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Critics ‘tune’ in to wrong frequency

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16 October 2018 12:18 am - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Radio Drama ‘Kanata Paharak’ sparks censorship controversy

  • The listeners should be given the opportunity to decide for themselves
  • There are a number of idioms and sayings in the local tradition which attribute to Buddhist values
  • Criticism remains an important part of society as does freedom for artistes
  • It is a spiritual quality to let go of oneself and embrace another view

 

It’s clearly not a good time to be an independent artiste in Sri Lanka. ‘Demons in Paradise’- a documentary directed by Jude Ratnam and expected to be screened on October 5 at the Majestic Cineplex in Jaffna- was withdrawn with no explanation as a result of a decision taken by the festival committee. 


Following the contentious withdrawal, award winning young filmmaker Malaka Dewapriya decided to renounce his debut feature ‘Bahuchithawadiya’ (The Undecided) from the festival in reprisal over the sudden withdrawal of Ratnam’s film. However for Dewapriya, this is not just an act of defiance. 


Taking to Facebook in a lengthy post, Dewapriya detailed the recent efforts made by several parties with vested interest to suppress not only his work, but also freedom of expression in the island. “During the past several weeks, religious fundamentalist, nationalistic and racist factions latching on to the titles given to a few of my radio plays, built a strong discourse in favour of censorship of the arts. The pressure from these repressive forces continue unabated and at present, an investigation is being carried out by The Unit to Investigate Organized Crime because of four separate complaints lodged against my work by four groups. At a moment when I am facing the wrath of the machinery of repression, which calls creation an organised crime, I cannot maintain double standards when it comes to my position regarding censorship of the arts,” said Devapriya in his Facebook post. 


Written and directed by Dewapriya the Radio Drama series titled ‘Kanata Paharak’ (literally meaning a slap or box on the ears) was aired by state owned ITN earlier in August and was sponsored by the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR). The drama met negative criticism and anger, as leading Buddhist figures and politicians expressed their strong displeasure. Ironically the radio drama was voiced by some of the most respected artistes of our times including veterans Iranganie Serasinghe, Wijerathne Warakagoda and Buddhadasa Vithanachchi. Swift measures were reportedly underway to ban the drama by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs while Minister Mangala Samaraweera along with others expressed concerns over restricting freedom of expression. 


No knowledge of content 


Celebrated dramatist Dr. Jayalath Manorathna, who was also a part of this radio drama, believes that a bulk of the condemnation levelled against this drama is baseless. “What I observed was that a majority of those who voiced their opinions on the matter had no knowledge of its content. They only seemed to be aware of and concerned about the title. A great injustice is therefore caused to the creator, Dewapriya. After having listened to many episodes of this radio drama, I found that they were very creative,” Dr. Manorathna said.

 


What I observed was that a majority of those who voiced their opinions on the matter had no knowledge of its content 


Dr. Jayalath Manorathna

 


 

“Artistes and writers, are masters of recording various experiences in life and expressing them indirectly. I’d like to interpret an artiste’s creative expression as giving shape or structure to an experience. Dewapriya in this case chose radio as his medium. He chose a template that is not only suitable for radio, but also very timely. He had identified the need of the hour,”  said Manorathna. 


Dr. Manorathna observed that it’s the responsibility of readers, listeners, observers and viewers to listen, view and read these episodes before presenting opinions. “We are given the opportunity to enjoy the content while it can also be an opportunity to review the content and point out concerns, he said. “What we’re seeing here is a blatant misuse of this opportunity. They have voiced their concerns prior to an inadequate study of the content. Their opinions have been based on the premise of an unsuitable title,” he added. 


The bulk of the criticism directed towards Dewapriya’s creations were due to their titles. However Dr. Manorathna pointed out that words are not simply an element of the Sinhala language. “Words are common to any language and can have an array of various interpretations and meanings. In the Sinhala language a single word has a multitude of different meanings and it’s a very unique quality for a language. Meanwhile the marriage of two words too could give rise to a new meaning,” he added explaining the dynamics of language. 


“The controversy over these episodes mainly arises from the titles the writer has attributed to some episodes. For instance “Tharuwan Saranai” represents a grave issue of our times. The young generations are compelled to contest in a race to stardom, be it the grade 5 scholarships or becoming reality stars. Parents encourage children to participate in reality shows, rather than encourage them to become writers or artistes. This is viewed by Dewapriya in a very sarcastic manner,” he opined.  
It is no secret that to appeal to the masses and to attract an audience, artistes use a variety of tools. This cannot mean that it intends to harm any person, object or entity, according to the dramatist. “Language devices are employed to give a different meaning. Criticism has been made with no regard to these aspects of language or art,” he added. 


