Policy Planning and Economic Affairs Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva clarified his statement on the correlation between the country's economic growth and the lifestyle of women.

"Explaining #SriLanka cost of living I said real food costs (30%) were falling while non-food (70%) was rising. I took examples; rent, mobile etc. I was factual, but perhaps women’s fashion examples could have been avoided. Apologies to anyone offended," De Silva said.

He added women spending on personal grooming was an indication of this trend.

The Minister said some media only aired a section of this explanation, seeking to paint a wrong picture about the investigation.