Organizers of Sri Lanka’s White Party have apologized after the event sparked an online backlash.
The advertisement for the event listed a white dress code, but also included the line “Face Control: White.”
This was primarily interpreted to mean that the event was open to whites only.
Organizers later said the event was “a bad idea”, adding that it was aimed at bringing together expatriates.
The party scheduled for last Saturday has been cancelled.
There was strong backlash against the event, with many calling it disgusting'' andracist” on social media.
“I know not all expatriates are like this… but this needs to stop quickly and forcefully,” said a local restaurant owner.
“How dare you come to a brown country and ban people there,” another social media user said on Facebook.
A man posing as an event organizer posted on Instagram under the pseudonym geo_ecstatic that there was “no malice or racism” in planning the party.
“We wanted to meet foreigners who have lived here for a long time and love Sri Lanka. “
The team… supported me, and together we decided to organize a party in a hurry,” he said, adding that he was then forced to leave the country after receiving a barrage of abuse and threats.
“I didn’t expect that.” This is a very sensitive moment for many people. I admit it was a bad idea…and I also understand that we created it ourselves out of stupidity. We deeply apologize to those whose feelings were hurt. ”
The event was scheduled to be held at the Saraika Lounge in the southern coastal town of Unawatuna. The venue subsequently issued a statement saying the party had been cancelled, adding that the staff team “did not conduct a thorough review” and had “severed ties with the event organizers.”
“We have never and will never support a variety of racist statements and organizations,” they wrote.