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Proposed Buddhist Publications Regulatory Act: Buddhist academia welcome move

28 Mar 2021

  • Strengthens blasphemy laws

  • Lawyers, civil society activists counter

By Yumiko Perera   The proposed Buddhist Publications/Texts Regulatory Act would review, regulate, and (if necessary) censor publications that contain content related to the teachings of Buddhism, the character of the Buddha, or discuss themes related to Buddhism. Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Prof. Kapila Gunawardana, speaking to The Sunday Morning, said: “We have drafted the cabinet paper and we have to get it approved by the Cabinet. After that, we have to send it to the Legal Draftsman. We are yet to receive cabinet approval.” Emphasising the need for a legal change in this regard, Prof. Gunawardana claimed that if any person is writing against Buddhism and what is said in the Tripitaka, and raises questions on the Buddha’s teachings and the Buddha’s character without any dignity or the possession of accurate information, once this Act is in place, people will not be able to distort the Buddha’s character and His teachings. Referring to the Profane Publications Act No. 41 of 1958, which is currently in place to prevent the writing, production, printing, publication, sale, distribution, or exhibition of any profane publication, Prof. Gunawardana opined: “This is a civilised society. We have a culture and heritage we must protect at all costs. People ask so many questions about the right of expression and all that, but you can’t write anything just because you have the right to do so.” The Profane Publications Act refers to any newspaper, book, picture, film, or other visible representation containing any insult to the founder of any religion, any deity, saint, or person, whether alive or dead, venerated by the followers of any religion, or any religion or religious belief, or any ridicule of any figure, picture, emblem, device, or other thing associated with or sacred to the followers of any religion. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Buddhist academic Ven. Prof. Agalakada Sirisumana Thera said: “The Tripitaka has been around for 2,500 years without being amended and tainted. It has remained pure Theravada Buddhism throughout these years. Criticism against it would only mean that the only thing left for future generations would be those distorted views. What is left is what the world would identify as the dhamma. It happens quite often in Sri Lanka; more often than not, the Buddha’s teachings have been given distorted interpretations. “Most writers misuse the freedom of expression to spread misinformation and nurture falsified ideologies about Buddhism and its teachings. Whatever someone writes must be in accordance with the culture, norms, and morals of the people of the country, and that is how it should be in any country. This Act would not give leeway for the dhamma to be distorted and misused, which I feel is essential.” Also, speaking to The Sunday Morning, Action Committee for the Defence of the Freedom of Art and Expression President Attorney-at-Law Sanjaya Wilson Jayasekera, who appears on behalf of a short story writer and a poet on related matters, shared his views regarding the proposed Act. “It is pretty much clear as to what they expect out of it. The important question to be asked, however, is why are these rules essential for the Government at this juncture. These laws are being passed for the sole reason of satisfying the Buddhist hierarchy and established religious institutions. They want religion to be used as a mechanism to keep people blindfolded,” he observed.

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