Eastern Province Governor Austin Fernando criticized Chief Minister Nazeer Ahamed's conduct in reprimanding a naval officer in Sampur recently.

Speaking to a local TV channel this morning, Fernando said that it was inappropriate to act in this manner especially in public.

The officer who was reprimanded had done significant service to the area, Fernando also added.

Meanwhile, Fernando also refuted the CM's claim that Fernando was responsible for the dispute, pointing out that what transpired is apparent in the video footage. He only attempted to settle the matter with the CM, he added.

The incident occurred on last Friday in Sampura Maha Vidyalaya in the presence of the US Ambassador Atul Keshap.

The navy has also expressed their displeasure over the incident.