A Monk Leads Mob Violence At Maligawatta With The Connivance Of The Police
By AHRC -
Swarnavahini reported a raid on a house maintained at a high rise building in Maligawatta by a mob led by a Buddhist monk, Galabodathe Yanasiri, the secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (The Buddhist Power Army). Galabodathe Yanasiri claimed that a person residing there was keeping false deeds, fake ticket books and passing himself off as a Buddhist monk. A large crowd entered and searched the premises, allowed themselves to be videographed and then took the person into their custody. While this was going on the monk in charge spoke to the cameras saying that they will work towards exposing other similar incidents. Another person took the man impersonating a monk to apologise to the Buddhist people in Sri Lanka about the wrongs he had done, all of which he denied. Then another person was made to say that he was subjected to sexual harassment.
BBS
The whole incident demonstrates how far mob violence is taking place in Sri Lanka. In this instance the monk who led the mob claimed that there are many more incidents happening in the country and that they intend to intervene in similar manner.
Whatever the truth or otherwise about this man alleged to be impersonating a monk, if there was any enquiry to be done it should have been done by the police and not by the mob. The very fact that the police accompanied the mob shockingly indicates the connivance of the police in the mob violence. If this group calling themselves the Bodu Bala Sena had, in fact, received some complaints against this individual it was their duty, under the law, to refer such complaints to the police and request them to take the appropriate action under the law.
However, when the Bodu Bala Sena act as a mob and engages in raids they are themselves violating the law and they should be charged under the law for trespass, illegal interference with the privacy of the tenant and mob violence. No monk or civilian has the power of arrest and therefore that too is a criminal offense. The monk who led the mob was also violating the law of the land.
It is the duty of the police to arrest all the persons who participated in this mob violence and to charge them before a court of law. As there is video footage of everything that happened during this raid there should be no difficulty in identifying the persons involved and also confirming the illegal acts that they committed. The video which was shown to the public by Swarnavahini itself may be used as evidence against those who participated in these illegal activities.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Maligawatta Police Station should be held responsible for allowing these illegal activities to take place. The Assistant Superintendent of Police and the Superintendent of Police in the area should take appropriate action to investigate the matter and take action against the police officers concerned.
However, although this might be the position relating to the law, most likely nothing will happen as the Bodu Bala Sena is acting so boldly before cameras only because they are assured of political patronage. Thus, the allowing of mob violence happened in this instance does not seem to happen without the direct or indirect involvement of the government. What is most likely is that such activities are done with the knowledge of the Ministry of Defence.
Civilian policing has virtually collapsed with the promulgation of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. With that the police can no longer be relied on to maintain law enforcement. This situation allows the mobs to take the law into their own hands. It is this situation that the Bodu Bala Sena is exploiting knowing that they will enjoy impunity. Many attacks on civilians by the Bodu Bala Sena have been reported, including attacks on the places of worship belonging to other religions.
The Bodu Bala Sena has become the expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country. The failure of the government to take appropriate legal action against such activities demonstrates the government’s connivance in creating a situation of lawlessness.
It is quite likely that in the future, such mobs may attack those who are considered opponents of the government. Thus, trade unions, NGOs and individuals holding independent opinions such as journalists and the members of the press establishments can be targets of mob violence. Such mob violence could be directed towards various factions within Buddhism such as against those who claim adherence to Mahayana Buddhism.
As the sole authority that controls the country is the executive president the failure to stop such violence should be directly placed before the president as a failure of his responsibility.
BBS apppears to have official recognition from the police and blessings of the SOD. This type of religous facism is now being unleashed on all and sundry. Is the govt unable to main law and order in this country? Do they need a Buddhist KKK to dish out punishments and try people?
This has the potential to degenerate into arson and lynching sessions. The govt and president should take full reponsibility for this state of lawlessness.
Safa - March 4, 2013
7:38 am
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE POLICE AND ARMY OF THE GOVERNMENT ?AND YOU CALL THIS ”BODU BALA SENA” , A BUDDHIST POWER ARMY ?VERY RIDICULOUS TO READ!
IT SOUNDS SOME ONE IS MAKING PUBLICITY OF THESE RACISTS MONKS.THEY ARE NOT THE BUDDHISTS POWER ARMY.
IS THE GOVERNMENT HANDICAPPED,FAILING TO TAKE ACTION ?VERY FUNNY AGAIN BECAUSE IN THE NEWS IT WAS TELECAST THIS CRIMINAL MONK WAS NOT APPREHEND FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THIS SO CALLED ”BODU BALA SENA ” CAPTURED HIM !THIS INCIDENT IS LIKE SHEDDING CROCODILE DEARS TO DECEIVE THE PUBLIC FOR DOUBLE GAME PLAY .
