(NIDAHASA News) “Why my parents gave me birth into this godforsaken 'Disneyland'?” an emotional Jagath Manuwarna broke down to tear in a press conference yesterday; he was among the artists who were attacked on Monday (29) during a street campaign in Kurunegala.

“I ask my parents, why didn't choked me to death in the moment I born into this weird Bollywood movie called 'Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka?' Now the only thing you can do for me is to buy me a Lamborghini, to race [with sons of Persident Rajapaksa],” the popular actor said sarcastically.

“Thuggery have become a qualification for politicians to climb up in their political career,” popular novelist Mohan Raj Madawala says.

Addressing the special media briefing organized by Next Generation artist's collective, popular author said now government goons have become so “brave” they do not even try to hide their identity.

The artist's collective called this beefing after Monday's attack on their street campaign in Kumbukgate, Kurunegala. Samanalee Fonseka, Udaya Dharmawardhana and Lakshman Wijesekara injured in this attack.

“These local politicians now know this kind of behaviors would help them to the next level of political ladder,” Madawala explained how political system works under current regime.

“Can't you see the brutality of this corrupted regime?” actress Samanalee Fonseka asked senior artists who pledged their support to President Rajapaksa.

How can you stand with thugs, to protect a corrupted rule, Fonseka questioned.

“Government is attacking local artists while using Bollywood superstars for their election campaign,” popular author Upul Shantha Sannasgala said.

We will continue our struggle even after the election to protest civil rights in this country, Sannasgala added.

“It is clear that we are going back to the savage era,” senior playwright and actor Jayalath Manorathna said adding that the country is now ran by “jungle law.”

North Western Provincial Council member Don Kamal Indika, who allegedly led the attack, surrendered to the police this morning (31). There were around 150 goons with Provincial Councilor; most of them in Namal Rajapaksa’s “Nil Balakaya” T-shirts. However “Nil Balakaya” denied any involvement into the attack.

Second Edition(NIDAHASA News) Journalist and activist Sanjaya Senanayake passed away on Wednesday (21).

“Sanjaya Senanayake passed away peacefully… after a long battle with cancer. He had asked that his friends be notified about his death.” his Facebook status said.

His ability to work as a one-man documentary film crew helped him report unseen stories from North and East even under difficult conditions.

He was a brave fighter against all kinds of injustice and been admired for his rare human qualities.

Sanjaya had been working as media head of Transparency International and many other local international media outlets. He also worked as a lecturer in local media schools.

Best known for his dexterity behind the camera Sanjaya was an intellectual, of various facets, in his own right. Son of Human Rights activist Sunila Abeysekara, Sanjaya was for many a revered teacher notably in striving for self-governance and perseverance.

Cremation will take place at 3.00 pm on the afternoon of Saturday, 24th May 2014 at the Godigamuwa Cemetery, Maharagama.

Second Edition(NIDAHASA News) Sri Lanka authorities have suspend a film festival organized by the French embassy in Colombo over screening a local film which claim to be critical towards Sri Lanka military forces.

The French Film festival was scheduled to be held during June 18 – July 14 at the BMICH in Colombo, but was suspended with immediate effect as it was subjected to criticism and controversy following the screening of the Sinhala movie “Flying Fish” last Thursday (11), directed by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara.

In a statement issued by the BMICH Board of Management, while apologizing to the general public and the armed forces for permitting the film to be screened at their premises, stated approval to screen the movie at the BMICH premises was based solely upon the certification given by the PPB and under the assumption that ‘the foreign organizes of such events will always respect and honor the social, historical and cultural sensitivities of the people of the host country.’

However PPB Chairman Sumanasekara claims he has not given any such certification. Sumanasekara said that they are not equipped with the legal provisions to take action against screenings of any films that might contain material that might not agree with local audiences, at foreign film festivals held in Sri Lanka and they decided to seek legal advice egarding the course of action that should be followed in the future.

Meanwhile, responding to the suspension of the Film Festival, the Embassy of France said the movie 'Flying Fish' had been chosen, due to its international recognition in festivals in Asia and in France. It also stated that it had received the certifications authorizing the screening of all the movies from the Public Performances Board.

“The Embassy of France regrets this unfortunate incident and the embarrassment for the general public and for the French Spring partners and sponsors.” Embassy of France said in the statement.

Meanwhile Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has questioned Kalum Palitha Maheerathne, a adviser of film production company of “flying Fish”, reports say.

Director General of the Media Center for National Security, Lakshman Hulugalle said that Ministry of Defense has started investigation into the film. “This film’s contents , we have been told, depicts an offensive and derogatory image of the Sri Lankan armed forces. Therefore, we have decided to launch an investigation into its contents,” he said.

“Flying Fish”, a debut film by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara has been awarded in several international film festivals around the world.

Several Sri Lankan films which were critical towards government and military have been banned by the government in recent years.