New laws to curb obscene literature

by L. B. Wijayasiri in Kandy

Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene said at Dalada Maligawa Kandy, Friday, that new laws would be enacted to curb the publication of obscene literature and publication and exhibition of pornographic material.

Minister Abeywardene visited Dalada Maligawa after assuming office as the Minister of Cultural Affairs and paid his homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic.

He was accompanied by Additional Secretary to the Ministry Vijitha Ekanayake and Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs Kamal Dissanayake.

The Minister also called on Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Mahavihara Chapter and Most Ven. Galagama Attadassi Anunayake Thera of the Asgiriya Mahavihara Chapter and received their blessings.

Addressing the media at the Dalada Maligawa Minister Abeywardene added that the existing laws were inadequate to deal with those responsible for publication, sale and exhibition of obscene literature, pictures and photographs. An Act to curb that menace was now being studied by the Cabinet and it would be introduced in the Parliament very soon.

He said that necessary steps would be taken to protect the sites and articles of archaeological and historic value and also for their conservation.