Ban Buddha bar

2 September 2010 07:34 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Indika Sri Aravinda

While welcoming the move by Indonesia to shut down the Buddha bar operations in the country, Sri Lanka today urged other Asian nations to also follow suite as the international bar chain brought disrepute to Buddhism.

Prime Minister D.M Jayaratna, speaking to Daily Mirror online, said that the international bar chain which is headquartered in France has many outlets in Asia which need to be shut down and subsequently banned from operating in future as well.

“We welcome the decision taken by Indonesia to shut down the Buddha bar but there is more to be done in other Asian countries as well. After that we must push for these bars to be shut down in Europe as well,” the Premier told Daily Mirror online.

Sri Lanka had in June this year alerted it’s missions in Europe to compile reports over the Buddha Bar operations in their respective countries in order to initiate action to urge those governments to close down the Buddha Bar outlets.

The Jakarta Globe reported yesterday that the Central Jakarta District Court in Indonesia ordered the owners of the Buddha bar, Nireta Vista Creative, to close down immediately following a complaint lodged by a Buddhist group in that country.

The group had complained the bar's name and use of Buddhist decorations and statues was a form of blasphemy. A lawyer for the bar owners said they would appeal. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 8

kanniah Thursday, 02 September 2010 08:01 AM

If we are the sole custodian of Buddhism, why do we allow the liquor shop and meat shops to run in this buddhist country? Get rid of them first. Then advise other countries. You know Sri Lanka is of the country which is known for the most alcoholics.

Dheen Thursday, 02 September 2010 08:14 AM

How about the laughing Buddha presumed to be one who brings wealth and prosperity that can be seen everywhere. Doesn't this amount to insulting the enlightened one who renounced all pleasures in this world.

Mohamed Thursday, 02 September 2010 08:18 AM

There is a Buddha Bar in Katmandu-Nepal, SL-GOV should check with Nepal Authorities and close this too..

spark Thursday, 02 September 2010 09:12 AM

Our priests bring more disrupte to buddhism than any thing.

Geronimo Thursday, 02 September 2010 10:59 AM

Don't these people know any others names to call their restaurants than going about abusing other peoples religious
beliefs? On the other side of the coin is that Sri Lanka should first take a serious look at how Buddhism is abused in our own country. Building shrines in every nook and corner, even beside garbage heaps is a case in point. Desecrating temples by looters is another.

Jayawardena Thursday, 02 September 2010 12:42 PM

Yes this will be done.

Senator Friday, 03 September 2010 01:25 AM

The Prime Minister is mistaken. The Indonesian government did not ban any Buddha bar. No country has ever done so, to the best of my knowledge. What happened in fact was that a court ordered the closure of one particular bar, on a complaint made by a group of Buddhists. The Indonesian government had no hand in it!

Saradial Friday, 03 September 2010 03:18 AM

We should learn from Indonesia about how to respect all religions.

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Ban Buddha bar

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