By Colombo Telegraph –
Academics and professionals call upon Mobitel to remove BBS anthem from its MP3 ringtones service provided to its customers and restore our confidence in the supposed impartiality and professionalism of commercial enterprises.
Issuing a statement they say; “We also call upon the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to take immediate action to ensure that this is done.”
We publish below the statement in full;
We note with grave concern Mobitel’s promotion of the anthem of the Bodu Bala Sena as a ring tone which can be downloaded. The anthem of the Bodu Bala Sena carries an incendiary message that seeks to depict sections of this country’s people as outsiders and destroyers. Its purpose is to incite distrust and hostility between ethnic and religious groups, promoting national disharmony in the country.
Mobitel is a commercial telecommunications service provider to the entire country including the groups who are being targeted by this anthem. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telelcom, of which a 50% stake is owned by the Sri Lankan government, Mobitel is also partly a state enterprise. It is therefore extremely disturbing that such a responsible commercial enterprise with close affiliations to the state would facilitate the spread of hate speech through its services and in doing so contribute to ethnic and religious tensions in the country. The recent attack on the Fashion Bug building in Pepiliyana indicates that hate speech and scaremongering campaigns have extremely violent consequences. Under the circumstances, we expect Mobitel to act responsibly.
We call upon Mobitel to remove this anthem from its MP3 ringtones service provided to its customers and restore our confidence in the supposed impartiality and professionalism of commercial enterprises. We also call upon the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to take immediate action to ensure that this is done.
NAME DESIGNATION/AFFILIATION
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Open University of Colombo
Krishanthi Anandawansa, Academic
Vijula Arulanantham, Attorney at Law
Crystal Baines
Dhanuka Bandara, Journalist
Prof. A. M. Navaratne Bandara, University of Peradeniya
Bishop Duleep de Chickera, Anglican Church
Prof. Priyan Dias, University of Moratuwa
Rev. Galkande Dhammananda, University of Kelaniya
E. Shanthini Ekanayake, Psychologist, Visiting Lecturer , Colombo University
Sumedha Fernando, Engineer
Dr. Udan Fernando, Academic/CEPA
Gayathri Hewagama, Academic
Anushke Guneratne
Prof. Camena Guneratne, Open University of Colombo
Dr. Ranil Guneratne, University of Colombo
Max Gunasekera
Dr Dileni Gunewardena, University of Peradeniya
Mr. Mahinda Hattaka, Journalist
Gayatri Hewagama, Academic
Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe, Bishop Emeritus of Kurunegala
Ahilan Kadirgamar, Researcher
Dr. Danesh Karunanayake, University of Peradeniya
M. Kodithuwakku, Open University of Sri Lanka
Dr. Sarath Kodithuwakku, University of Peradeniya
Dr. Shamala Kumar University of Peradeniya
Dr. Amarakeerthi Liyanage, University of Peradeniya
Sudesh Mantillake, University of Peradeniya
Dr. Dushyanthi Mendism University of Colombo
Ramona Mirandam Communication Consultant
Kaushalya Madugallem University of Peradeniya
Dr. Nishan de Melm Economist
Mahen Muttiahm Research Consultant
Nilhan Nilesm University of Moratuwa
Dr. M. A. Nuhmanm Formerly of University of
Peradeniya
Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja Film Maker and formerly of University of Colombo
Selyna Peiris, Sri Lanka Law College
Nicola Perera, Graduate Student
Vihanga Perera, Sri Jayawardenepura University
Noeline Prins, Graduate Student
A.L. Rajakaruna, Software Engineer
Anushka Rajapaksha, Software Engineer
Hiruni Rajapakse, University of Peradeniya
Dr D.S. Rajasingham, Medical Officer
Emeritus Prof. Ryhana Raheem, Open University of Sri Lanka
Dr. Harshana Rambukwelle, Open University of Sri Lanka
Dr. Hemamala Ratwatte, Postgraduate Institute of English
M. R. M. Riham, Academic
Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, Open University of Sri Lanka
Dinesha Samararatne, Univ. of Colombo
Kumudini Samuel, Women and Media Collective
Chathurika Senanayake, Academic
Dr. Sumathy Sivamohan, University of Peradeniya
Deepthi Siriwardena Executive, Communications
Shreen Abdul Saroor Mannar Women’s DevelopmentCentre
S. Thalayasingham, Attorney-at-Law
M. Thalayasingham, Attorney-at-Law
Dr. Vasanthy Thevanesan, Univ. of Peradeniya
Chandragupta Thenuwara, Artist and Academic
Dayapala Thiranagama, Formerly of University of Kelaniya
Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran, Women’s Education and Research Centre
M. Thiruvarangan, Graduate Student
Dr. Deepika Udagama, University of Peradeniya
U. K. S. M. Uduwella ,Academic
Gamini Viyangoda, Literary Translator, Journalist and Social Critic
Dr Ruvan Weerasinghe, University of Colombo
Dr. Kanchanakesi Warnapala, Open University of Sri Lanka
Prof. Carmen Wickramagamage, University of Peradeniya
W. H. P. Wijeratne, Academic
Asanka Sanjeewa Wijesinghe, Univ. of Peradeniya
Gayatri Wijekoon, University of Colombo
Ranjit Wijekoon, Attorney at Law
Dileepa Witharana, Open University of Sri Lanka
asif / April 10, 2013
Myself and at least 7 of my friends (mostly Buddhist) disconnected our mobitel connections (voice+broadband)
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DODU / April 10, 2013
I will dososoon.