Commenting on the nuances of the controversy, Manorathna believes that the campaign is politically motivated. “You may say that everything is political, but this is an instance of very narrow and vindictive party politics. There were reports that this radio drama was sponsored by the ONUR under former President Chandrika Bandaranaike. Therefore focus is not the work of art, its content nor its need. The concern will solely be about something trivial as who funded this programme. Be it Judas or Devadatte who funds a good deed, there is nothing left to be examined,” he remarked. “What I see is an uninformed and idiotic attempt led by media. It’s a mud-slinging campaign at its best. It’s definitely not a review methodology of a work of art.” said Manorathna. 


Dharmasiri cautions 


Veteran film maker Dharmasiri Bandaranayake echoed the sentiments of Manorathna whilst wondering of the curious timing of these attempts. “The radio drama was produced several years ago and during the former government’s tenure. I have been wondering as to why this has become such a controversy after several years of being in the public domain. It has now been deemed as an attack against Buddhism. The general perception is that dramas and film have contributed to the attack. However this is not a new phenomenon. Artistes have continually attempted to redirect the country towards new thinking and ideas. This radio drama too was an attempt of this nature,” Bandaranayake observed.  


Despite the efforts to tag various controversies regarding this drama, Bandaranayake doesn’t believe that TV or radio dramas have been the cause of the decline of Buddhism in the country. “The truth is that issues pertaining to Buddhism are caused by non-practicing Buddhists. Therefore restraining art in this way is not justifiable, especially in a developing society. If society is to reject this drama, the responsibility lies with the society. If a Government prescribes the manner in which art should be viewed, I only see it as an act to deny the society of its freedom,” the veteran opined. “I don’t believe that this discredits Buddhism in any way. One of the fundamentals of Buddhism is the thought or ‘chethanawa’ and I don’t believe the creator intended any ill. On the contrary, how many incidents have taken place where Buddhist monks have been involved where the religion was mortified? This is in fact what should be discussed,” said Bandaranayaka. 


According to Bandaranayaka any attempt to impede on democratic rights, especially those of artistes, would only reverse the progress made by societies through revolution. “Every one of these incidents have a hidden formula within. Attacking other religions and races have become formulas. The statement of the Archbishop of Colombo and a statement made by Minister Managala Samaraweera were too the centre of debate over the past few days. Everything has been politicised. If probed well, one would discover a clear political agenda.” 


“The needs and wants of those who await their future political powers are clearly formulated within,” he said adding that they are rooted in racism and religious segmentation. 

 


However this is not a new phenomenon. Artistes have continually attempted to redirect the country towards new thinking and ideas. This radio drama too was an attempt of this nature 


Dharmasiri Bandaranayake

 


 

“The listeners should be given the opportunity to decide for themselves. If it is an attack on Buddhism, people  will express their opinions.  When people are struggling to make ends meet, this of all things has become the point of debate! This is purely a political attempt to push society to another perilous era,” 
he cautioned.


Critics unware of Sri Lankan culture 


Longstanding civic leader  Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena, having read and reviewed several of Dewapriya’s work prior to the controversial drama, opined that issues arose during its second public broadcast as ‘Radio Katha’. Commenting on the emphasis of the two titles Dr. Wijesiriwardena claimed that critics are not aware of the content or traditions of Lankan culture. 

 


Without such consultations, the investigation seems to be partial and poses the question if there’s a political motivation beneath 


Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena

 


 

“Tharuwan Saranai questions the consumerist values in society. Juxtaposed against fundamental Buddhist values, I view this as an attempt to safeguard human values and human dignity, which is inherent in the writer’s work. It reflects the idea that people today venerate stardom. Meanwhile ‘Nihon Sapa Lebewa’ is about people seeking materialistic comforts overseas, especially in countries such as Japan. It’s the narrative of a search for materialistic gain instead of spiritual gain,” he said deconstructing the disputed titles.   


