jeanne Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:58 PM

Robbed our country of what exactly???? Fool. Do your research before opening your mouth.

Dr R T Saturday, 24 February 2024 12:20 AM

We Sri Lankans who have gone to Britain when we were 19, 20, or 21 years old and had studied in British Universities and now living in Britain, America, or Australia are not at all surprised by the idea of a “ Whites Only Party”. Every white person feel very superior to a brown , yellow , or black person. We have known this since our young undergraduate days in Britain. But very unfortunately Sri Lankans back home don’t understand this White Racism. White racism differs from all other racisms by it’s believe in the Biological Superiority of the White Race.

ROSH Saturday, 24 February 2024 02:21 AM

Well it’s excellent idea. Next time we can call it PUTIN party.

Tourist Saturday, 24 February 2024 02:29 AM

Great! they arrive and live as tourists in a coloured country and hold a white only party? seeds of Apartheid here too? Can you imagine what and how these "TRASH WHITE" will treat colour you in their country? All this is while our Sri Lankans practically go licking their boots when they arrive as tourists. When is this government ever going to really check at the border (Airport etc) if these trash-whites actually have sufficient funds to stay for the length of time they are seeking in this country?

Aquarius Saturday, 24 February 2024 02:43 AM

There should be no room for this type of social gatherings. Sri Lanka is already struggling with ethnic divisions and we should avoid promoting any such events.

Kishu Gomes Saturday, 24 February 2024 03:07 AM

Idiots, they should have made the tickets $50, and ladies free. That would have kept the riff raff out, and mafia in.

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Saturday, 24 February 2024 03:38 AM

Completely disgusting!

European Saturday, 24 February 2024 03:45 AM

Congratulations Sri Lanka, with your warm bilateral relation with Russia: this splendid country, full of sophisticated, broadminded, kind, polite, intelligent people. Lol.

Smh Saturday, 24 February 2024 03:54 AM

Good. There is no need for divisive colonial era discrimination. Organizers should be held accountable for such decisions.

Mokan Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:46 AM

Discrimination in any form is bad. Now we realize , it would have hurt the Tamils also

Karu Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:52 AM

This is in Srilanka, Now you can imagine the level of thoughts,respect and discrimination towards people with dark skin in white dominating countries. Actually we're falling towards a sick world.

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Saturday, 24 February 2024 11:33 AM

This kind of discrimination is not allowed by law here, the organizers will end up in prison here. In my little country the citizens are from almost 200 different origins, so we are used to all kind of skincolours an I am sure Europeans are less racist as Americans. I also never experienced so much racism as when I was living in Sri Lanka. Not even in the USA. I am mixed race, Surinam father.

Mila Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:54 AM

There are hotels in sri lanka were they only want white people and not want local people. We don't want anyone in sri lanka who mistreat locals. Sadly our own people also prefer white in their hotels. This have to end.

DOT Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:55 AM

Cluk, clik, clang!

suman Udage Saturday, 24 February 2024 05:59 AM

Sri Lanka is not colonial South Africa, or USA, where Apartheid was enforced by Law. Colonial Ceylon had "white Clubs". We are today "begging", but an independent nation. Throw those racists foreign organizers out of the country NOW.

Nimal Saturday, 24 February 2024 06:04 AM

Are we being discriminated against in our own country? Chase these organizers away.

Will it be Russian Colony next? Saturday, 24 February 2024 06:50 AM

The Govt. welcomes tourists to boost our economy, but some these so called tourists have other interest. Incidents of Russian influence has already surfaced. One was the presence of Russian prostitutes pitching their tents, and now provoking racial tension based on skin.

Dee Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:16 AM

One should not cry about being charged 3k to enter an event these days, that’s fair enough. But what is white? Is it dress color (funeral) ? We remember the times when hotels in Galle fort didn’t allow locals, post Easter 2019 and then the pandemic we brought them begging to our feet. Most closed shop. What they don’t realize is we spend much more than tourists.

Gayan Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:27 AM

Migger please.

Black is Beautiful Saturday, 24 February 2024 10:51 AM

LOL.

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:34 AM

In Sri Lanka, either a foreigner or local burghers could identify themselves as 'whites' , the rest are basically 'brown' , you can see the difference only when the so called local whites stand with the real whites (causican). I think someone should file a fundamental rights case against the organiser.

Jeanne Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:35 AM

What the hell has happened to our country? For organisers to even think that organising such a racist and discriminatory function in a country that is home to dark skinned people is shocking! The organisers should be investigated. What's next? Face control? Seriously? Take your crappy little parties and your cheap prostitutes back to Russia and don't return.

white face control is racist take legal action Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:42 AM

Maybe VVIP can get in even when they are not pale face. Is that why no previous action against white face control by Europeans?

Sambo Saturday, 24 February 2024 08:27 AM

The government should not tolerate such kinds of events or gatherings where only white and elite could participate. In this country the elite are all roughs.

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:40 PM

Sambo, the issue is with white face policy but anyone can limit the entry based on by hiking the entry prize or by restricting entry to members. There is nothing wrong with that. But for sine idiotic face makers to decide entry based on social status and color is disgusting. Your statement that all elites are rougues is consistent with the mentality of majority of NPP.

Tango Saturday, 24 February 2024 09:02 AM

How dumb can some folk be. People in the country are a mix of fair , medium and dark complexion. Skin colour does not been extra intelligence or ability .Why discriminate.

