SL bars Briton with Buddha tattoo

16 Mar 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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)

Breaking News

SL bars Briton with Buddha tattoo

Most Popular Articles

Breaking Down the Israel–Iran Conflict: What We Know So Far - Day 108

’’Cut out the noise, focus on your game’’; Sri Lanka great reaches out to Sooryavanshi

Struggling Pizza Hut chain to be sold for $2.7bn

Alleged mastermind behind Rs. 210 Billion illegal Dollar transfer network arrested

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

Latest News

More than Rs. 200 billion worth of narcotic drugs recovered in 2025/26: Minister

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to have separate changing room during England series. Here’s why

Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32?

Dengue fight in full swing

O/L 2025 certificates to be issued only through online system