Controversial remarks on Buddhism: Nathasha released from case

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya was yesterday ordered to be released from the magisterial inquiry by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court upon the Attorney General’s advice.

The CID had arrested comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya for allegedly making comments on Buddhism, detrimental to the country’s religious harmony.

Meanwhile, social media activist Bruno Divakara was ordered to be released from the case following the Attorney General’s advice

He was arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting to publish the controversial remarks made by Nathasha Edirisooriya on his ‘SL Vlog’ YouTube channel.

The Attorney General has advised the police not to proceed with further legal action against two suspects due to insufficient evidence.

In its bail order dated July 6, 2023, the Colombo High Court observed that the alleged statement said to have been made by Nathasha Edirisooriya does not on the face of it (ex-facie) come under section 3(1) of ICCPR for advocating national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility or violence. She was granted bail accordingly.