**Sri Lanka has refused to issue a visa to R&B star Akon, who was due to perform there next month, saying he offended the country’s Buddhists.**The ban comes after protests over one of the star’s music videos which features scantily-clad women dancing in front of a statue of Buddha.
In a statement, the government said the video “triggered a lot of disappointment among Buddhists”.
It added some of Akon’s lyrics were not “suitable for public articulation”.
On Monday, hundreds of people stormed the head offices of the Maharaja Broadcasting and Television Network, the media sponsor of the planned concert.
Four workers were injured and windows and parked cars were smashed after protesters threw stones at the building.
“Considering the controversial video images, offensive song lyrics and strong protests coming from various cultural, religious groups and organisations in the country, the government was compelled to take this decision,” the government said in its statement.
A spokesperson for Akon could not immediately be reached.