‘Artiste cannot decide on Cinema’ : PPB(Censor Board) chairman Ashoka Serasinghe
Newly appointed PPB chairman speaking to the TV Times said that when releasing films the present situation of the country with backdrop of war has to be considered. "We have special respect to the soldiers and we will not allow anybody insult them through films" he said.
Mr. Serasinghe complained that since 1994, the PPB had acted irresponsibly and it was from then underrated Sinhala sex films like 'Age Wairaya' were released. Later low-grade English films were imported and allowed to be screened by the past Boards. "While performing as the head of the NFC, I was able act on certain decisions taken by the PPB and now with the present position we will be able to implement guidelines with regard to releasing films in this country," Mr. Serasinghe said.
"However there is social responsibility and it is more important that the rights of the artistes be recognised," he emphasized. He complained that there were certain international nongovernmental organisations which were trying to promote certain types of cinema in the country.
The PPB has the full authority to issue licenses on releasing films as well as cancelling them. The license of the cinema halls which violate PPB regulations should be cancelled, he said.
Mr. Serasinghe said that ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ clearly states what type of cinema we should have. It has to be a cinema that is suitable for the society. "If the cinema created by the artistes is against public opinion that has to be controlled," Mr. Serasinghe said.
When inquired about screening internationally acclaimed films for the Sri Lankan audience, Ashoka Serasinghe said ‘International awards are given by a panel of judges but that is not a criteria to screen them here and they would not be suitable for this society’.
Newly appointed PPB chairman speaking to the TV Times said that when releasing films the present situation of the country with backdrop of war has to be considered. "We have special respect to the soldiers and we will not allow anybody insult them through films" he said.
Mr. Serasinghe complained that since 1994, the PPB had acted irresponsibly and it was from then underrated Sinhala sex films like 'Age Wairaya' were released. Later low-grade English films were imported and allowed to be screened by the past Boards. "While performing as the head of the NFC, I was able act on certain decisions taken by the PPB and now with the present position we will be able to implement guidelines with regard to releasing films in this country," Mr. Serasinghe said.
"However there is social responsibility and it is more important that the rights of the artistes be recognised," he emphasized. He complained that there were certain international nongovernmental organisations which were trying to promote certain types of cinema in the country.
The PPB has the full authority to issue licenses on releasing films as well as cancelling them. The license of the cinema halls which violate PPB regulations should be cancelled, he said.
Mr. Serasinghe said that ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ clearly states what type of cinema we should have. It has to be a cinema that is suitable for the society. "If the cinema created by the artistes is against public opinion that has to be controlled," Mr. Serasinghe said.
When inquired about screening internationally acclaimed films for the Sri Lankan audience, Ashoka Serasinghe said ‘International awards are given by a panel of judges but that is not a criteria to screen them here and they would not be suitable for this society’.