MOHAMED - March 4, 2013
10:23 am
If you are living in SinhalaBuddhist Sri Lanka then you should follow the SinhalaBuddhist way of life. I am glad that our Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa opens the new Buddhist Leadership Academy to train the Bodu Bala Sena members. In future we are hoping to have our own regiment. Buddha introduced Buddhism to the Sinhalese/Sri Lanka because he knew that only SinhalaBuddhists can protect it from Muslims and Christians. In Sri Lanka, the Muslims are supposed to be calm and compassionate towards the SinhalaBuddhists. They should Never ever even dream of retaliating.
Muslims have been living in this country since 7th century and now only they want to have Halal food in Sri Lanka. Population wise they are only 5%. If we allow Halal, next time they will try to introduce circumcision on us. What is Halal to Muslims is Harem to SinhalaBuddhists. We cannot allow the Muslims to become a majority in Sri Lanka. The ban on birth control should be enforced only for the Sri Lankan Muslims. Slaughtering cow and eating beef should also be banned in Sri Lanka. Instead, we should promote pork. We are glad that the parliament has re-introduced pork in their menu. Hijab, burqa, niqab and purdah should be banned in Sri Lanka. This is the only way we can protect our SinhalaBuddhist country, our SinhalaBuddhist religion and our SinhalaBuddhist race from these aliens.
Bodu Bala - March 7, 2013
5:55 am
“They should never even dream of retaliating”…Why u scared if that happens you have no place to hide…Its racists bigots like you who will facilitate the division of this country…The diaspora will be cheering you guys on and want you to take the next step and cause blood shed,so that they could make a case for minorities being persecuted.Sinhala is a dying race…Stop clinging on to it..instead try to inculcate the teaching of the buddha in to your daily life..
Hamas - March 7, 2013
10:19 am
Who said this is a Sinhala Buddhist country. And who wants to follow idiots like you? 35% of the country is non buddhist and they have every right to live the way they want guaranteed by the constitution.
Also if you think think that by getting leadership training you are going to improve, think again. When you cannot follow the teachings of the Buddha, what leadership training for you?
Safa - March 7, 2013
10:41 am
Desperate attempts of a dying breed (Sinhellists) to stay alive.
Ceylonese - March 7, 2013
10:54 am
SO SRI LANKA IS A BUDDHIST COUNTRY !!!! THATS NEWS!!!!!
SO YOUR BODU BALA IS THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BUDDHISM!!!!
YOU EXPECT PEOPLE TO EMBRACE BUDDHISM?? IT MIGHT BE THE OTHER WAY!!!
THE ENTIRE ECONOMY DEPENDENT ON ALCOHOL TOBACCO, CASINOS, BROTHELS, SWEEPS!!!AND OF COURSE “HALAL” BUSINESS OF EXPORTING YOUR BELOVED
WOMEN TO WORK AS MAIDS AND COOKS. ARE YOU NOT ASHAMED?
YOU EXPECT OTHERS TO FOLLOW YOU. YOU MUST HAVE JUST ESCAPED FROM ANGODA!!!!
AYMAN - March 15, 2013
4:37 pm
The Buddhist monks are running amok in Sri Lanka Lanka.
Sinhala Buddhism is an INSULT to the Buddha – the peaceful one, the enlightened one.
Militarized Sinhala Buddhism is Rajapassa religion and not Buddhism at all. Most of the monks are political thugs these days in Lanka and Buddhism is highly militarized by the dictators who uses the symbols of Buddhism to cover his crimes – land grabbing, massive corruption, looting of the country by the Rajapassa family, war crimes etc..
SInhala Buddhism is a disgrace to Buddhists all over the world. Enough in enough! True Buddhists in Lanka and the Mahanayaka’s should stop patronizing politicians – especially the Rajapakse murderers..
Dodo - March 4, 2013
7:53 am
Violence thou art afoot, everyone would say. By comparison, Hitler’s Storm Troopers and Mao’s Red Guards exercised some restraint in the first few days. If a strident call is to be written for the BBS Manifesto, one has only to parody the words of Marx in the last para of the CM.
The BBS disdains to conceal its views and aims. It openly declares that it’s ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social norms. Let the civilized classes tremble at the BBS onslaught. The BBS has nothing to loose but its nondescript character. It has a pan Buddhist Lanka to inherit.
