Aksharaya: Minister files objections

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: Various groups including the Judicial Services Association and the Ministry of Child Development and Women Empowerment had called for the immediate ban of the film "Aksharaya" Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane stated in his objections filed in the Supreme Court.

The Minister filing his objections among other matters stated that the Judicial Services Association had made representations that the portrayal of the female Magistrate was defamatory and would bring disrespect and contempt on the entire Judicial system and made a request to immediate ban on the film.

The Minister stated that the Secretary to the Women's Affairs Ministry was concerned about the immoral lust of the mother in the film was an insult to the cherished role of the motherhood in the country. The use of the minor in several lewd scenes including display of his genitals would constitute a child abuse and serious violations of the rights of the child.

He stated that the only after several objections were brought to his attention in connection with the public performance of the film he had duly instructed his secretary to watch the film. He stated that after watching the film, under his directions the Secretary to the Ministry had recalled the certificate.

The Minister submitted that the revocation of the certificate issued for the public screening of the film lawful and it was not in violation of the rights of the petitioners.

Meanwhile, Kusumini Keerthi Kumari of the, Legal Officer attached to the Children's Desk of the Lawyers for Human Rights and Development sought to intervene in the application. She further sought to dismiss the petitioners' rights application on the basis that the film promote child abuse and juvenile delinquency.

Petitioners Asoka Handagama, the director, Iranthi Abyesingha and Upul Shantha Sannasgala, the co-producers of the film "Aksharaya," filed the Fundamental Rights application in the Supreme Court against the revocation of the Certificate granted to public screening of the film.

They cited 18 respondents including the Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, the Secretary to the Ministry, Chairman and the members of the PPB, National Film Corporation, its chairman and the General Manager, the OIC of the Children and Women's Bureau and the Attorney General as the respondents.

The hearing was fixed for August 3.