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DODU / April 10, 2013
Correction: I WILL BE DOING IT SOON!
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Fair N Square / April 10, 2013
Weldone… Thank ur friends on my behalf…specially the sinhalese, who took the stand… Again like Ayman said Israelis are involved with mobitel…so one can expect much more in the near future… ummm BTW the 1st internet provider being an Isralei entity wound up business after raking in so much money and not paying the staff their dues and the government too….before they fled from Sl.. I used to know a girl who worked there, who is now domiciled in UK.. I wonder if there are many Muslims who would still want to be part of mobitel.. a mouth piece for BBS for the ethnic disharmony.
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mohan morais / April 10, 2013
this is a super move…………..thank u
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Aney Apochchi! / April 10, 2013
Has nobody noticed the umbilical connection between Sri Lanka Telecom and the BBS?
Leisha Chandrasena de Silva who headed up SLT has been for a while now the Secretary of Rakna Arakshaka Lanka – Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s version of the US paramilitary organization that was “outed” for the murders in Iraq etc. And do any of you naive ladies and gentlemen recall who the patron of the BBS is in the government of Sri Lanka?
All of you well-meaning folk need to research this stuff a bit more because it beats any “grassy-knoll in Dallas” conspiracy theory hollow. And besides, its not just a “theory.”
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Ben Hurling / April 10, 2013
Actually Gota controls all telecom players in Sri Lanka with an iron fist. Not just Mobitel.
They can block any website judged to be hostile to them at any given time.
I hate to say it, but we have evolved to become a Police state, with trappings of a democratic nation.
To perfect the picture we now have BBS. It dances to Gota’s tune like a snake.
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Bob / April 10, 2013
I bet,
the days ahead many of the customers to Mobitel reject their contracts. So in that way, they would get to see what wonders the real buddhists can make :)
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Ben Hurling / April 10, 2013
Good Bye Mobitel. Not your customer anymore.
I will not pay any bills to a business that makes money out of racism in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s future is far more important than earning a few Rupees by selling racist MP3 ringtones.
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ramesi / April 10, 2013
GOODBAY mobitel i DO NOT EVEN ENTERTAIN CALLS FROM mobitel
the MAIN PARTNER IS SINGAPORE TELECOMS THEY DO NOT DO THIS BUT Y R THEY ALLOWING THIS
HOPE ALL OF THE WILL SIGN A PETITION AND SEND TO SINGAPORE TELECOMS N THE PRIME MINISTER OF SINGAPORE
ASKING THEM Y THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THIS AS HOW THEY HELPED THE LTTE
WE LOVE OUR MOTHER LANKA AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNRTY GROW WITH PEACH N HARMONY
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DODU / April 10, 2013
But the Chairman of Mobitel (SLT) is from the famous DIVAYINA/ISLAND PAPER GROUP.
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Mohamed Marzook / April 10, 2013
Muslims should boycott Mobitel and cease all dealings with them.
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Mohamed Marzook / April 11, 2013
Thanks to my friend Ratnapala from Colombo who has terminated his contract with Mobitel.
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Bob / April 10, 2013
Gota there gota here, people seem to be caricatures of gota today.
How can a responsible govt allow this to hurt the sentiments of the other buddhists that just want to practice calm and quiet buddhist life as have been sofar.
In many countries discuss the impact of the reactions of the people before bieng introduced anthems of any fantatic movements such as of BBS. But the current regime to just ignore all these is a ridicule to entire world. These show further the vision of the regime. They just move on without respecting anyone^s sentiments. No matter peoples thoughts and minds could go torn, they should just pass what they just guess is right.
