JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva has responded to criticism on social media regarding his recent attendance at a musical event held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, where he was part of an audience enjoying an ABBA tribute concert.
Silva, in a discussion with the Daily Mirror, defended his participation, asserting that the event was organized to promote tourism and that he attended as a guest. “The event was held to promote tourism, and it was an invitation from the organizing committee. They invited various people, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, and myself,” Silva explained. He added that invitations were delivered to their offices, and it was customary to attend such events when invited, much like attending any wedding invitation.
The event, which featured tickets priced at Rs. 50,000, also had lower-priced options, ranging from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 30,000. Silva acknowledged the ticket price but emphasized that the choice of ticket, as well as his attendance, was driven by personal preference. “We enjoyed the event. We are people who have taste, and we appreciate good music,” he stated, implying that his enjoyment of the concert was a matter of personal culture and discernment.
Silva’s comments were a direct response to the backlash he faced on social media, where some questioned his attendance at such an event, given his political affiliation. However, he seemed unfazed by the criticism, standing by his decision to partake in an event that, according to him, was not only a social invitation but also an effort to support tourism in the country.
