At least one mosque is currently set on fire as violence continues for a second night despite the state of Emergency and Curfew with fears of it spreading to Kandy town, the Colombo Telegraph learns.
IGP Pujith Jayasundara
Mobs have been roaming the street of Lewalla, and Balagolla with the mobs moving towards Thannekumbura and the Kandy town.
The small mosque in Thennekumbura was torched a short while ago and is currently in flames while mobs roam freely around the street, the Colombo Telegraph learns.
The violence continues despite the Police and the Special Task Force being on duty.
Sources say that ambulances have been heard around the vicinity of the Menikhinna area.
MP Wimal Weerawanshe today informed Parliament that MP Dilum Amunugama had warned the chance of violence on March 2nd, but the Police had brushed aside his concerns.
Colombo Telegraph learns that the Muslims were instead informed by Police to stay at home and close the shops. The torching took place thereafter. The elctricity was also cut off prior to the violence erupting in Theldeniya yesterday
Thalwaththa area is also tense according to reports. Muslims have been gathering in mosques seeking safety.
Related posts:
Teldeniya Killing: Racial-Motivation Not Established
Ranil Admits Lapses In Law Enforcement Related To Anti-Muslim Assaults In Ampara
Anti-Muslim Assaults In Teldeniya: Kandy Under Curfew, Police On Alert As BBS Shows Up
Govt’s Response To Digana Anti-Muslim Assaults Lukewarm And Vague
All Steps Necessary To Stop Violence And Compensate Victims Taken – PM
President Sirisena Appeals For Calm, Vows To Crack Down On Miscreants And Mischief-Makers
Justice & Fairplay / March 6, 2018
Just imagine how far back this would have set this country, economically, socially and reputationally!
MOST Politicians are to blame for this pathetic state of affairs. At least NOW can we agree that all people of this country are SRI LANKAN and nothing else matters. And can we have racist references banned wherever they be uttered, starting with this website?
/
CondemnedLeeza Priceless / March 7, 2018
J&F what do you mean how far back this would put us. we are already backward and PRIMITIVE. This is why all this crimes and crimes against humanity occur whether it happens to the Tamils or Muslims or Christians or any other soft target. Not only the politicians but the biggest thugs that have clad saffron robes are the ones who should be hanged by their genitals and burnt alive for inciting violence.
/
Radical Ideas / March 7, 2018
The entire country and the entire world knows how the Govigama ruled country is governed. Also, everyone knows its the big plan implemented by the BBS and its affiliates who have formed into several splinter groups to cover up the operational side of the Gnanasara, Aith Prasanna, JHU terrorist Champika. They murdered the guy in Teldeniya incident who was hospitalised and then moved to ICU in a conspiratorial manner and sedated with drugs and then killed him inside the hospital. So, then Ajith Prasanna became mouthpiece and the caller for retaliation fakely blaming it on Muslims to instigate the violence. These racist scumbags have nearly 30 years experience in this field killing and maiming innocents covering behind Buddhism. So, they brought Buddhism the disrepute of being the main threat to the lives of the innocent people. Are the Govigama Buddhists? We see the ruling Elite Govis running to Thiripathi all the time…. Telungu Nayakkar bloodlines…..
/
Sam Fernando / March 6, 2018
Our sinhalaya is so impatient even if most would like to be called SINHALA buddhists.
When would these uncivilized folks learn to be civilized.
Those who make every effort to fish in muddy waters are waiting to add their thoughts.
Ridiculoulsy, most abusive sender of the world, Derana which came into being bythe black money of Rajpakashes, make headlines, making it a festated wound.
All these oppotunists create an another JUL 83 IN THIS COUNTRY.
I am ashamed to be called sinhalaya. Our peope would never learn it.
/
Kumar / March 7, 2018
Those are not our Sinhalese man. Just few of thug contractors.
98% sinhala people are against these violence.
/
son of Lanka / March 7, 2018
If 98% is good then why can’t they come out beat those 2%.
/
Silent Reader / March 7, 2018
Sam, the problem here is the cast based discrimination starting from Temple.
Just think why BBS and other extreme thugs of our own community can go this level to benefit to politicians. Isn’t it only because of their low cast as well as financially weak community and jealousy and hatred can be poured on to them faster by the low cast groups own temple itself.
Let us try to discuss this cast bast temple structure as against Buddhist teaching. that would be the good start to change withing.
/
Samson Gunawardhana / March 6, 2018
Not few days ago, that barrel form nitwits of Ranathunga family, had the audacity to make it publicly, that he will bring the people into streets. These are just thugs, but they have been supported by PUNNAKU eating majority folks.
When would these men learn to live peacefully.
Just to stand against a dead person to kill another few innocient is a high crime, but not for Rajapakshes.
/
Ben Hurling / March 6, 2018
Samson Gunawardena,
“When would these men learn to live peacefully”
NEVER! These are hardcore racists, learned religious fanatics and their paranoid “Punnakku” drinkers. We would be silly to expect them to learn or change. LAW OF THE LAND MUST BE IMPLEMENTED SWIFTLY AND DECISIVELY. PUNISHMENT MUST BE SEVERE. I see only one solution in the interim. Put FM Sarath Fonseka in charge. RIGHT NOW! Racist cowards & religious fanatics would run with tails between their legs at the mere announcement. Thieves and murderers in the previous criminal regime would follow suit. We could kill two birds with one stone.
Cheers!
/
Champa / March 6, 2018
Yeah, thank you CT – for using the RIGHT word “Sinhalese Mobs” instead of Sinhalese Buddhists.
.
