Former diplomat Dayan Jayatilleke drew criticism from many in the social media circles for his remarks on Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera's kiss to Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

"Here's the best poster for the Yahapalana government! Can anyone imagine former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in any one of these poses?" Jayatilleke asked, while sharing the picture which went viral yesterday.

In response, many social media critics said Jayatilleke's remarks had a tinge of homophobia. They said they did not expect such comments from a former diplomat and a scholar like Dayan Jayatilleke.

"We can't laugh it off because this is a huge issue. Most of Sri Lankans are homophobic and and proud of it. Evidently the level of education or being good at one or few things not necessarily reflect their eligibility to criticize someone over a simple hug," one critic said.

Dr. Jayatileke too responded to his critics saying his remark did not question the sexual orientation of any politician.

"As a fan of The Wire , I'm also a fan of the character of Omar, the gangsta anti-hero, who is also gay. But Omar doesn't go around kissing guys in public. Can anyone please show me a photograph of any male Cabinet Minister, gay or straight or anything in between, publicly smooching another male Cabinet Minister, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD? Its not about homophobia, its about dignity and dignified conduct in public office," the former diplomat said, in his defence.