Popular singer Iraj Weeratratne, posting a selfie video from the 'Yukthiye Handa' event last evening, lamented he was duped by organizers who said it was a gathering to promote democracy in Sri Lanka. 

Weeraratne, a strong supporter of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said the event ultimately promoted the UNP and its leader Ranil wickremesinghe. 

The singer said some artistes, who did not wish to associate with party politics, left the event when they realized that the event was partial towards the UNP and its leader. 

He also added several politicians representing the UNP, namely Ravi Karunanayake, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sagala Ratnayaka and Parali Champika Ranawaka, attended the event held at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre. 

Weeraratne's views, however, were somewhat contradicted by Peshala Manoj, another musician, who also appeared in the same video. He said the politicians attending the gathering organized by artists was a positive trend. 

"we listen to their nonsense on a daily basis. It is good that they want to listen to what we, the artistes, have to say too. I want Maithripala Sirisena, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake to come and listen to our views on the country," he added.