Where Is The Greatness Of A Buddhist Nation?
By Visakha Tillekeratne - a Buddhist knowing a wee bit of this great philosophy
(Apology to the Mahathma in adapting the saying “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Mahathma Gandhi)
The greatness of Buddhism
The 2600 Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi was a landmark for introspection for all who respect “humaneness”. Buddhism should signify the highest qualities of humaneness that accompany this most tolerant practicing philosophy. Buddhism and its great humanist elements are not comparable to any organized religion which denigrates actions of beings to the mundane controls and rituals of institutions.
The 4 Divine Emotions (Sathara Brahma Viharana)
Within such a context, let us examine the greatness of a nation – Sri Lanka, against the 4 Divine Emotions of Metta (loving kindness), Karuna (compassion), Muditha (sympathetic joy) and Upekha (equanimity). These are the four divine emotions by which one is supposed to embrace the world and abide by at all times.
Bodu-Bala-sena-Against-Bangaladesh-De-Mel-2
Metta, karuna, mudita, upekkha provide a reflection: they form a sequence of how to relate to the human realm, to the animal kingdom, and to nature.
Metta
Metta is very much how we should relate to ourselves, too. It’s how to relate to ourselves, with kindness and acceptance rather than with aversion and judgement. Metta is about turning the other cheek!
Metta implies that we accept something that may not be very nice – like if you have physical pain or things that aren’t very nice about your body, or your character.
This is because with metta such things are seen as no longer personal, Metta is having perspective and not creating a problem even about the unfairnesses, injustices, inadequacies and so forth,. With metta there’s always the ability to forgive and start anew and to recognise the way things are and not expect everything to fit the ideals we have regarding how things should be. It doesn’t mean that we fatalistically resign ourselves to mediocrity and tyranny and stupidity, but it means that we aren’t caught in the pattern of ignorance conditioning mind formations. So we can bear with the problems of life with kindness and acceptance.
Tolerance and Acceptance
How kind and accepting are we of all communities and events of recent history of the country.
Do we, the Sinhala Buddhists really accept the Hindus. Muslims, Christians and any others as our own Sri Lankans and vice versa. Isn’t nation building and uniting for the country based on being kind and accepting of all? How much do we know of each other except a few customs at various festivals celebrated during the year? In our innermost self do we accept all – communities and animal life as being equally important in this great cosmic cycle? Or is there a slight disdain of other religions and communities as being inferior to this superior Sinhala race and puritanical Buddhism that is thought to be practised by the pillars of Buddhism in Sri Lankan Society? As the greater in number in this country, should not the Buddhist extend the olive branch to others?
As a Buddhist, however nominal, I am deeply ashamed of the slogans that are sent around these days on Halal practices, showing the face of a Muslim with that of a dog, requesting boycotts of Muslim businesses. Are we going back to another conflict? Are we going back to a primitive age. This is extremely dangerous.
Take the conflict of the past thirty years. This is a case of tit for tat. Constant comparison of the behavior of a legitimate government and the LTTE. Sorry to say that the behavior of the government has been as bad as that of the LTTE. This is evinced by the last phase of the conflict, where both parties were shooting into the “NO FIRE” zone. If the LTTE alone was guilty, well these are terrorists and one expects no better. But for a government that fought a “humanitarian” conflict this is not good enough. Let it suffice to say that in the spirit of loving kindness – metta, let bygones be bygones and move forward embracing all. Then what are the triumphalist symbols expending large sums of money such as victory parades, stamping on the very spirit of the community under consideration.
The way animals are treated
Let us turn to animals. As Maneka Gandhi says about some who utter this popular phrase about animal lovers that is “such people care more for animals than children” Mme Gandhi says so what? We must care for animals as much as possible as these are the voiceless. Do we accept all animals? the ugly, the maimed, the ones with bad skin, the taprobane terriers (the so called mongrel or pariah) with loving kindness? How come we have so many pedigreed dogs in this country when there are enough and more taprobane terriers to go around? Would we have so many street dogs if this was the case?
