Finance Ministry Shenaz says 'India's dirtiest country' in viral video on Sri Lanka, sparking debate: 'Wake up, you'll smell the stench'

Finance Minister Shenaz sparked a major online debate after a video from Sri Lanka in which she commented on cleanliness standards went viral on social media.

The actor and travel vlogger was visiting the Ella railway station, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist spots, when she shot a video showing the area around the station. The clip featured tourists taking photos, walking around the grounds and waiting for trains in what appeared to be a clean and organized environment.

While filming the location, Shenaz compared the surroundings to conditions in India, commenting, “Let’s face it. We are the dirtiest country.”

The statement quickly spread across social media platforms, especially X, where users started discussing issues related to public cleanliness, civic sense, tourism infrastructure and urban maintenance in India.

Watch the viral video here:

Viral video triggers divided reactions

Many users supported Shenaz Treasury’s remarks, saying that litter, poor waste disposal and lack of civic responsibility continue to be major concerns in several Indian cities and tourist destinations.

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Some social media users said the problem is not limited to government infrastructure but also reflects public behavior and attitudes towards cleanliness.

One user wrote: “It’s not just about laws. It’s about people’s thinking and civic sentiment. Government alone can’t change everything.”

Another commented: “People can stop littering without fines. Why do people need punishments just to keep their surroundings clean? It’s not always the government’s fault. Change starts with oneself. A clean society is built when individuals take responsibility for their own actions.”

If we can keep our homes clean, we can keep our streets clean.

True civic sense does the right thing even when no one is watching.”

A third user wrote: “Totally agree. Been there, lived life in India. People who say it smells like roses, maybe try traveling with you in Mumbai and tell me if the air smells like poo. Wake up and smell the stench.”

Another social media user echoed Shenaz Treasury’s blunt comment, writing: “Thank God for setting the record straight. No harm in accepting the truth and then working together to find a solution.”

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Others call the statement an unfair generalization

At the same time, many users criticized the statement, saying it paints an unfair picture of a large and diverse country.

Several users claimed that India also has several cities, towns and tourist destinations that maintain high standards of cleanliness and hospitality.

Some social media users also emphasized the need to focus on positive developments and long-term improvement rather than widespread criticism.

One user wrote: “Indian cities are decaying and Indian food vloggers have ruined what little reputation is left,” while another commented: “We need more inspiring stories happening in India… heritage restoration will take time… get more people involved and make India shine… tourists will come.”

The debate gradually expanded into larger conversations about urban planning, waste management systems, civic responsibility and the image of Indian cities among foreign tourists.

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Ella station known for scenic tourism

Ella railway station is widely known among international travelers for its scenic train routes passing through tea plantations, hills and rural countryside.

The train journey connecting Kandy and Ella is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most famous tourist experiences and is often featured in travel content online.

Shenaz Treasury’s video primarily highlighted the organized and tourist-friendly atmosphere at the railway station before her remarks about India’s cleanliness became the focus of online discussion.