^{A large number of Sri Lankan Muslims burnt effigies of US President Barack Obama and American flags at a protest on Friday demanding the United States to ban the film “Innocence of Muslims.” Pic by Sanjeewa Lasantha}


Sri Lanka is to ban the controversial anti-Islam movie “Innocence of Muslims,” from being aired in the country, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affair said today.

Every possible step will be taken to prevent the film from being aired in Sri Lanka while an advertisement will be published requesting local media stations not to show it, Acting Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affair M.K.D.S Gunawardena said.

We condemn any acts disrespecting any religion, he said adding that the film should be banned as reports suggest it insults the religion of Islam.  

Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets in several part of the island after prayers on Friday protesting against the amateur film, produced in the United States, and calling for its creators to be hanged.

About 300 protesters marched towards the US Embassy in Colombo on Wednesday, carrying signs and banners that read, “Ban anti-Islamic film” and chanting, “Hang the producer and director of the film.”

Protesters also spit on and walked on US and Israeli flags during the demonstration, which was organised by an Islamic group in Sri Lanka.

Search giant Google recently prevented YouTube users in Singapore from watching trailers of the anti-Islam movie, following in the footsteps of its neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia.

A US judge on Thursday ruled that the film trailer, that has spawned violent protests across the Muslim world, can remain on YouTube despite a request from a California actress to have it taken down.