Eastern Province Chief Minister Nazeer Ahamed defended his action of reprimanding a navy officer despite condemnation from the government.

He said that the incident was an insult not only to him personally, but to the governance of the Eastern Province.

It was also a challenge to the spirit of "good overnance", the CM said, despite the fact that his action had been criticized by the government.

He made these observations at an event in Batticaloa yesterday.

The incident where he scolded a navy officer over a "matter of protocol" took place on May 20 in Sampur Maha Vidyalaya. The Chief Minister was angered by the fact that he was not invited to the stage before the visiting Ambassador of the United States.

However, the Defence Secretary and the State Defence Minister have already condemned the CM's action. The tri-forces have decided to boycott events attended by the CM and not to allow him visit any military camp.