Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Cops summon director Dewapriya over radio drama row

16 October 2019 11:01 pm - 1     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Scriptwriter and director Malaka Dewapriya has been summoned to the Police Organised Crimes Prevention Division (OCPD) tomorrow to give a statement regarding his award-winning radio drama series ‘Kanata Paarak’.

Last year, the Ven.  Angulugalle Siri Jinananda Thera of the Buddhist Information Center complained to the OCPD against the radio dramas, alleging that they distorted and defamed Buddhist terms. Based on the complaint, the police filed an action against Mr. Dewapriya at the Colombo Magistrates Court. In turn, Mr. Dewapriya filed a fundamental rights (FR) petition at the Supreme Court (SC).

The action against Mr. Dewapriya was filed under Section 291 of the Penal Code and Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act (ICCPR). The same laws were used to arrest writer Shakthika Sathkumara, who was remanded for over 120 days this year on charges of insulting Buddhism through his short story ‘Ardha’.

The ICCPR Act criminalises the advocacy of “national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence”. Of late it has drawn criticism from artists and activists for being used as an instrument to suppress freedom of expression.

‘Kanata Paarak’, won Best Radio Drama Scriptwriter at the State Radio Awards. It was launched by the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) and aired on national radio.


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 1

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Sugandh Thomas Thursday, 17 October 2019 10:29 AM

    Clearly we need to revise our constitution and throw out the responsibility assigned to the state to foremost protect Buddhism. Individual rights and due freedoms are paramount to a true democracy.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H