By Kamal Nissanka –
Kamal Nissanka
Statement Issued by the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka on the Hate Campaign against a Minority
People should not to be misled by religious fanatics.
The Liberal Party is concerned about the ongoing multifaceted campaigns by few self proclaimed organizations in Sri Lanka against religious minorities. A clear sinister campaign is also launched by these organizations to boycott commercial establishments run by Muslims. Liberal Party understands that the demands by these extremist organizations cannot be practically followed by the general public owing to the unpredictable behavior of the market forces.
Liberals feel that the ongoing hate campaign against Muslims is now directed at their culture including dress codes, eating habits etc. However we feel that the prime cause of the recent resurgence of this majority extremism is business rivalry. Muslims who have benefitted from open economic policies since 1977 have a greater share in capital for development and investment opportunities in the post conflict period with their inborn skill in trade. Others should not be jealous about this historical phenomenon.
Liberals understand that prior to the advent of Europeans since the sixteenth century Muslim from various parts of the world supplied much important commodities such as clothes to the island. Almost all the port cities in Sri Lanka including Colombo were historically inhabited by the Muslims. During the Kandiyan period useful commodities to the Kandyan kingdom were also supplied by the Muslims and further they settled down around the kingdom in places like Mavenella, Galagedara, Akurana and Gampola forming those places as commercial towns.
Liberal party would also like draw the attention of the citizens to post independence politics that affected the minorities severely as present trends of extremism are somewhat parallel to the past. In the post independence power politics it was the plantation Tamils who were victimized first by the Sri Lankan state through disfranchising them by legislation. However it was in 1956 and after that the forces of “Popular Sinhala Buddhism” felt that they have a duty in state formation and a share in government of the day through elections. In 1972 they were able to incorporate one religion, a foremost place in the constitution, making Sri Lanka a mini theocracy as against notions of secularism.
Although the conflict of Sri Lankan state with the traditional Tamil minority had different dimensions it is no doubt that religious extremism had also played a greater role in the conflict formation.
Having won the war against terrorism in 2009, peaceful Sri Lankan citizens always yearn for a tolerant, free society and it is prime duty of all political leaders to create such conditions to grant the future generation such a society.
However it is evident from some ugly events since the end of war, forces of majority extremism have firmly rooted in the political and social landscape in Sri Lanka. Liberal Party firmly believes that this type of majority extremism will definitely lead Sri Lanka to a much wider conflict that would hinder the economic growth and development of the country. Further if this sinister campaign against ethno religious minorities continues it will definitely make way to lose some of our traditional friends in the Islamic world.
Liberals know that under our basic law agencies of state whether executive or administrative cannot violate the fundamental rights of the citizens protected by the constitution and in such a situation citizens can go before Supreme Court for redress by way of a fundamental rights application. If a nongovernmental organization violates the fundamental rights of people guaranteed by the constitution there should be a procedural provision in law to bring them before a court of law.
Another dimension of the ongoing hate campaign is that the law enforcing authorities are also not firm in their dealings with the culprits who take law unto their hands. Even according to government’s own LLRC recommendations words hateful to communal harmony should not be allowed
Therefore, Liberals urge the government to take a firm decision against those who violate the fundamental rights of fellow people while urging the common masses of the country not to be misled by the religious fanatics.
Issued by Kamal Nissanka
Secretary General
Siri / March 26, 2013
This is a totally meaningless statement. Where is the analysis of the political dimension behind these disturbances and what is the position of the Liberal Party? What is the purpose of this statement?
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Citizen / March 27, 2013
This is a statement and not a political analysis of the situation. Therefore, an analysis is not required. There are plenty of political analyses around. A statement is a stand. This is a good positive statement. More like this needed from all quarters, if there truly is to be peace in Sri Lanka. We should do away with the prevailing culture of hate, hate mongering and bullying.
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Nas / March 26, 2013
I really appreciate this objective piece of wrting and I’m happy read this balanced view on this issue.
