The recently concluded concert of Latino singer Enrique Iglesias in Sri Lanka is currently making headlines after the nation's president called for punishment over the "uncivilized behavior" showed by some of the female fans. The concert, which was part of Iglesias' "Love & Sex" World Tour, was held at the rugby stadium in Colombo on Dec. 20.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena slammed Iglesias' concert organizers on Sunday, saying they should be "whipped with toxic stingray tails" over the behavior of some female fans. According to BBC News, Sirisena said he was shocked to hear that local women were running on stage to kiss the 40-year-old Latin pop star while some were throwing their bras and underwear at him.  

"This is most uncivilized behavior that goes against our culture," he said during a public meeting. "I don't advocate that these uncivilized women who removed their brassieres should be beaten with toxic stingray tails, but those who organized such an event should be."

"These are not things we can be happy about," Sirisena added. "Younger generation going into such crazy acts destroying our culture. I know I will face criticism for saying this, it is not the young girls who misbehaved who need to be punished but the organizers."

In addition, President Sirisena also complained about the expensive ticket costs, which were said to range from 5,000 rupees ($35) to 50,000 rupees ($350).

Live Events, a company co-owned by Sri Lankan cricket stars Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and the event organizers of Enrique Iglesias' Sri Lanka leg of his world tour have yet to comment on the issues. But Rappler reported that "whipping with the tails of stingrays" was the nation's punishment reserved for hardened criminals during the medieval era. It is also a popular idiomatic expression used for extreme punishment and severe castigation.

Meanwhile, the comments of the Sri Lankan president are actually not a surprise since the nation is a quite a conservative society. As a matter of fact, public displays of affection even among married couples are unexpected. It is also known that local Sri Lankan authorities are also tasked to arrest courting couples for kissing in public parks or sea-front promenades, Daily Mail has learned.

Aside from the issues during Iglesias' concert in Sri Lanka, Live Events is also facing other troubles including the problems with the Colombo Municipal Council, who accused them of not paying the entertainment tax on the said event. The council is reportedly seeking to file a legal action on court, Business Standard noted.

In line with the issue, Sri Lankan cricket stars Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, the owners of the company who organized the controversial concert, have issued a public apology regarding Iglesias' concert chaos via a Facebook post on Monday. The company is also reportedly considering a refund for those who were disappointed due to delays and chaotic crowd.