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Dhaksha / April 10, 2013
Mobitel has lost hundreds of thousands of customers according to one source. Why does Mobitel have to wait for academics to remind them what the decent thing to do is – it should have the intelligence to think about it by themselves…..unless of course they are under instructions to behave like a racist company.
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Kiri Yakka / April 10, 2013
Do not boycott Mobitel, just re-direct all Mobitel calls to Malinda Senivratne. He enjoys listening to his favorite BBS ring tone.
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Bob / April 10, 2013
Nobody can guess where the nation could end up. No respect and dignity are given a place under the current rulers.
Yes, all should better be the customers of other companies boycotting the Mobitel. That would be then be an eye opener to the rascals.
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Bob / April 10, 2013
I hope this could be an eye opener to the many that have been napping without reacting whatever the current regime is perpetrating. All these signees on the list are brave srilankens and I salut to them. Lawyers should also join them leading the protest and finally send the ruler home.
No govts in the past have deliberately caused to make difference between the folks as the current regime has been. Following the UN resolution, they are trying to create new problems among the communities. May be the rulers are trying to make a different pic to the IC proving that buddhist chaunists are a great resistance and no LLRC or any other implementations can easily be taken place in the Island.
If they the rulers are genuine by their efforts, these silly sorta steps would not have occured with their approval :(
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Senguttuvan / April 10, 2013
I salute these civil-conscious sons and daughters of Sri Lanka
courageously crossing the hate divide that is, ironically, spread recklessly by a body in the name of The Most Compassionate One. These dangerous political animals use the name of religion irresponsibly.
The campaign of the BBS should really be on the opposite direction.
This is one more message to tell the country and the world we are
all not racial bigots. We are wounded but we will not fall. We are striving to build a “We are all Sri Lanka Society” under difficult circumstances. It up to the Rajapakses to come out, unambiguously, to join this call for unity.
Senguttuvan
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Sama / April 11, 2013
To me their (BBS) emerge is comparable to the JVP activities in the country in late 80ties that took the lives of nearly 50 000 youth in the country. Only difference I see is this time the lead is by Saffron robed pseudo Buddhist monks. Today JVPers remain silent as if they were not the ones who led that – putting the blame only on to then GOV UNP regime. But atrocities they practiced in late 80ties were not second to those of LTTErs :(
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Jamal / April 10, 2013
i think the time has come now when all Professionals, Engineers, Medico’s, Lawyers should say in unison “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. Lets forget our differences now and save Mother Lanka from this vicious virus.
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Jamal / April 10, 2013
What I meant was that all the Professional bodies resolve separately. The call in unison has been sounded above in combination.
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Mohamed Marzook / April 13, 2013
The initive for this should come from the Muslims, particularly the religious and civil organisations, who generally work in isolation. The community’s wider engagement with other sections of the people is necessary to overcome present trend against them.
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Probono Publico / April 10, 2013
Hats off to these sons and daughters of mother lanka who stood up against racism!
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Hade Sheriff / April 10, 2013
A Very good Move by these academics.
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kamal nissanka / April 10, 2013
A progressive move
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Marwan / April 10, 2013
I am sure no one would expect Mobitel, which was thought of as a reputed company to stoop to such low levels of thrada behavior in support of the etho-facist group named BBS. It is good to send a strong message by well respected intelligentsia of the country, they are in no mood to rolerate this type of racism, and to be alert to all instances that arise from time to time, and address these issues courageously by playing it with a straight bat. Commercial establishments serving general public must take into consideration all ethnic and religious constituents living in this country, and not promote bias or division to promote their business drive. We welcome this gesture to rectify this anomaly done knowingly or unknowingly. If they refuse to oblige, then it is time to dump them into the dustbin of history as a racist concern.
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Safa / April 10, 2013
There are israeli agents working with mobitel to block sites and monitor emails etc.
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Dhaksha / April 10, 2013
There are Israeli agents here posing as consultants and agricultural experts. There are Sri Lankans who have been selectively picked to go over there and get brainwashed into causing problems here. It will be interesting to find out where those “agricultural” students are now, and who they are.
Israel has insulted us by calling us “monkey like people” and yet there are some who like to connive with them against their own people.