There are so many issues related to singhalese extremism. There is a genuine fear among some singhalese people that Buddhism and singhalese culture in decline. It could be for many reasons. It could be because of western influence. It could be failure of Buddhist religious leadership to provide proper spiritual traing and education for children from early age. It could be because of some people do not faith in Buddhism at all. It could be that we live in a secular and materialistic world that is different from Lord Buddha times. It could be that with advancement in technology people learn more about faith. It could be bacuase more than 1.7million Sinhala people work in Middle East and Webern counties and they become friendly with Muslim and na christians and end up as Muslims or Christians or it could be indoctrination of some people as Christian missionary do in Srilanka: almost 1.2 millions Christians we have in Srilanka most of them previously singhalese Buddhists or Tamil Hindus not srilankan Muslims: all of these people converted for good jobs and education: this did not haapend in muslim community and now some cleric in singhale communiity feel jealous of Muslims: their devotion in faith. Their modesty in Muslim ladies and for their skills in trade and business. It’s only 5% of people like this but 95% Sinhalese are kind with Muslims and close friends. It is government and law enforcement failure that made this matter bad. In Tamil Nadu people are waiting to justify their claim by this inactive behaviour of this government to treate minorities with equality.
It is true that Muslim communities are business communities. Thier skills should be appreciated and encouraged in the inestrest of nation: consider for instance in London alone there 25. Thousand Indian Resturants run by Muslim do they English people feel jealous about it. No, in the interest of the country. What about discrimination done to Muslims in jobs, employments and higher education. It is said Muslim population is 9% but Muslim employment rate is less 1.5% in government sector. Muslim in higher education is les 3% . I could give you full details in each depament and fields. I totally agree with this writer that we should have open mindeness and broad thinking on this issues rather than communal and narrow mindeness.
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bonaparte / March 26, 2013
Liberal party of sri lanka? Not heard about this before! Is this a branch of former British Liberal Party?
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Walter / March 29, 2013
Who cares about affiliations? A timely statement in a country heading for disaster again. Appreciate the message without analyzing the messenger.
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navinD / March 26, 2013
Mr Nissanka, what you or rather your leader Rajiva fail to understand is that the MR regime encourges all this. Without its blessings, these things cannot happen. You (not you pesonally, but the Liberal leadership) surely knows this. But you don’t have the guts to speak out. Why don’t you condemn Gota going for the BBS event? Because Rajeeva will be kicked out. You at least are personnaly an honest guy. But you will also lose credibility if you persist in this game which Rajeeva wants you to play.
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sinhala friend / March 26, 2013
religious fanatics!!
anything new?
it is too late now? it is a mindset. we are lions according to Mahavansa.
SWRD Bandaranayake was shot dead by a Buddist monk who practice mahavansa guidance.
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Walter / March 29, 2013
Mahavansa is the distorted Sinhalese version of Buddhism. Unfortunately it was seconded by Anagarika Dharmapala.It is the root cause of most of the problems in Sri Lanka. Pure Buddhism is possibly the most peaceful religion/philosophy in the world. It does not need killing unbelievers to protect it. It’s protection comes from the practice of teachings of Buddha.
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Safa / March 27, 2013
Good that the Liberal Party has issued this message which is straight to the point. Other parties are yet to issue a straight message instead of beating about the bush.
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essie / March 27, 2013
No. I think Kamal Nissanka is right. However far-fetched the idea of a new party seems, I think the time is ripe for change. We have to move out of the SLFP-UNP and racial mindsets if we want this country to survive. Get away from the english speaking elite and go to the villages-North, South, East and West; go to the roots and change the entrenched systems.
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MNZ / March 27, 2013
Essie, while your sentiments are noble, pray tell who is going lead this Utopian non-racial and non-elitist party?
I suppose you expect a miracle to transform these kade`-going jokers in the SL political stage to overnight becoming noble and altruistic beings, who like Moses will lead us to the Promised Land.
That, indeed, would be the Miracle of Asia!!
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MNZ / March 27, 2013
It was indeed a surprise to hear HE the President at last make a comment a few days that the minorities have been born here, live here, have nowhere else to go, and that they belong in SL.
He went on further to say that some extreme elements were trying to make these minorities “boarders” (“boarding-karayo”) in SL and we should beware of such attempts.
Perhaps the vote of the 9 Muslim countries out of the 13 who voted in favour of SL in Geneva despite balatant attacks on SL Muslims by the BBS and other bigoted groups, may have opened his eyes somewhat.
We earnestly hope that MR passes on the same advice to his dear brother GR who is perceived as the sponsor of BBS, and hopefully we will soon see the end of the bovine crap being tossed around by them.
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M.I.Mohamed Ansar / March 27, 2013
Boru Bala Sena
The Saffron Brigade or ‘The Sena’ by the name of Bodu Bala,
Within Sri Lanka is causing all ‘The Kala Bala’.
Disrespecting all laws, they are on the rampage,
Seemingly negligent of the repercussions they bring to country’s image.
