Unconditional apology to Buddhist community Sepal Amarasinghe discharged

• Senior Counsel Darshana Kuruppu had made a lengthy representation  stating that his client wishes to tender an apology

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

Taking into account an unconditional apology given to the Buddhist community by popular Sri Lankan YouTuber Sepal Amarasinghe, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered to release him from the case filed over making a controversial statement regarding the Temple of the Tooth Relic. 

Sepal Amarasinghe was held in remand custody for allegedly making disrespectful comments about the Temple of the Tooth Relic using his YouTube channel.  

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appearing for the Attorney General informed the court that Senior Counsel Darshana Kuruppu had made a lengthy representation stating that his client wishes to tender an apology to the virtual complaints. Having considered the representation made by defence counsel, the Attorney General had decided not to proceed with the case against Sepal Amarasinghe.  

Sepal Amarasinghe delivered a public apology in the open court stating he is apologising if his remarks hurt the sentiments of Buddhist monks and the Buddhist community. Meanwhile, Amarasinghe gave an undertaking not to repeat such an offence which could be detrimental to the country’s religious harmony. Accordingly, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis decided to terminate the case proceedings against the suspect.