Policy Planning and Economic Affairs Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said Sri Lankan women were wearing high heels and frequenting beauty parlours, signalling the rapid economic progress of the country.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, de Silva said Sri Lanak graduated to the status of a higher middle income country from a low middle income country two weeks ago.

"All these things require money. This indicates Sri Lanka has achieved economic progress," he added.

De Silva's statement, however, has come under severe criticism on social media.

He said the buying power of Sri Lankans had increased to USD 12,000.