CHANAKYAN - March 4, 2013
7:56 am
Mob Rule with the blessings of King’s party. Another Somalia in the horizon. The tigers must be very happy with the lions committing self destruction.
Ceylonese - March 4, 2013
7:58 am
Calling all peace loving Buddhists; Get your voice heard before the saffron robed anarchist destroy your way of life.
Guardian - March 4, 2013
8:17 am
Guardian
This is what happens when you seek refuge in Sinhala/Buddham, Sinhala/ Dharma, and Sinhala/Sangha.
This is not new and won’t change tomorrow as long as the Sinhala/Buddhists remain irredeemably stupid.
Native Vedda - March 4, 2013
12:31 pm
NV – Whether we like it or not we have to work with what we have. Buddhist way of life has survived more than 2600 years and if the majority decides to ignore the principles that was build on they will see the decline further and eventually the extinction.
Guardian - March 4, 2013
1:36 pm
Guardian
Buddhist way of life?
“they will see the decline further and eventually the extinction”
I will welcome such eventuality.
However, Sinhala/Buddhism will be re branded and repackaged to maintain their own interest whoever is benefiting from organised religious chaos. This would be a on gaining criminal process.
Therefore I want to reclaim Buddha’s teaching from Sinhala/Buddhist.
Can you help me?
Native Vedda - March 4, 2013
2:20 pm
NV – You mean revitalise Buddism to its pristine condition. I don’t see that happening until the demise of Racial supremacy. We can start educating the population on the merits of social harmony before economic prosperity
A random observation on the percentage of the practicing Buddists will be sadly in single digits.
Guardian - March 4, 2013
3:26 pm
Guardian
American right always used/claimed as though the flag belong to them. Liberals found it difficult to reclaim the flag. So their policies were modified with large shades of right wing agenda.
You say:
“You mean revitalise Buddism to its pristine condition.”
The downside to your recommendation is that whoever does revitalise Buddism will become the chief of religious thought police.
Its a difficult process I will discuss it later.
Native Vedda - March 5, 2013
9:51 am
What a funny situation developing in this country. Sorry, not funny, SINISTER is the correct word. Is Bodu Bala Sena part and parcel of the law enforcement machinery in this country? Are they part of the judiciary to pronounce judgments? What is this tragi-comedy? Who authorized them to conduct raids on private residences and establishments? I dread to think of the possibility of a few Bodu Bala Sena raiders being made to bite the dust by one or two would- be- victims asserting their right to self-defense and the right to protect their lawful possessions!After all there can be people who would decide enough is enough and would react come what may!
Saman Wijesiri - March 4, 2013
8:36 am
Was the man in robes innocent or was he a protected criminal? When Law & Order, and Justice are politically manipulated to protect wrongdoers, people will ultimately resort to Vigilante Justice.
Bystander - March 4, 2013
9:33 am
In the future MRs Goat brother will use the BBS as his cats paw when for instance he wants to obtain land belonging to non-Buddhists. It’s that simple. Every bloody atrocity will be done in the name of safeguarding the Buddhist religion.
PresiDunce Bean - March 4, 2013
9:47 am
BBS invaded the municipal abbatoir at dematgoda last week. They beat a hasty retreat when the police informed them that they would have to face legal action for recovery of damages to the tune of Rs 10 Mn if the stock of meat perished doe to their actions.
Safa - March 4, 2013
11:11 am
My belief is this club of neo-fascists will be a serious threat to those who aspire justice, democracy,and good governance in this country.Their current projects are most probably to rally Sinhala extremists around it with the intention of using them at a later stage against anti government forces.
premalal - March 4, 2013
1:30 pm
A marriage between the State and its chosen Religious partner often ends up in bloodshed in a mass scale. That was the unmistakeable lesson the country – no more a Nation – learnt from 1956. The child brought forth by this unholy alliance is often one of a diabolic nature.
The good name of the peaceful and Compassionate One is being dragged out in the street by screaming crazed mobs lead by irreligious creatures – with the State offering cover. Cowardice at its highest level is practised as the target is the numerically smaller minorities of different faiths. The Rajapakse Family continues to fail in its
expected task of providing good governance and safe streets for the people to go about their ordinary businesses in. The world is watching.