Stigma, Discrimination and Degradation
On another frontier, Sri Lanka released its stigma index in HIV and AIDS a few years ago. We do not augur favourably in this index. This is just an illustration of where Sri Lanka stands in the way we look at those infected and affected by HIV which is just one of the issues, however minute the incidence of HIV is in Sri Lanka.
Stigmatising and stereotyping ails us all. A woman should look this way, she should behave in this way. If not, well, lots of if nots!. A man must behave like a “man” with a set list of characteristics. Tamils are this way. Burghers are that way. Stigma and discrimination truly is an enemy of Karuna and Upekha both.
Extreme degradation of women is at its worst as can be seen from rates of violence. Two gang rapes within a month in the Western province! What about the other Provinces? No basic Karuna is shown.
Karuna or the lack of it
Turning to the second Brahma Viharana, Sri Lankans were known to be extremely compassionate, showing karuna to all. There are situations where Sri Lankans have been and are outstandingly compassionate. The self mobilization of communities during the Tsunami is a case in point.
What needs attention and correction are the glaring aberrations of extreme compassion to unimaginable cruelty. Some of these examples are the lack of attention or minimum kindness to the differently abled – sometimes locking away such people, lack of attention and compassion towards domestics, the nation’s almost callous disregard of the plight of migrant workers, the neglect of plantation workers, seeming ignorance of the lot of free trade zone workers and even trying to take way their life savings, increasing incidence of child abuse and neglect, one of the highest percentages of domestic violence in the world and the inhumane slaughter of animals especially cattle and animal sacrifice, the abject cruelty to the elephant population and state terrorism in various forms with the citizens of the country tolerating these acts.
As was said by a British statesman about the Irish conflict – if one were to ignore the situation and carry on one is complicit to the act by ignoring. Should we not, as a nation have a “Sangayana”, admit the problems we have as a nation and cleanse ourselves?
Muditha
The third Brahma Viharana, Muditha or Sympathetic joy is reflected in the ability to be truly happy when another rejoices or to be happy helping another. This is the most difficult of the 4 Brahma Viharanas to be understood and practiced. It is easy to practice at an individual level, but how do we achieve this at community or national level?
In the neighbourhood, what is the genuine response to an achievement of a family or household? In the work place how supportive are staff members of one who has the ability to achieve? Is it Muditha that is practiced or is that person as the popular adage goes pulled by the leg in order not to achieve? Do politicians, especially those holding portfolios genuinely have sympathetic joy in the achievement of a fellow politician? Are academics and professionals happy to see the outcomes of good research and the recognition of colleagues? Perhaps we need to evaluate these personally, as communities and as a nation?
STOP being in denial.
If Emperor Asoka could change from bloodshed to Buddhism and as a result Sri Lanka received this sublime gift of Buddhism, why cannot we change?
Upekkha
The last of the Brahma viharanas is Upekkha or equanimity which is treating all beings with no difference in other words equally and with calmness. Arguably none of these ideal behaviours exist in the world. However a nation’s greatness is in achieving at least some semblance of these. Alas Sri Lanka’s method of recruitment to high posts for examples is nepotism. There in lies no equanimity on the part of the state. If you are a friend or relation of the powers that be there is no upekka whatsoever.
On a personal level we have different yardsticks for treating those below and above us. Different values to the gifts we give and the way we entertain people is very different. On a scale of one to ten, in that ten being the best if one is a male and very rich treatment is very grand and if one were a domestic and female especially from an estate treatment is less than one, in fact, it goes into minus.
So what?
There can be a debate on the aforementioned behaviours with the popular phrases of so what? This is the same in many countries and among communities, Sri Lanka has great Sinhala Buddhist values and we are superior – we are a shreshta nation. We have a great culture and a long history Of course we have been and can be great once again.
The key to the Brahma viharanas is tolerance.
Let us seem to and be tolerant. At the moment finding tolerant behaviour is like finding a needle in a haystack. Or at the very least don’t try very hard “JUST DO NOT HARM ANOTHER”
To fellow Buddhists, before going after other religions, seek introspection and let us reform ourselves among the Buddhist community.
