The organiser of a 'white party' in Sri Lanka has apologised to people after the idea of the event received a backlash on the internet. In an advertisement of the event, it was specified that people had to wear white dresses, but it also had a line saying, 'Face control: White,' which left people convinced that the party was only open for white people.
However, the organiser of the event released an apology and called it a 'bad idea'. The apology also said that the intention behind organising the event was to bring foreign people living in the country together.
The event was scheduled to be held on February 24 but was cancelled after the criticism by people who called it a 'racist' idea.
A user of Facebook criticised the idea and wrote, "How dare they come to a brown country and ban the people of that country?"
The organiser, geo_ecstatic on Instagram, said that there was no 'racist' intentions while planning the event. He also wrote, "We wanted to meet expats who have been living here for a long time and love Sri Lanka. The team... supported me and a joint decision was made to quickly organise a party." He also added that he had to leave the country as he got multiple threats and abuse from people.
The event was to be held in the Sarayka Lounge in the southern coastal town of Unawatuna. The lounge is said be owned by Russian citizens.
After the incident went viral on the internet, the Russian Embassy in Colombo released a statement saying, "We strongly condemn all forms of racial discrimination and nationalism. We urge citizens residing on the island to follow its laws and respect local customs."