British Tourist Deported from Sri Lanka to London for a Buddha Tattoo

On April 21, 2014, a 37-year-old female British tourist was arrested once the image of Buddha seated on a lotus flower tattooed on her right arm was found after she arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo from India, and was deported to London by flight on April 24.

Similar incidents have happened before. Last March, a tourist from the UK was refused entry at the same airport for his disrespectful talk about the Buddha tattoo on his arm. In August 2012, three tourists from France were given six-month suspended prison sentences for kissing a Buddha statue. In 2010, American R&B star Akon was prevented from visiting Sri Lanka because in his music videos several scantily-clad women dance in front of a Buddha statue.

It is clear from above that Sri Lanka is exceedingly sensitive about Buddha images and statues and gets tough with perceived disrespect to Buddhism, the religion of the majority ethnic group Sinhalese. And the authorities always take strong measures as for matters related to religion. So, be careful with words and acts and avoid any disrespect to Buddha once entering the country.

Things deemed as disrespectful toward Buddha and may result in grave consequences in Sri Lanka:

1. Exposing Buddha tattoos on the body to the authorities and local people. Buddha tattoos are regarded as culturally offensive across the country.

2. Talking loudly or disrespectfully about Buddhism, eating/drinking inside temples, kissing Buddha statues, or pointing feet at any Buddha images.

3. Revealing dress and wearing shoes in temples. Make sure to have shoulders and legs covered and shoes taken off before entering the temples.

4. Climbing/riding on the Buddha statue.

5. Posing for photos in front of Buddha statues without permission.