"Purahanda Kaluwara" taken up for argument

By Dilanthi Jayamanne
THE ISLAND
Tuesday 29th May, 2001

The Fundamental Rights Violation plea filed by the producer of the award-winning film, titled, "Purahnda Kaluwara", was argued before the Supreme court yesterday.

The petitioner is Prasanna Vithanage.

Upul Jayasuriya, counsel for the petitioner told the court that the Public Performance board, which comprised of members of the security forces, had approved the screening of this film, but, Minister Sarath Amunugama had in mid 2000, ordered the film Corporation to suspend the screening of this film till the security situation in the country improves. Jayasuriya said that the members of the security forces who were in the Public Performance Board, would have known better than any Minister, whether this film had any discouraging effects on the morale of the soldiers.

Jayasuriya said that the indefinite suspension of this film by an order of the Minister is arbitrary, and mala-fide and a violation of the petitioner's Fundamental Right to engage in a lawful profession of choice. The film had won international awards. The petitioner was awarded the "Vishwakeerthi", Presidential award for excellence in film production, counsel said.

Saleem Marsoof, Additional Solicitor General PC appeared for the respondent Minister hand the connected state officials.

He said that the film in one scene shows the opening of a coffin, said to carry the body of a soldier killed in the North. When the coffin was opened, what was inside was a banana trunk. This kind of film, discouraged the youth from joining the army.

Court: But does not TV shows display, soldiers with broken limbs?

Justice Dr. A.R.B. Amerasinghe: What is the bad significance in a banana trunk? Please explain. Without confusing me.

Saleem Marsoof, A.S.G., PC: it may indicate that bodies were not found and the coffin get stuffed with other objects. There could be a settlement on this suspension issue.

Upul Jayasuria: it was attempted. But failed. The film remains suspended indefinitely.

This case was heard before Justice Mark Fernando, Justice Dr. A.R.B. Amerasinghe and Justice P. Edussuriya.