Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen stated that some people label him a racist without considering the 'reality' in Wilpattu.

Bathiudeen said that residents of Marichikatti and Mullikulam in Mannar had faced injustice, since former government had declared the particular villages as lands that belong to Wilpattu Forest Reserve.

Minister made this observation yesterday, at the opening of Lak Sathosa store at Pesalai, Mannar.

“Certain groups label us as racists. I had six court cases against me because I was with the public”, the Minister said.

He further said that a request was made from Northern Provincial Chief Minister to pave 600kms of roads in Northern Province.