If Bodu Bala Sena is going to engage in this introspection, very good. However if Bodu Bala Sena is on a witch hunt of Muslim businesses, examining construction of mosques and declaring sacred Buddhist areas while pushing out churches, kovils and mosques, changing demography by encouraging 5 marraiges for Buddhists, well, a good re-think is necessary.
The communities other than the Buddhists too, should self analyse and cut out the rot. Fundamentalism is rearing its head from all corners. Together we have to build this country. This after all is a land like no other and we love our country.
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Mahela - February 1, 2013
5:12 pm
The divine attributes mentioned are the true qualities of perfect human beings who have attained spiritual enlightenment. The path to enlightenment requires strict discipline and rigorous spritual exercise. Buddhism advocates the eightfold path to attain these divine attributes.
Such attributes cannot be achived by indulging in vile activities such as demonstrating on the streets and shouting threats and insults at others. One wonders at the actions of our religous monks who indulge in such violent activities and claim to be protecting the dhamma. The dhamma does not need protection as it stands by itself. By such activities they are in fact destroying themselves and their followers. They are devoid of the blessings of the dhamma.
Safa - February 1, 2013
5:23 pm
Buddhism and violent racist politics are well mixed in Sri Lanka and we have seen the result of this since the Sinhala Buddhists started ruling the country in 1948.
The so called protectors of Buddhism, the mahanayakas, became the cheerleaders of racist politics in Sri Lanka and the Sinhala politicians saw advantage in playing racial politics completely disregarding the four devine emotions of Buddhism.
To the writer I must say that your wish will remain unfulfilled for a long time unless and until the Sinhala Buddhist leaders and the mahanayakas actually practice what they preach.
Piranha - February 1, 2013
6:53 pm
Buddhism and violent racist politics are well mixed in Sri Lanka and we have seen the result of this since the Sinhala Buddhists started ruling the country in 1948.
The so called protectors of Buddhism, the mahanayakas, became the cheerleaders of racist politics in Sri Lanka and the Sinhala politicians saw advantage in playing racial politics completely disregarding the four devine emotions of Buddhism.
To the writer I must say that your wish will remain unfulfilled for a long time unless and until the Sinhala Buddhist leaders and the mahanayakas start practicing what they preach.
Piranha - February 1, 2013
6:55 pm
Visakha Tillekeratne writes:
“We have a great culture and a long history Of course we have been and can be great once again.”
Only when the Sinhala/Buddhists separate their identity as Sinhalese from Buddhists. The Sinhala/Buddhists is a narrowly defined exclusionary, divisive, regressive nationalistic identity.
Either they can be Sinhalese or Buddhists if we are to see any progress in this country. Sinhala speaking Buddhists or Buddhists who are happen to be Sinhalese.
Similarly Tamil/Saivate could be either Tamils or Hindus not both at the same time. Tamil speaking Hindus or Hindus happened to be Tamils.
Native Vedda - February 1, 2013
7:19 pm
All the sathara Brahma Viharana are violated by the President.Revenge is his driving force.
Thilak - February 1, 2013
10:19 pm
There was a strong following of Buddhism in the past among the Tamils. Out of five Tamil epics, two of them are in the Buddhist background, one of which depicts Manipallavam, which is supposed to be Nainatheevu / Nagadeepa. A number of well known books on / in Buddhism were written by Tamil (Buddhist) monks. The problem we have in Sri Lanka is that we have radical Buddhism among the current Sinhala Buddhists. Then, racism also plays a major role. Rather than controlling, the rulers and the politicians encourage this! we have Sangha flags in every political meeting. We have monks walking in every political procession. It is all good for the monks to raise social awareness rather than play a passive role. Rather than taking a balanced active role, the monks take a radical activist role. The Mahanayakes play a convenient role when they are expected to shape the opinion along the Buddhist principles. There is no serious comment on Dambulla monk from them. There is no comment from them on the attack of Hindu and Muslim places of prayer. Buddhism has become the rallying point for racists. That is SAD!
Rohan - February 1, 2013
10:26 pm
Rohan
According to 1871 census there were nearly 11,000 Tamils who were Buddists.
