Friday 8 July 2016

Director, producer of ‘Adaraneeya Kathawak’ questioned over violation of Tobacco, Alcohol Act.

By Shehan Chamika Silva
Natahenpita police today said court that they had recorded statements from the Priyantha Colambage (Director) and Chaminda Gamage (Co- Producer) over the inquiry conducted against the film, ‘Adaraneeya Kathawak’ (Melody of Love) which is now being screened, for allegedly violating the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act by displaying Tobacco or Alcohol trade marks in the film.

Official of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, Dilishiya Abeynayake had lodged a complaint with the Narahenpita police over the violation of the Act stating that the Authority had observed scenes in the film, in which Tobacco or alcohol advertisements were included by displaying trade marks of some brands.

The complainant had told police that the Authority had found more than ten scenes of promoting Tobacco or alcohol in the film.

Narahenpita police had also investigated into the complaint and confirmed that the alleged film contained such scenes.

Earlier, the Colombo additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris ordered the film's Director Priyantha Colombage, National Film Corporation Chairman and Majestic Cinema Manager to provide a full length version CD of the movie to the Narahenpita Police in order to observe scenes allegedly promoting Tobacco or alcohol by violating the section 35 of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act.

However, Narahenpita Police Sub Inspector Lalith said that the director, chairman of the Film Corporation and Majestic Cinema Manager had informed the police that they do not allow to keep a copy of the film in a CD. Thereby, the police had informed the Censor Board to provide a full length version of the film in a CD to the Natahenpita Police in order to initiate further formal litigation over the allegation, said police.

Counsel who appeared for the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, requested the Magistrate to impose a restraining order by preventing the film is being screened.

The magistrate postponed the consideration over the request for July 11.

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