Minister Rishard Bathiudeen who participated in the event organized by the British High Commission in Colombo to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation at the High Commission premises on May 31st ended wishing the UK a very happy National Day when making the toast.

The invitees have been shocked to hear the Minister’s toast and Bathiudeen had embarrassed the government by making a foolish statement in public without having a proper understanding on the event he was attending.

Minister A.H.M. Fowzie had also participated at the event and he too had been in a difficult spot due to Bathiudeen’s actions.

Finally opposition parliamentarians at the event have explained the situation to Bathiudeen and the Minister had responded saying he was under the impression it was to celebrate the National Day since such events are usually organized by embassies and high commissions to celebrate their respective National Days.