Cultural Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday urged Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar to call for a complete ban on the controversial movie "Hollywood Buddha" which has created an uproar among Buddhists around the world.
In a letter addressed to Minister Kadirgamar, Cultural Affairs Minister has also requested him to take up the matter with the relevant authorities in the USA and insist on taking necessary legal action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The letter states : "I would like to draw your kind attention to the special statement made by me in parliament on September 10, 2004, regarding the newspaper article which appeared in the third page of the "Divaina" on September 09, 2004, which showed a film star sitting atop a Buddha's head.
"According to the aforesaid newspaper article, it was revealed that the movie, "Hollywood Buddha" is derogatory towards Lord Buddha and Buddhism. And it was reported that the movie produced by Phillipe Caland, in which the two major roles are played by Michel Nagas and Susam Thago is scheduled to be screened in Los Angeles, America on September 23, 2004 and its information is available in the Webside W.W.W.ybg.Com.
"I think, it is not necessary to state that this kind of action is disastrous to the image of the Lord Buddha and Buddhism, and violates the U.N.O. agreement and its accepted principles regarding religions.
"However, we are glad to hear that the director of the movie has already decided to withdraw the poster and information in the Website regarding the movie.
"I request you very earnestly and respectfully to take up this important issue with the relevant authorities in the U.S.A., to get this movie banned completely and also to take necessary legal action to stop such incidents in the future."
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2004/09/15/news/4.asp)
