Comedian arrested at BIA

By Norman Palihawadane

Stand-up comedian Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested by the CID yesterday at the BIA on charges of insulting Buddhism.Police said Edirisuriya presented a video programme called “Modabhimana” (Fools’ Pride – a stand-up gig) insulted the Buddhist religion. She was taken into custody by the CID and a group of officers from the Colombo Computer Crime Investigation Division.

Police said two complaints had been lodged against Edirisuriya, who has allegedly given lectures, insulting the Buddhist philosophy and culture. Jamuni Kamanta Thushara, President of the Citizens’ Organisation against Bribery, Corruption and Waste, lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department and Ven. Balangoda Kasyapa Thera made a complaint to the police headquarters.

Thirty one-year-old Edirisuriya is a resident of Mount Lavinia. She was questioned at the Computer Crime Investigation Division, Narahenpita, Colombo, and further investigations have been launched to trace the whereabouts of a male who had arrived with her at the airport.