Sokrates Saturday, 24 February 2024 09:25 AM

Times are changing. During the Nazi rule in Germany, Russians were described as subhumans and treated as such. Today the descendants of these Russians feel they are superior to the Russians from the Asian parts of the country. Putin also takes Hitler as a great role model, even though he officially rails against Nazis. You could see where racist madness and fanaticism leads in 1945 and of course on a much smaller scale in the recent past and present in Sri Lanka.

Gt Saturday, 24 February 2024 09:59 AM

Should ban this cafe holding any events and investigate if cafe has harassed dark skinned tourists and or locals, if so evict then fro sl

Black is Beautiful Saturday, 24 February 2024 10:35 AM

Yes. After seeing if the business is legal in the first place.

Black is Beautiful Saturday, 24 February 2024 10:34 AM

One additional thing not mentioned: this is happening on the 2 year anniversary or Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Demean Saturday, 24 February 2024 01:58 PM

Absolutely incredible people. Sri Lankans are brilliant in inventing new ways to demean themselves. Good job. Keep going. Soon you would create history.

Our people Saturday, 24 February 2024 02:37 PM

One way they are right, our people well known for once boose goes in the yakkus come out. Most of the parties ends up in fights, this is happening not only in Sri Lanka but also in abroad. Our people do not know how to enjoy a party, drinks in greed.

Sammy Saturday, 24 February 2024 03:59 PM

This is racism

European Saturday, 24 February 2024 10:27 PM

Spot on!

Sira Saturday, 24 February 2024 04:12 PM

V Bad But SL is full of other onlies - 'race', religion and tribal .... Yesterday no movie screenings- Poya

Jamis Saturday, 24 February 2024 05:14 PM

The way it has been promoted is quite insensitive and stupid too. But I can understand that foreigners may want to control access to some locals. Frankly, when I visit SL, I would like to see some Sri Lankans away from the dinner table at the hotels. Naturally, it has nothing to do with racism. Some don't even know how to have a meal in a civilized way! Ruins the whole experience

Ranjan Saturday, 24 February 2024 05:22 PM

Given scientific research established that every human alive today goes back to ONE WOMAN IN AFRICA we are all Africans. N Given the mutation out of a dark skin colour to a fair one took place about 300 generations ago, the indigenous peoples of the Western peninsular of the Asian tectonic plate (which those native were ignorant enough to belive is a separate continent -so they called it "Europe") are the most recent mutation out of a dark skin colour. So a scientific epithet for them wouls be "mutant pinkie" Having lived in tbe West for over 35 years, I have never seen a WHITE human being. They don't exist.

Jo Sunday, 25 February 2024 03:24 AM

While we love our overseas visitors , The law of the land has guidelines on how foreigners can engage in businesses. Most foreign owners of caffès and restaurants are on tourist visas. No country allows tourists to work or run businesses. So let’s get all our visitors to respect the law of the land. When they don’t respect a countries laws they also disrespect its people.

Jeanne Sunday, 25 February 2024 03:29 AM

I think the problem with this event is that it should have been done by "invitation only". Advertising it in such a callous and insensitive way is where it all fell apart. Most of these comments in some way agree with the concept because as rightly pointed out, our new rich, corrupt and rowdy perverts lack any sense of boundaries and yes, once the alcohol takes hold all hell breaks loose. Unfortunately, it shouldn't have been advertised as a "white" party. Not that there is anything wrong with "white" people. They are as decent as the next person. Reverse racism too is an issue in Sri Lanka. Lots of people seem to have a chip on their shoulders about colonial rule. I say, thank goodness for the Colonial era. Without them we would have been well and truly useless.

K Tissa Sunday, 25 February 2024 03:39 AM

This is what happens when Russians come - always rude, discrimination, drugs and prostitution….even Bali has kicked them out for starting up businesses and overstaying there welcome.z

Suriya Sunday, 25 February 2024 03:58 AM

Reply to Gert Jan the Netherlands- Isn’t there a very right wing party in power in your country with specific policies on immigrants especially non white ones? People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones should they?

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Sunday, 25 February 2024 11:04 AM

You are right unfortunately. But skincolour is not the issue here, people are afraid of the homofobic, womenunfrienldy Islam culture and they also think too many immigrants enter my country. Still such racist party will have even been condemned by Geert Wilders.

Achal de Silva Sunday, 25 February 2024 07:29 AM

I will never forget the arrogant attitude of business owners down south pre 1983 When a Sri Lankan entered their store it was a waste of time. And then they came a begging …

Nav Sunday, 25 February 2024 09:34 AM

These people come from other countries and think they can be racist in our own country. I saw texts from him to a potential dj which stated he didn’t want locals. This guy kept denying he is being racist and even his so called apology was insulting. Just because he has white skin he thinks he is superior. He needs to go back to his own country where the so called superiors can live together instead of living amongst us who are obviously below him. Should check if he has a work permit and where the money is going to. It also seems to have been a party to celebrate the Russia invasion of Ukraine as it was set for 24th of February. I have no idea under what circumstances he thought this will be okay to do in Sri Lanka.

Nuwan Sunday, 25 February 2024 02:47 PM

This is what happens when we don't have right people in key positions to regulate governance. We need qualified, experienced professionals advising the government. Not goons, swindlers and drug dealers.

Dilshan Perera Monday, 26 February 2024 09:27 PM

We need to abduct these foreign tourists and harvest their organs.. and destroy their remnants..

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Controversial ’white only’ party cancelled amid public outcry

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