Where are their descendants now?
All assimilated into Sinala/Buddhists people?
All have converted to Christianity/Islam?
The Saivaite Tamils have swallowed them into Tamil/Saivaite people and then given the Tamil Buddhists an additional caste identity?
You say:
“There was a strong following of Buddhism in the past among the Tamils”
Do you have any other information on Tamil Buddhists history of this island apart from the census I quoted above?
Only after the 2009 defeat Tamils acknowledge that Kantharodai stupas were built by Tamil Buddhists. However the Sinhala/Buddhists revisionist believe according to their “tradition” it was built by Sinhala/Buddhist kings and now the stupas have been named Kathurugoda Stupas.
As usual I am confused.
Could you clarify.
It is my tradition that these were built by my ancestors.
Native Vedda - February 2, 2013
9:23 am
“Only after the 2009 defeat Tamils acknowledge that Kantharodai stupas were built by Tamil Buddhists.”
All along, people knew. There were other places as well with Buddhist temples. One such place is Kankesanthurai.
Rohan - February 2, 2013
12:39 pm
Rohan
You have not responded to my comments fully.
Native Vedda - February 2, 2013
1:50 pm
Buddhist monks should be allowed to marry and have family. That is the root cause of most of the problems we have .If that happens today ,Sri Lanka will be in a much better position in twenty years time.
They are the people seeding and spreading the racial /relegious hatred among sinhala buddhist masses starting from their childhood(Dhaham pasala).Psychologically this is an outcome of inner frustration and depression occurring in people when they are denied natural things like sex and relationship .This is a normal human behavior and no fault of them.
Newton - February 1, 2013
10:52 pm
As Muslims we support your proposals even some nationalists organizations are seeking amendments to the law to marry more than one, I.e. polygamy., even Buddhists monks should be permitted to Mary and carry on their religious work as normal. If the natural urge for sex is denied, they tend to seek sexual gratifications through illegal means, that will tarnish their image and demean them amongst the ordinary citizen of this country. Let them marry procreate and create a next generations. No point shouting that the populations of one particular ethnic group is increasing and attack them. These are unnecessary fear psychosis. There will be mare unmarried women in Sri Lanka, who is going to marry them. If not, prostitution will thrive. Let all Sri Lanka irrespective of their religion, marry more than one woman if they can afford to. One can google and get the salient features of polygamy practiced by Muslims, there are plenty of literature available in the net and in any Ismaic book shops in Colombo. If we do, that, there will be less widows and spinsters in Sri Lanka. That will be a real Wonder of Asia.
A W abdulkany - February 2, 2013
8:51 am
Give the poor Inhabitants a break, Mate.
Where were you when 300 Muslims were chopped and shot to death, while praying in their local Mosque?.
The great majority of the Sinhala Buddhist among inhabitants are a lot smarter now.
Three decades of slaughter of their families ,friends and their Monks couldn’t provoke them to take revenge.
You think a few losers pumped up by recalcitrant Opposition opportunists can stir them now?.
These inhabitants have been sharing their envioronment not only with your new Target but also with Tamil people.without any hassles?.
Go to Galle and see how many Kovils are there just in the city centre.
The same forces who have launched so many anti Srilankan campaigns since Nathikadal seem to have a hand in this latest “Muslim Bashing” too.
Wouldn’t that be the easiest way to bring in the same Brigade of Blue Berets on RAF which had to be aborted in May 2009.
Most of the patrons here ,I am sure are familiar with Cattle and Sheep in thousands take months long ferry trip to get slaughtered by Halal bucthers.
And annual hunting seasons where thousands of Water birds are shot for fun and games.
And thousands of native wildlife are culled in thousands and fed to cats and dogs.
Wonder where these countries fit in to the Greatness and Moral progress according to your Gandian critera?.
K.A Sumanasekera - February 1, 2013
11:56 pm
K.A Sumanasekera
“The great majority of the Sinhala Buddhist among inhabitants are a lot smarter now.”
Since they started reading your comments I suppose.