This so-called ‘Boru Sena’ is comprised of monks clad in robes,
Verily, their disturbing acts have not prompted a government probe.
It is evident they’ve got all the blessings from the top,
Eventually, all their efforts to cause mayhem will end as flops.
With a hue and cry, they’ve made their entry into the political arena,
But their actions and reactions put to shame their noble “Sasana’.
No responsible authority seems to stop them in their hate-campaign,
Delayed action will permit them to fan the flames of hatred and pain.
Discrediting another religion is equal to demeaning one’s own,
By engaging in a hate-campaign, the motives are clearly shown.
Hatred begets hatred; violence begets violence is a Buddhist precept,
Monks engaging in violent acts is totally against this noble concept.
MIMA
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Riggor_Band / March 27, 2013
Wow, what a rapper you must be, with all those rhyming stuff. Does it come natural and effortless, or work hard at it? Hey dude, you looking for a cool job?
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mohamed fazly ilyas / March 29, 2013
Cut the crap and teach these religous lunatics and fanatics the possible disaster which are facing.
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rednaxela / March 30, 2013
Disconnect religion from political patronage. Let all genuine religious leaders look after their folk and let the government only govern. When political patronage is disconnected from religion, the religious leaders will have more responsibility to safeguard religion without sitting pretty, merely issuing statements and kindling animosity.
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ranjith / March 30, 2013
i really respect your article sir. you have spoken like a gentleman and a interlectual. very few of the sinhalese are involved in this terrorist attack or anti muslim champain. educated sinhalese people are against this BODU BALA SENA. why these people should be jealous of muslim traders of their gainings and profit making its their talents.
we sinhalese are showing the world how stupid and how racsit we have in this 21st century. Its very easy to star racsism and anti ethnic but its very difficult to solve it. muslims were still keeping patience, it does not mean they are afraid of but muslims wanna like with us peacefully. Muslim countries have been supporting sri lanka being a BUDDHIST NON MUSLIM COUNTRY, because of muslims in sri lanka.
i work in the middle east country for a quit long time with my muslim brothers very friendly and peacefully. we sinhalese are unfaithful people, i am very shame to face my muslim brothers now because of these extremist monks and their groups.
just imagine how many of our sri lankan sinhalese have been working in the middle east for years and year. sinhalese extremist are saying
DONT YOU FEEL SHAME TO SHOPPING IN MUSLIM SHOPS, BOYCOT THEM. this is very foolisness. DONT YOU FEEL SHAME TO WORK IN THE MUSLIM COUNTRIES OUR SINHALESE PEOPLE. WHY DONT WE BOYCOT THIS, WHERE IS BODU BALA SENA IN THIS REGARDS. WE ARE EXPORTING OUR WOMEN TO THE MIDDLE EAST,
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ranjith / March 30, 2013
today we are clean and with good house and with bank balance because of the muslim countries who have been helping us to work in their countries. our sinhalese people are jealousy,cassid,blood thirst, racsim, so how could we develop our country, we will go backwards.
we should open our minds and clear our hearts. if our hearts are clean we will not harm anyone or any religion which was taught by our lord buddha. because of our bad action towards humanity, we will have to face lots of trouble soon.
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vipula / March 30, 2013
Buddha’s teaching for human being not for a particular group of people.It’s pathetic, a group of people trying to construe it as a
religion of Sinhala People.’Yakadayen Upan Mala Ykadayama Kadamai”
If they really have interest, there are many things to be done rather spreading the hatred among the innocent people.Let us live harmony.Let us develop this country together.Let us think we are Sri Lankan.Ones religion is a extremely a personal thing please please please dont take the religion to spread the hatred among the innocent people.
We lived hundred years with harmony.The British,wherever they go they “divided and ruled” as a result we suffered a lot.Let us think that we are a vegetable soup which has many flavors but cannot be separated. If some one trying to separate the flavors “sadly mistaken”.
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Suppira / March 30, 2013
Mahinda Rajapakse is well known for saying one thing and doing the opposite. He is speaking of religios freedom, but conniving at his brother sponsoring Boddu Bala Sena, a rabidly Singhala racist organisation. The Muslims are now being targeted. Not to forget is the country-wide destruction of the Tamil people over the last 65 years giving rise to armed rebellion by them. History is repeating. Now Tamil Nadu is giving the Singhalese a taste of their own medicine. The 70 million Tamils all over the world are facing the challenge by Singhalese extremists.
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len / March 30, 2013
Yes it governments job to lie
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