Buddhism degrader Akon denied entry to perform concert; sponsoring TV channel attacked

Minister of Tourism Achala Jagoda said that Ministry of Tourism would not play any part in promoting a concert of an artist who had caused blasphemous videos on Buddhism or any other religion in Sri Lanka.

He made these comments in the light of the controversial Grammy nominated American rapper Akon not being granted a visa to perform in Sri Lanka on April 24 due to one of his music videos having visuals which were detrimental to Buddhism.

“We cannot issue a singer such as Akon entry to the country because his music videos are insensitive towards our country’s tradition. His video shows a girl who is dancing half naked in front of a Buddha statue. We cannot tolerate and stay silent about things like that. We come from a country that has a great history and heritage. We cannot be insensitive about that,” Minister Jagoda said.

“We want to promote positive tourism. We want to encourage tourists who appreciate culture, history and our country’s natural scenic beauty. We don’t want to promote something scandalous to attract tourists,” he said.

He also said that his ministry was not involved in the organizing of the event and it was purely a private venture.

Last Tuesday the National Sangha Council had called on the government to cancel the concert on the basis Akon appeared in the video and the video degraded Buddhism.

The former President of the Sangha Council Ven. Athuruliye Rathana Thera addressing a briefing said that Akon’s video clips were an outrage to Buddhism and to Buddhists around the world.

In the backdrop of Sri Lanka government denying the controversial rapper his visa to perform in the island, the singer had expressed he was disheartened by the move.

Akon’s tour agents in a statement on Wednesday said that they had postponed the show until the safety of both the performers and fans could be guaranteed, but were working to secure a new date.

On Monday an angry mob of around 150 persons attacked the MTV headquarters which is located in Braybrooke place Colombo 2 as they were media sponsors for the events.

The angry mob had been reported to have hurled rocks at the TV station protesting against the move to invite Akon. The police had later visited the scene and had brought the situation under control by arresting 16 persons who were involved in attacking the premises.

Previously in April 2007 Akon drew international criticism for performing simulated sex on stage with a 15 year old girl who was a preacher daughter at a concert in a club in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event was organized by Platinum entertainment which is an Australia-based company that took steps to bring down Akon to the country. The co-sponsors include Dialog, Sri Lankan Airlines, Cinnamon Grand Hotel and Yes Fm.

- Asian Tribune -