“Three decades of slaughter of their families ,friends and their Monks couldn’t provoke them to take revenge.”
Fantastic.
Native Vedda - February 2, 2013
1:48 pm
The main point you have missed is the middle path or the “madhyama Prathipathawa”. The very foundation of the philosophy and what should make it an enduring guiding path to society.
One is expected to strike a balance and adapt one’s self to the changes in society.
Those changes have to be decreed by example from the leaders. In this case the Mahanayale Theros.
Now do you understand the problem ? Or do I need to elaborate further ?
I would love to but since this site requires you to be a “famous” person or needs a detailed CV to feauture your missives, I would rather not !
Don Quixote - February 2, 2013
12:27 am
Buddhism was described by the late Jawaharlal Nehru as a refined Hinduism. Love and compassion towards others was its motto. The unreasonable and unjustifiable exploitation by the Brahmins eventually led to the rift between the Brahmins and Kshatriyas and gave birth to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. Gautama Buddha, being a ruling Kshatriya family of the Lichchavi Tribe in Lumbini, was perplexed on seeing the calmness of a saint’s face. After being told by his charioteer about the renouncement of all materialistic things, the saint was content and happy, Buddha was left with an indelible mark on his mind and went is search seeking the Truth. Buddha discarded the Vedic Brahmanical system of dividing the society and alienating a section of the people on the basis of the birth. The way to eliminate desire and to get free from the cycle of birth and death is by following the Eight-Fold Path. The Eight-Fold Path consists of: right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness, and right concentration. By following the above path, one can attain Nirvana or salvation, which would free the soul from suffering and the cycle of birth and death. Thereafter he had number of followers and followed his philosophy which included Emperor Asoka. But the question is, in a changing world where desire gains priority for greed, is it practicably possible to practice these Eight-Fold Paths. Even in Buddhist countries, Buddhist leaders themselves are greed for power and wealth and engaged in unlawful activities including revenge, disregarding the basic rights of others who also have a right to live on this earth. The discrimination in society is a continuing story unless he realizes his Self. It is sad to hear that in Sri Lanka, Buddhism is politicized by a section of Buddhist priests, other than the politicians. It is also sad to hear that some or half of the Buddhist priests in Sri Lanka are not leading a simple life. Tolerance is not practised. Instead of going on foot, today they travel in Benz and other luxury cars and also abuse women – a disgrace to Sangamitta and Buddhism. If there is a disciplined leader in a country, then all religious leaders will lead a genuine spiritual life which will bring glory to the country.
Citizen - February 2, 2013
3:42 am
Visaka Thilakarathne’s article on Buddhism and Sathara Brahma Viharana should be an eye opener for all Buddhists but chiefly for the so called Sangha Nayakes. As some one commented, today Buddhism has become the rallying point for Sinhala racists.Children have been brainwashed from infancy by every religion so much so that there is no space for free thinking,rationalising (Kalama Suthra)questioning. As a result they behave like ROBOTS acting under commands from above.Buddhism unlike other religions encourage the adherents to look within you,question your behavior,to practise Metta, Karuna, Muditha and Upeksha. It is more a Philosophy on life than a Religion.This aspect in Buddhism has been neglected over the years by not following the Dhamma but blindly following the Buddhist Sangha who in their own self interest has brought a warped sense of Sinhala Buddhism which has no place for Sathara Brahma Viharana.Instead what some sections of the Buddhist Sangha do is to get the adherents to build palaces as temples,providing dhane etc promising a better birth hereafter.Most slavish adherents to this philosophy are Buddhist women who have been brainwashed from infancy to believe that it is one’s past karma which has made them women. This philosophy preached as Buddism gives the deceiving politicians to rule over Sl forever.
Sunila Mendis - February 2, 2013
4:08 am
There is a MISCONCEPTION by Muslims of Sri Lanka who do not practise birthcontrol.
Please read the following link about BIRTHCONTROL IN IRAN..
