Natasha Edirisuriya, alleged to have made comments insulting Buddhism in a comedy programme called ‘Modabhimanaya’
and the person who released the video of her on the Internet, owner of the Colombo Comedy Center, Medamulana Madanage Bruno Divakara, who is currently in remand custody, were remanded till June 21 by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday.
The Magistrate who ordered the defence lawyers to file a memorandum on or before June 9 or prior to that, to state the facts in writing regarding the suspects, also ordered to file their objections before June 21.
The Magistrate ordered the Criminal Investigation Department Director to investigate the press conference held by Vidarshana Kannangara, Tharindu Jayawardena,Tharindu Uduwaragedara, Lakmali, Crito Fernando demanding the release of the two suspects and report whether it amounted to Contempt of the Court. When the case was taken up for hearing, the plaintiffs including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who filed the complaint, were present in court. The Criminal Investigation Department informed court that the suspects arrested by the Narahenpita Computer Crime Investigation Division, Colombo, were arrested under Section 3-2 of the Civil and Political Rights Convention Act and the Penal Code of Sri Lanka.
This has been supported by the second suspect Bruno Divakara who has organized supplying of the video and he has provided the money as well. He had uploaded this video. The first suspect had also uploaded it on her YouTube channel. A large number of viewers had seen it. The unedited video footage should be obtained for this investigation. He was requested that the unedited video clip be given to him from the relevant computer, but he has not done so as yet. She could have faced danger if she had not been arrested. The statements of the second suspect’s group should be recorded. The investigations have not been completed. The Criminal Investigation Department further informed the court that investigations will be conducted under the Civil and Political Compromise Act 2007.
President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne appearing on behalf of Natasha Edirisuriya said; Buddhism is not a religion of hatred. That is why it is said ‘Nahi Verena Verani’. That is what a million civilized precepts say. And in the Kalama Sutra, the Buddha said not to believe anything even if I say it. It has been stated that a person should examine whether it is right or wrong. It can be understood from the word ‘Modabhimanaya’. An aptly named part came to life. Is it wrong to say Suddhodana’s son? What else could we say? Buddha was born to King Suddhodana and to Queen Mahamaya. He said sadu sadu when it was said that a cobra came breaking out through the Kelani River. That is the biggest destruction that was done to the Dhamma. A group of people laughed and listened to the statement of the suspect. Another proud crowd got upset.
The suspect was brought up in a Buddhist environment where she could recite the Three Suttas President’s Counsel Nalinda Indratissa, who appeared for the second suspect, Bruno Divakara said no offense under this Act has been committed anywhere. There are no accusations of spreading war, discrimination, enmity and violence. No national ethnic religious hatred has been spread. Buddhists are not disturbed by this. One should not be swayed by profit, loss, praise, insults etc. What is this about Chinchi Manavika? Buddhists do not get violent and do not get excited.
Politics has been labelled Buddhist. He has apologised for what happened.
Attorney Manoj Gamage, on behalf of the aggrieved parties said “If these sermons were understood first, this would not have happened. Religious beliefs can be questioned. There is no right to laugh at religion. This is not been done to acquire praise or be flattered. Buddhist girls schools have praised virginity. When you have problems, politics is drawn into it.
Not all Buddhists are Sovan, Sakrudagami, Anagami. They can kill. This makes young people lose faith in religion. Natasha’s family survived because this is a Buddhist country. She even tried to leave the country. She was arrested due to the orders of this court. Buddha images were vandalized before the Easter attack. Even the Easter attack happened because it was whitewashed. That little incident turned to violence.
Lawyer Susantha Kumara for the aggrieved party Prabhamat Madhubhashana Ranasinghe; By putting on media shows for the sake of religious coexistence, asking that Natasha be released on bail, a group of people including Vidharshana Kannangara have insulted court. Buddhism is the religion of the majority of people.
Not everyone has become a Buddha or an Arhat. Take action against the people who insulted this court. The case will be taken up for hearing on June 21, to obtain further reports.
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