Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said that the Eastern Province Chief Minister Nazeer Ahamed was one of his good friends, but his action regarding a navy officer in Sampur cannot be defended.

Taking part in a live TV programme on Swarnawahini last night, Hettiarachchi said the incident involving the CM was unpleasant. He added that he regretted the incident and was working to bring a settlement.

Hettiarachchi added that he called Ahamed and told him that he should have acted with restraint.

Under any circumstance, a military officer does not deserve to be spoken to in that manner, Hettiarachchi added, commending the officer for his discipline at the time of the incident.

Hettiarachchi also said that there was nothing wrong in Ahamed making an apology, in public or in private.