Surely our Muslims cannot profess to be more ISALAMIC than Iran…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_planning_in_Iran
J K Wijedasa - February 2, 2013
11:17 am
WIJEDASA,YOU SAY THERE IS A MIS-CONCEPTION BY MUSLIMS IN. S.L ABOUT
BIRTH CONTROL.YOU HAVE GOT IT WRONG. MUSLIMS BELIEVE AND PRACTICE
“CONCEPTION” WIJEDASA IF YOUR MUM AND DAD HAD USED A CONDOM,YOU
WILL NOT BE THERE TO MAKE THIS COMMENT.
IN ISLAM.MAN AND WOMAN WERE CREATED TO PROCREATE.”CELIBACY” IS NOT
ALLOWED.
IRAN IS NOT AN ISLAMIC COUNTRY. KHOMEINI’S REVOLUTION WAS NOT AN ISLAMIC REVOLUTION.IT WAS “KHOMEINI” TAKING THE PLACE OF THE “SHAH”
IRANIANS ARE SHEE’AH AND THEY PRACTICE “MUT’AH” WHICH IS TEMPORARY
MARRIAGE.
ANYONE IS FREE TO INDULGE IN TEMPORARY MARRIAGE,WHICH IS AN
AGREEMENT TO BE A “SLEEPING PARTNER” FOR A PRESCRIBED PERIOD.
THIS IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME AMONG ALL COMMUNITIES AND
GOES BY ANOTHER NAME.
I HAVE NO INTEREST IN BIRTH CONTROL IN IRAN OR ELSE WHERE.
AYMAN - February 2, 2013
1:04 pm
AYMAN
“ANYONE IS FREE TO INDULGE IN TEMPORARY MARRIAGE,WHICH IS AN
AGREEMENT TO BE A “SLEEPING PARTNER” FOR A PRESCRIBED PERIOD.”
Are gay men allow to practice MUT’AH” marriage between two or men?
Native Vedda - February 2, 2013
1:44 pm
As somebody who has seen Buddhism practiced elsewhere, it has been my impression that what is practiced here is an Ethno-social ideology rather than the original philosophy.
Prithvi - February 4, 2013
10:30 am
It is nice of you Visakha to point out facts in Buddhism. But don’t use Buddhism to justify mud slinging. Don’t brand what’s happening as Sinhala Buddhist because it isn’t universal and it hurts the sentiments of those people who aren’t even part of it. While you are quick to denounce acts by people calling it Sinhala Buddhist how is it that you don’t voice your protest when other religions/ ethnic groups indulge in even more heinous crimes? Are those acts justified because the perpetrators belong to so-called minorities and therefore they are permitted to be racist/bigots? I suggest you call a spade a spade and stop this bashing. It makes you no different from the bodu bala senas or the other religious/ethnic fundamentalists.
Chaaya - February 4, 2013
5:11 pm
Here’s something I’ve noticed in most reports/ news stories. When something goes wrong or something bad happens people are quick to point out that it’s happened in a Buddhist country and is the fault of the Sinhala Buddhists who are racists. However when something good happens then we are a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Seems you too subscribe to this hypocrisy.
Chaaya - February 4, 2013
5:15 pm
JUST TELL ME OF SOMETHING GOOD THAT HAPPENED SINCE INDEPENDENCE.
YOU ARE STILL FIGHTING OVER THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
I WOULD NOT CALL ALL SINHALA BUDDHIST RACISTS.
YOU CANNOT DENY THAT THERE IS RACISM AMONG, SINHALA BUDDHISTS, WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH “CASTE-ISM” WHY DO YOU HAVE SO MANY “NIKHAYAS” IN
THE SANGHA?
THE BUDDHA WAS AGAINST CASTE. IN FACT BUDDHISM IS A REACTION TO CASTE
IN HINDUISM.
AYMAN - February 5, 2013
6:42 am
@Chaya…. I am glad that Visaka has written this very article so that ‘real Buddhists’ are reminded to practice the Buddha dhamme and not this politicised version of it. You can call a spade a spade…..Sri Lanka is the only country in the World that proudely calls itself a Buddhist Nation. Apart from the Muslim countries, no other country refers to it as a religious nation. Therefore we have a lot to live up to, if we were to practice the Divine Emotions.. Then our country would be in a much better place and if we cannot then it Is best not to shame Buddhism by referring to ourselves as such.