Senguttuvan
Senguttuvan - March 4, 2013
1:53 pm
Who gave the authority to BBS to block roads and punish people? Buddhist monks have to be restricted to their Pansala not create trouble on the roads or to other communities. If they create trouble and thereby create communal disharmony then it clearly falls under the action that the Police have to take under “Prevention of Terrorism Act”. Why the police is not doing their duty. It is important for the civilian society in Sri Lanka to take note off all these problems created by the JHU, BBS, Government Thugs etc and also those who do not do their duties such as Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Defense forces, police, Judiciary etc and bring them to an open public inquiry and punish them in the future when the political climate is right. Members of the opposition should openly state this idea and make every one aware that those who do not carry out the rule of the law in the country or break the laws will have to answer for them in a future date. Only this will make sure that in the future such illegal activities will not take place. We owe this to our younger generation.
Park - March 4, 2013
2:34 pm
About 900 years ago a great Tamil poet and scholar wrote in a poem about the king’s responsibilities. ” He is obliged to protect the citizens from HIMSELF, HIS RETINUE,from deadly enemies, brigands and wild life”. The placement of the first two in priority may be noted for its appropriateness for current times in SL!
CHANAKYAN - March 4, 2013
3:01 pm
Inviting disaster to SriLanka.
Jim Hardy - March 4, 2013
3:06 pm
Bodu Balu [Edited out]….sowing the seeds for another 30 years of disaster….
VP - March 5, 2013
1:01 am
Sinhala people should pay for their choice of their Leader Of course the Tamils paid for choosing not to vote following the directions of LTTE
Raja - March 5, 2013
2:30 am
Why dont the BBS raid Casinos and shut them down. Aren’t they against Buddhist culture ?
Anil Fernando - March 5, 2013
4:09 am
It reminds that during Premadasa’s period some hundreds of undesirable characters (alleged from Maligawatta) were donned in Bhikku’s saffron to protest against Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissnayake and Police maintained silence. It is true that Maligawatta is a place for notorious characters who had been up to mischief during Premadasa’s period. Now the BBS wanted to take action (may be) against the same undesirable characters at Maligawatta with the Police. Today Police is powerless. What happened to DIG’s son who was attacked by Minister Maithri Srisena’s son who got bail within hours and DIG’s son transferred. Just imagine how the Police acted when the former CJ Dr.Shirani Bandaranayake was about to leave her official residence. Recently according to a news item, the IGP was pressurised to resign. Above all what did the Police do when the protestors were shouting at Hulftsdorp during the impeachment of the CJ. They even denied the privileges to the lawyers who had the right to have access to the courts. Had the Police abide by the decisions of the Court and ignore the politicians in taking stern action against the protestors, all these non-senses would not have occurred. There are signs of poor governance and Sri Lanka has become a lawless State. BBS had lost their heads as to what they are doing, like the cancer spreading all over the body. It won’t be a surprise that one of the members of BBS will eventually lay hand on MR & company.
Citizen - March 5, 2013
5:17 am
The Rajapakshas are carrying to the next level what Banda did ages ago and got shot at. They play with fire which can very easily backfire on them. Buddhism as preached by Lord Buddha has nothing to do with these scum bags.
Wera - March 5, 2013
5:32 am
Let’s rechristen them Podu Mera Sena!!!!!!!!!!!
M Y Foote - March 5, 2013
9:45 am
re-christen ?Christening is only for Christians not Buddhist monks.
chris abey - March 7, 2013
12:58 pm
These know nothing, do nothing excess scumbugs looking for work to occupy and found this past time. After eating endless dana and preaching Boru Bana to society, now taken the roll of Police to waste excess energy.
What they do to society is nothing diffrerent to what other crooks do.
Why don’t they join Police Dept. if they want to catch criminals. They are supposed to lead people to a religious path and not to impose their own laws to people.
Why don’t they raid Colombo’s elete Brothel houses, casinos, nude beaches, drug king pins and night clubs and Rajapakse wasteful projects is a question. Why they don’t fight against cost of living, independent media, human rights and missing journalists and white van abductions…….
Yesterday’s attcak on Buddhist monk cult called Sinhala Rayawa in Kalutara could be a biggning of religious violance in Sri Lanka.
Rajapakses new game plan to hiding behind Buddhist cults to get away from Human rights both locally and Internationally is quite visible. But this game plan could backfire on them one day similar to late SWRD Bandaranaike.
Rajapakses taking back country to Stone age is visible……while making Billions as commission on wasteful projects when people suffer.
Buddhist extrimism introduced by Rajapakses is their Policical cover up to hide their corruption.
Mahela - March 5, 2013
3:27 pm
Maligawatta OIC is a ..
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S.Kingsley - March 6, 2013
9:20 am
These are just the minority that have come forward to tarnish the image of lanken real buddhism. BBS or any other begotted segments should pay close attention to protect lanken buddhism being hearted to the nation.
