Sri Lanka's National Heritage Ministry said on Tuesday that it would be taking legal action against a Japanese beverage company using the Sigiriya site in a beer commercial and thereby 'disgracing' the heritage side.
The Minister Jagath Balasuriya accused the company of misleading officials, stating:
“The Sri Lankan company had created the beer commercial for a Japanese beverage company by convincing the archeological department that the commercial was for an energy drink.”
Sigiriya ('lion rock' in Sinhalese), is a huge rock in Matale District, considered by Sinhala people to be the site of an ancient Sinhala kingdom and fortress.
See also:
British tourist denied entry for showing disrespect towards Buddhism (16 Mar 2013)
Police arrest tourist for Buddha tattoo (11 Feb 2013)
Arrests made over 'Buddha Bar' meal (27 Jan 2013)
Buddhist monks demand 'protection' of 'archeological sites' in East (29 Nov 2012)
Tourists convicted for insulting Buddhism (21 Aug 2012)
A disrespect to Buddhism (14 Jan 2012)
The Guardian: 'Akon banned from Sri Lanka for Buddha statue video' (25 Mar 2010)