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Fair N Square / April 10, 2013
LOL… the ONLY thing we can learn from Israel is how to disobey UN sanctions, noting about ” Agriculture”. Israel is the ONLY country to disregard more than 17 UN resolutions and still be supported by USA and have more resolutions vetoed…
Ahhhhhhhhhh did someone say that our President is the Patron of the Sri-Lanka Palestine friendship society… LMFAO… conflict of interest…
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Dhaksha / April 10, 2013
I agree that we do not have to learn “agriculture” from people who live in desert lands, that is why those hundreds of Sri Lankans, who were offered so generously scholarships to learn how to make the desert bloom is very suspicious. Especially because they were “selected” in way out of the norm.
There are over 200 UN resolutions against Israel, and you are right, the US does aid, supply weapons, and protect Israel at the UN. The moment Israel started sending precision bombs into civilian structures in Gaza, the US came out and declared “unwavering support” for it. That war resulted in 175 Palestinians dead, including many children.
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Abdullah Abdulrahuman / April 10, 2013
Lalith De Silva CEO of Mobitel made his fortune in Saudi Arabia working for Saudi Telecom,He wasv always an opportunist and hidden agendas ….A WOLF IN SHEEP CLOTH ….HE IS A PLOTTER N PLANNER…He tried to split the Srilankan community in Riyadh,,
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w.Diyana / April 11, 2013
Birds of a feather flock together, they say . No wonder, Mobitel is also a part of BBS. Boycott Mobitel.
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THE QUIET MAN / April 11, 2013
CLOSE DOWN MOBITEL FOR CARRYING INCENDIARY AND HATE PROVOKING RINGTONES.ALL RIGHT THINKING CITIZENS SHOULD BOYCOTT SUCH ORGANISATIONS,WHO ARE OUT TO CREATE ANOTHER ETHNIC WAR
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Sudheera / April 11, 2013
I’m using a different mobile carrier. But I’ll move to Mobitel within this week. And all those traitors of our motherland can move out of Mobitel and our country.
Way to go Mobitel. I’m a fan of you now. In fact every patriot will be a fan of you, and use the service.
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Mohamed Marzook / April 11, 2013
May I know your own definition of the word ‘traitors’.
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Nabil / April 11, 2013
Dear Sudheera, Mobitel supports racism. Do you?
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Manulak / April 12, 2013
You are 100% correct. Hat’s off buddy !!
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Fair N Square / April 13, 2013
Where did Budhism come from? NOT India? where did Prince Siddharata come from? Timbaktu? Who was Arahath Mahinda and where did he come from? Mars?
Before he came who were here in SL? the Nagas and Yaksas? aka native Veddhas.. Hinduism, Buddhism and part of Islam came from India… If u want them to go out of this country.. You as much need to go to Nepal or even India… Shame on you racist.. I remember MR say about 7 months ago that SL is a multi cultural and multi religious country… may be I am naive…. ummm
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Peradeniya academic / April 11, 2013
I salute these academics and other professionals for their civic-consciousness. The twitter message of BBS thanks Mobitel for their support to make Sri Lanka a “Sinhala Buddhist” nation. Mobitel should take exception to such a declaration and demand BBS to withdraw such claim even if it takes legal measures.
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Ranjan Udawtte / April 12, 2013
This Dirty Gota trying to change the pillow for his prolonged headache. See one day all these R & P Co will pay the price like what happened in Nepal Katmandu !!!
Let these ferocious dogs with Yellow robed will see the endlight not the enlightenment very very soon. The big brother is already suffering with cancer he is trying his best to crown the off springs by hook or crook. See how the agenda is working through Maithripala Sirisena the poor Farmer.
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Manulak / April 12, 2013
Who care about murmur of few traitors these are the people who supported to LTTE terrorism earlier. Now they are supporting to Islam Fundamentalism in nude. These are could be less than 500, yes you traitors can disconnect your Mobitel connections, but nothing will lose to Mobitel because thousands of patriots are now united with Mobitel. This week 10 of my friends & relatives connected with Mobitel from other networks.
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Jan / April 13, 2013
Dear Manulak & Sudheera,both of you must have some kind of mental disorder- don’t blame Islam for your racisim termonolegy. I advice both of you to read the translation of the holy Quran to know more about Islam (Sinhala translation are avaible in Sri Lanka)Try to be a postive person. Unity is Strength.
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Razan / April 14, 2013
We are Sri Lankan! Let’s shed all the difference! Let’s cultivate this “Manthra” deep in our heart and build the pearl of the Indian ocean. This intellectual group has the high potential and appeal to go into public with an invaluable service to the island nation to educate the public for the urgent need of unity among religion.
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