“Language in our culture has been used very creatively. Buddhist notions meanwhile have been used to reflect something that is the very opposite of an idea. There are a number of idioms and sayings in the local tradition which attribute to Buddhist values. For instance the Sinhala saying ‘hakke budu-res, bokke dadamas’ is used to reflect the disparity between what you say and what you do. Such sayings are the norms of our society to expose certain truths. It’s very surprising that some found these names to be controversial given this background.” said Dr. Wijesiriwardena. 


I have been made aware that Devapriya’s case has been referred to the police and that they are investigating it further. Of course the case can be investigated, but several opinions have to be considered. Ven. Galkande Dhammandanda Thera has directly been involved in the public space. Without such consultations, the investigation seems to be partial and poses the question if there’s a political motivation beneath,” he asserted.


Dr. Wijesiriwardena is of the firm belief that in a democracy, there should be no censorship. “A person is believed to be able to take important decisions once they reach adulthood or the age of 21. Their capacity to make important decisions is the foundation of democracy. If the citizen is capable of voting a Government into power, then why is the Government of the belief that citizens cannot view what they want to? How is such an institution justified? Isn’t the very idea hilarious?” he questioned. 


Criticism remains an important part of society as does freedom for artistes. The activist is of the opinion that artistes are the only group who would view the world through different perspectives. “It is a spiritual quality to let go of oneself and embrace another view. We must allow them this freedom. These are serious issues and I’m really concerned as these incidents have been occurring repeatedly. I believe in criticism. Everyone has the right to critically assess a work of art. However there should be no freedom with regard to hate campaigns against artistes. An extension of this is censorship, when it becomes institutionalised. It is a dangerous situation for a country, akin to the nation created by Hitler. Would we also become a society of that kind?” he said posing another question. 


Dialogue recommended 


A progressive campaigner for peace and reconciliation Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thera meanwhile questions the grounds on which the allegations have been made upon. “I don’t believe that any person or entity has copyrights over words. The language belongs to the people and its use is by the people. If we cannot review or evaluate a work of art for it’s content and instead focus on a label it has been designated with, then it only reflects our own poor state. It only goes on to show our destitute perceptions,” Dhammananda Thera observed. 


How can Buddhism be attacked by words such as these? I don’t believe Buddhism is insulted by such words 


Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thera

 


 

“How can Buddhism be attacked by words such as these? I don’t believe Buddhism is insulted by such words. If the content or words were vindictive, or if they attempted to manipulate the meaning and value of the Tripitaka, that may be a point of concern. Concerns can be addressed through dialogue, not by attacks. If at all there has been an insult on Buddhism, then there must be a dialogue to address the concerns of the parties involved. Nothing would be achieved through hate and hostility,” Dhammananda Thera opined. 


Doesn’t offend Buddha’s philosophy 


Popular actor W. Jayasiri while condemning the moves to censor art, questioned the basis of these developments. “Pun, or the twisting of linguistic elements exists in Sinahala language as well. This is a literary fact and a powerful ingredient of language. In Sri Lanka politicians aren’t necessarily intelligent. However those who identify themselves as intelligent have commented on this and have made it into a serious issue. Devapriya wrote these episodes which views the society sarcastically, which is again a literary technique,” he detailed. 

 


Pun, or the twisting of linguistic elements exists in Sinahala language 


W. Jayasiri

 


 

“For instance the title ‘Tharuwan Saranai’ can be viewed as an attack to the phrase ‘Theruwan Saranai”. But it’s simply not. It is a depiction of the manic following on the country’s obsession over reality shows and ‘star’ programmes. Dewapriya has simply written this episode in a very sarcastic sense. It is not an attack on any religion. Even if it was an attack, it shouldn’t matter as it does not offend the philosophy of Gautama Buddha,” the respected actor asserted.


“I think what must be done at this this juncture is to bring back the monks to Buddhism. Buddhist prelates are following a political agenda. I have no interest in protecting this Government. This Government has been naive with regard to entertaining any request made by any prelate. The Government doesn’t need religion and a person’s faith is an entirely personal choice. In my perspective, the Government should guarantee my freedom to follow any religion or philosophy. It’s the Government’s responsibility.  Even our Constitution includes ‘ghatas’. ‘Devo Wassatu Kaalena’ is a prayer, not a regulation or law. If that was the case then why is the country suffering from drought? Why are we suffering from flash floods? How many religions do you think India has included its Constitution? It is a secular state despite its geographical magnitude and multitude of divisions,” Jayasiri noted. 


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