Comedian Natasha Edirisuriya and SL-Vlogs owner Bruno Divakara have been acquitted of charges related to allegedly controversial statements about Buddhism.
The Fort Magistrate’s Court acquitted Natasha Edirisuriya and Bruno Divakara today on charges of insulting Buddhism in a statement made last year. The Attorney General informed the court that they would not be prosecuted under the United Nations Convention on Civil and Political Rights Act.
Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested for allegedly insulting Buddhism during a program called ‘Modabhimana’ held in Colombo in April of last year. She was arrested on May 27, 2023, and remained in remand for nearly two months. On July 5, the Colombo High Court ordered her release on a surety bond of one lakh rupees, after a bail petition was submitted on her behalf and the Deputy Solicitor General, representing the Attorney General, did not oppose the bail request.
President’s lawyer Anuja Premaratne, representing Natasha Edirisuriya, stated that she had no intention of insulting Buddhism or Buddha’s philosophy through her statement. However, she apologized if her statement had hurt any religious group or individuals.
The Deputy Solicitor General emphasized that although there was a potential for religious conflict due to such statements, legal action was necessary if a mistake was detected. Despite this, he did not object to granting bail, acknowledging Edirisuriya’s repentance and apology.
The High Court judge noted that the B report filed before the Magistrate’s Court did not contain any evidence confirming public disturbance caused by Edirisuriya’s statement. Consequently, the judge ordered the Fort Magistrate Court to release the suspect on a personal surety.