I throughly believe if the authorities would add due amendments to the prevailing rule of law – as it is the case with european countries too, many alike problems can easily be handled.. people should be forced to obey the rule of law not paving avenues them to take the justice to their hands. President and his bunch go merrygoround saying the bit they have done sofar, but the jeorpardy that resulted from their inability to impose due law enforcements –
These safron robed pseudo monks are comparable to Juliampitya amare, Mervin, Duminda and the like minded criminals.
Ben - March 7, 2013
2:31 pm
We are a nation that lacks the basic service of the police.
Behind the police politicians seem to be exercising their arbitrary activities. So long president or his brother or any authorities pay whole hearted attention to these areas, one can avoid the folks becoming more criminals or nearing to a nation like Pakistan, Somalia or and the similar folks. It is really sad to see, that a nation once won the hearts and minds of Europeans as a friendly nation – has already become number one criminal, thugs like and murderous one..
Ben - March 7, 2013
2:36 pm
Why cant the moderate Buddhists rise up against these saffron robed fiends
Thambiya - March 11, 2013
3:05 pm
@Muslims in the forum…Pls.remember this nonsense was created by non-other than ACJU,a Muslim religous extremist group…If there is no ACJU,There will be no BBS.Why out of the blue the Halal mania cropped up early this year? The Muslims have lived in this country for centuries since arriving here in 14th or 15th century from South India.Though the ACJU was established in year 1924 now they are more towards extremism…Sinhala Buddhists have concern and that is why first salvo was fired against Halal…To be precise from year 1924-2005,the year the Halal certificates were issued,did the traditional Muslims of Srilanka protested or argued for Halal logo in food items?Apart for Meat Halal logo is in Bottled water,Cement Bags,Paint Brushes,Fruit Juices,Ice Cream,Sauces etc.as well.These sudden implementation by ACJU is due to influence of Saudi Wahabbism.Now ACJU is trying to brainwash the traditional muslims with this Halal issue in thier path towards extremism.Also did the Burqa,Hijab,Abhaya etc.existed in Srilanka before year 1990? What did traditional Muslims wore before the Hijab was introduced for the 1st time in Srilanka in year 1990?…All these stuff came here due to extremism sweeping through this land…First we have to defeat Muslim extremism which has taken roots here…Pls.be open minded when commenting…Do not think and act always in religous lines!
Narendra - March 13, 2013
4:35 pm
WHAT DID THE TAMIL WOMEN WEAR. NOW THEY WEAR THE SHALWAR KHAMEEZ.
DID THEY WEAR JEANS, VICTORIA SECRETS AND TRIUMPH.
OUR GRAND MOTHERS WORE HIJABS AND ABAYAS. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW KEEP YOUR DAMN TRAP SHUT.
AYMAN - March 14, 2013
6:41 pm
I FIND MANY PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM, TALKING OF WAHABISM,SALAFISM AND TAWHEED AS THE CAUSE OF ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND EXTREMISTS.
1. THERE IS NOTHING CALLED WAHABISM. IT IS A WORD COINED BY THOSE OPPOSED TO MUSLIMS WHO PRACTICE ISLAM IN ITS PRISTINE PURITY AS ENUNCIATED BY THE QURAN. THEY DO NOT BELONG TO ANY SECTS.
2. AS FOR SALAFIS.SALAF MEANS PREDECESSOR.SALAFIS ARE AGAIN THOSE WHO PRACTICE ISLAM, FOLLOWING THE THE QURAN AND SUNNAH ACCORDING TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SALAF, AS THEY WERE THOSE WHO WERE THERE WHEN THE
QURAN WAS REVEALED AND LEARNT FROM THE PROPHET HIMSELF.
3.TAWHEED- IS ISLAMIC MONOTHEISM. WORSHIPPING ALLAH WITHOUT ASCRIBING PARTNERS TO HIM. THIS IS THE VERY FOUNDATION OF ISLAM,AND ALL THE
REVEALED RELIGIONS THIS IS WHAT ALL PROPHETS FROM NOAH TO JESUS PREACHED.
IT IS SAD THAT THERE ARE MUSLIMS TOO, WHO DO NOT KNOW THIS.
@AYMAN, could you please change capital letters to lowercase letters – CT
AYMAN - March 15, 2013
4:09 am
i have a question to ask…………………!!!! is there is a one buddhist monk in badulla, he is a married after he became as a monk is this can be…………….?????? what you all gonna do about that…………… he is now working in a badulla central college……………bodubala senawa can take a actionabout that??????
mohamed angel - March 18, 2013
5:54 pm