Concerned - February 4, 2013
11:17 pm
JUST CALLING YOURSELF A BUDDHIST NATION DOES NOT DO JUSTICE TO BUDDHISM.
YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF THE BUDDHA.
AYMAN - February 5, 2013
6:34 am
@Chaya, one more thing. Pointing fingers at others do not make us any better. Remember we can only correct ourselves and let others correct themselves.
Concerned - February 4, 2013
11:19 pm
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.
I N T R O S P E C T I O N.
IF INDIVIDUALS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WILL CHANGE
AYMAN - February 5, 2013
6:48 am
What Silly Lanka has today is, Mahinda, Mervin, Basil, Gota, Chamal, Namal, Duminda, Karuna (Amman) & Upeksha (Swarnamalie).
PresiDunce Bean - February 5, 2013
10:22 am
“We must care for animals as much as possible as these are the voiceless.” It seems this only applies to street dogs and not to the cattle, chicken and goats and other animals that are tortured to death in the name of religion every day or maybe you don’t think the practice of halal is a crime against animals – the voiceless.
Chaaya - February 5, 2013
2:45 pm
we as a one nation must look for the ways to unite and not to devide.deviding line is very dangerous.igniting hatred has nothing to do with any religon.whether it is hindu,christian,jew.buddisht,shia,sunni or any other we must learn to argue with wisdom and knowledge.and we should not get traped in to the meschevious elements who are busy in creating disharmony among the comunities.
hilmy - February 9, 2013
12:51 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azISxjR3uDc
islam seems to be misunderstood not only among non muslims it is misunderstood and misinterpreted by even among muslims.i just want you to listen to one of the gretest oraters in islamis subjects listen to youtube vedeos of HASANIAN RAJABALI HOW HE TALKS ABOUT ISLAM AND HUMANITY.JUST LISTEN TO THE TOPIC ‘ moving from darkness into light”
hilmy - February 9, 2013
3:31 am
Is this another divide and rule policy?
The Sri Lankan govt. has economic and other issues and would want to divert the attention of the masses to someone else?
The LTTE also would want to create a division and maybe get support of another minority to divert the govt’s security monitoring elsewhere and dilute resources to strengthen their activity. During the eighties we saw how the JVP activity reduced the security forces concentration on the NE!
The US also would want to create a wedge between the Muslims and the majority to create havoc in their divide and rule policy. This would also weaken our economy and the political stature among Muslim countries and weaken our economy with less tea and other exports and also these idiots who are so patriotic do not understand that our biggest foreign currency earner whether good or bad will be reduced to almost zero with all the Sinhalese being sent back home from the Middle East! If we want them out anyway, when need to phase out with alternate income generation to them.
DO WE KNOW WHERE THE FUNDING IS COMING FROM? IT COULD BE ANYONE MENTIONED ABOVE INCLUDING OTHER PARTIES!
We need the repercussions and the disaster we would face to the ordinary man the one who will take to the streets with the BODU BALA SENA, but with all their relatives in the ME! He WOULD NOT SURVIVE A DAY IF THIS HAPPENS!
WE ARE PROFESSIONS AND INTELLECTUALS ON WEBSITES DISCUSSING THESE ISSUES BUT THE COMMON MAN WILL NEVER COME ACROSS THESE DISCUSSIONS. LET US DISCUSS WITH THE COMMON MAN IN A LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTAND, WHILE THE INTELLECTUAL ‘ORGASMS’ COULD CONTINUE ON WEBSITES!!!!!!!!
BUDU SARANAI TO ALL.
gaje - February 24, 2013
2:48 am
ayman you are mistaken to say iran is not a islamic country then why are they allowed to go to haj if they are not muslims .now what i understand is the problems of muslims mostly not fromoutside it is within.please listen to the speeches of HASANIAN RAJABALI on youtube for many topics in islam and ayman please listen to the hasanain rajabali speech on youtube WHO ARE SHIA
warawala - April 18, 2013
9:12 am