SL bars Briton with Buddha tattoo

16 March 2013 06:49 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka denied entry to a British tourist sporting a Buddha tattoo on his arm because he showed disrespect to Buddhism, a newspaper report said Saturday.

The unnamed Briton was turned back at Bandaranaike International Airport late Friday, according to the daily Lankadeepa Sinhalese.

"When questioned about the tattoo, he spoke very disrespectfully about Buddhism," an immigration official told the newspaper.

"If he expressed such views after entering the country, it would have been a threat to his own safety."

An airport official confirmed the report, but declined to give details.

Sri Lanka, a majority Buddhist nation, is highly sensitive to what is perceives as threats to the religion.

Last August, three French tourists were sentenced to six months in jail, which was suspended for five years, for kissing a Buddha statue in what the authorities considered was a sign of disrespect to Buddhism.

In 2010, Sri Lanka prevented US rap star Akon from visiting over one of his music videos featuring scantily clad women dancing in front of a Buddha statue.(AFP)

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Comments - 18

Chandi Sunday, 17 March 2013 06:01 AM

Not a great move at all.If he disrespects buddha why would he havea taoto on him self.this is a forever thing.

Vibash Wijeratne Monday, 18 March 2013 07:24 AM

When reading, it was hard to fathom whether the article was written by some foreign journalist or a local journalist!

The articulation of facts had been having that stale taste of trying to be appealing and impressive towards the indifferent barbaric image of the past.

One has to realize that those days are by-gone. Be bygone be bygone! It is very true one said in a previous, comments reflect who reads you!!!

BBS Monday, 18 March 2013 07:23 AM

Insulting other religion is our rights but no body has rights insult our religion

ShehanR Monday, 18 March 2013 06:01 AM

How do they know what Buddha looked like??? Have they seen him?

Jesus tatoos are not illegal in Europe. Narrow minded immigration officers.

Lal Sunday, 17 March 2013 03:55 PM

The nation kept their silence and did not take any actions to stop treasure hunters destroying statues of Buddha is crying over a foreigner entering the country with Buddha’s tattoo on his arm! What a joke?

sayed Sunday, 17 March 2013 11:07 AM

Sri Lanka only allow HR violated friends to visit as an Buddhist country.

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Sunday, 17 March 2013 10:49 AM

jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

Prasanna Sunday, 17 March 2013 10:40 AM

Comments reveal who reads Daily Mirror...

Dee Sunday, 17 March 2013 10:03 AM

what would others feel if signs and pictures of their respective religious idols are tatoed in various parts of the body? have respect for a country and/ or its religion please. welldone immigration.

srilankan Sunday, 17 March 2013 12:00 AM

Perfect decision. Religon is not a toy to play. No respect no entry.. via DM Android App

weha Sunday, 17 March 2013 03:14 AM

we are slowly drifting towards becoming an Iran type of extremist Buddhist nation.

Sri lankan Sunday, 17 March 2013 03:00 AM

Give the respect and expect the respect

Sareek Sunday, 17 March 2013 02:43 AM

Practice Your Religen and Respect Others Religen.

R Sunday, 17 March 2013 02:16 AM

VERY GOOD MOVE. People should experience how the UKBA treat Srilankans, like dirt. They treat us with no respect and very inhumanly. So very narrow minded idiots.

Hamster Sunday, 17 March 2013 02:20 AM

true that,, should also respect religions within the country too!!

Kodithuwakkuarachchi Sunday, 17 March 2013 01:55 AM

Tourism has become a threat to Buddhism. Better stop it all together.

Lanka Putha Sunday, 17 March 2013 12:00 AM

if we are not respecting other religions.. we shudnt expect others to respect our religion via DM Android App

Tony Montana Saturday, 16 March 2013 07:05 PM

stupid immigration

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SL bars Briton with Buddha tattoo

Comments - 18

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