Suspension of film "Purahanda Kaluwara"

The fundamental right violation plea filed by the producer cum director of film 'Purahanda Kaluwara' is to be argued before the supreme Court on February 5, 2001.

The petitioner, Mr. Prasanna Vithanage, in his petition alleged that Minister Amunugama. In June this Year , suspended the screening of this film. The Public Performance Board which is vested with censoring films, had approved the screening, while the aforesaid minister had suspended the screening on the alleged ground that it could affect the morale of the army.

The Petition further said that the minister in charge of the film industry had powers only to develop and distribute and films, but had no power to suspend a film.

The petition said that the petitioner had been subjected to arbitrary treatment and the denial of the right to engage in the lawful profession of choice . He had claimed damages in Rs. Five million, from the state.

The case was called before the Supreme Court yesterday, and fixed for argument on February 5.

Upul Jayasuriya, instructed by Samararatne Associates appeared for the petitioner.

Saleem Marsoof, Additional Solicitor General, PC appeared for the State.

The Bench comprised Justice Dr. A . R . B . Amerasinghe, Justice P . R . P Perera and Justice D . P . S . Gunasekera.