Wesak whims barred

The police have decided not to grant permission for the use of dancing masks and putting up of haunted mansions (Holman Mandiraya) during the week of Wesak and on Wesak  Poya Day as these are detrimental to Buddhist culture and its tenets.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said even the use of loudspeakers would be stopped if they are used for the purposes stated above.  The loudspeaker licence given to ‘dansalas’ will also be withdrawn, if songs contrary to the Buddhist culture are played, the SSP added.

They will also be conducting investigations into pictures of the Buddha on Wesak cards that depict him in an insulting manner, the police media spokesman further noted.

A senior officer of the Sri Lanka Customs said that they would be keeping a watchful eye on individuals arriving in the country carrying Wesak cards or other pictures which offend Buddhist culture.