It is everybody’s knowledge that the ordinary Sinhalese and Buddhists were NOT party to attacks on Muslims in any ways. The attacks were carried out by organized gangs, mobs, thugs and paid hooligans of politicians and extremist sidekicks. Therefore, I strongly condemn all international and local statements deliberately putting the blame on Buddhists. Ampara incident was premeditated. There is no way an angry men attack a restaurant over an issue of that nature and create such an extreme damage unless it was not pre-planned. It should be useful to verify any connection between the youths and the shop owner. The incident in Theldeniya (post-accident) and Digana both were prearranged. Once it is started, provoking some people to continue the mayhem is easy.
/
Simon De Silva / March 6, 2018
Why not you the eunach have no audacity to name Ghanasara balusara and his squads here ?
There will be no samagiya if you guys woudl not make them understand, that the violence is no means the way to the peace.
Besides, we the sinhalayas, must not be above the law – we should also be treated with the same spoon.
I believe.. even thoroughly believe, ballige putha Rajapakshe led groups fired it and made the situaton, to show the world that his return should be a must in order to keep the country in calm and quiet.
That Asenic Professor, has been making a plea that President should join hand with Basil the most abusive in that rascal family or with highly aggressive Gotabaya to stop the kind of crimes inthis country.
But the very same idiotic professor seems to know nothing about or may well be start suffering from demcian today – not being able to remind it, that the days of MR were the worst in terms of such crimes.
/
old codger / March 6, 2018
Champa,
“Yeah, thank you CT – for using the RIGHT word “Sinhalese Mobs”
Do you really believe that Sinhala Christians would do these things, let’s say in Negombo?
It is sad but true that Buddhism as interpreted by the Sinhalese and their clergy, is being used by opportunists.
/
Sinhala_Man / March 7, 2018
Dear old codger,
–
My reading of the situation is really bad. I hope that I’m wrong.
–
I can imagine a situation where poorer Christians could be taunted to show their “Jathi Alaya” (patriotism), and respond with a show of arson and worse.
–
Another dangerous lot are the “Evangelical Christians”, (usually slightly better off) who will believe just about anything relating to “the enemies of Christianity”.
–
Please see the very first comment on this article:
–
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/christ-church-jaffna-revived-a-long-delayed-restoration-from-the-ravages-of-war/
–
/
old codger / March 7, 2018
Dear S.M,
“I can imagine a situation where poorer Christians could be taunted to show their “Jathi Alaya” (patriotism), and respond with a show of arson and worse.”
Well, yes, but I don’t think you can imagine the Christian clergy coming out and egging them on. Therein lies the difference.
“Another dangerous lot are the “Evangelical Christians”, (usually slightly better off) who will believe just about anything relating to “the enemies of Christianity”.
Again, the violence has been against the Evangelicals ( and Catholics too, though the pliant Cardinal has kept quiet) not by them.
/
Champa / March 7, 2018
old codger
I don’t know the religion of Sinhalese “mobs”. Do you?
/
oldcodger / March 7, 2018
Champa,
“I don’t know the religion of Sinhalese “mobs”. Do you?”
Just have a look at the news coverage, even on CT. How many Buddhist “monks” do you see? How many people gathering around Buddha statues? How many Christian or Hindu priests burning tyres ?
Champa dear, the key to solving any problem is to first understand what the problem is, without bias.
/
Pasel / March 6, 2018
1983 is repeating again thugs areroaming freely
/
Raja / March 6, 2018
Is it the Mob with the support of STF torching. Was STF and army brought to give protection to the mob. Of course nothing compared 1958, 1977,1983.2009 Genocides that were State aided Muslim feeling openly the Absence of Pirapaharan. International community which aided the 2009 Genocide are responsible for this mayhem as well
/
RiriYaka / March 6, 2018
Dravidian invaders has killed us for over 2300 years you only see 58 77 83 2009? That’s like a drop of water from tank. Tamils chopped hundred thousand of people from Ellara to that dead monster. they burned our temples raped women. Took people as slaves to sauth India.took all our wealth to south india looted our temples palaces cities burned them . that is fine and forgotten. But 2000 years after elaras death tamils haven’t stop hostility. Still want to surrender us kill us destroy us wipe us out. Chop us. How many died 83? 3000? How many us you kilkd multiple invasions? 100000? 500000? dravida speak. I f hate tamils. Tamils are arch enemy. I heard tigers take sinhala kids from feet then hit them on rocks like fisherman hit fish. They split pregnant womens belly. 2009 you got what you should get.
/
Taja / March 8, 2018
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
/
Native Vedda / March 6, 2018
Raja
–
“Of course nothing compared 1958, 1977,1983.2009 Genocides that were State aided Muslim feeling openly the Absence of Pirapaharan. “.
–
Do you think Prabaharan would have done a much efficient job? Do you also think he would have ethnically cleansed Muslim in say 12 hours? The state and the Sinhala/Buddhist racists could still rely on Karuna Amman’s expertise.
/
Raja / March 7, 2018
Ask from the Muslims, they will tell you why
/
Champa / March 6, 2018
Mr. IGP, Minister Kiriella says he is well aware of the people who attacked Muslims who were outsiders of area. Get a statement from Minister Kiriella and arrest all perpetrators and put them behind bars. Don’t let them be released on bail.
The mob attacks on Muslims were a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the country and majority Sinhalese Buddhists. I am sick of this. The perpetrators should be given the maximum punishment.
/
Jim softy / March 7, 2018
YEs, Kiriella says that buddhists should apologise. Why he cannot apologize on behalf of buddhists. if needed. IS he Catholic ?. What about the sinhala man that was killed and not one is talking. I heard the govt has used the opportunity to import something and has ordered body bags.
/
Concerned / March 6, 2018
#firepujitha
/
Champa / March 6, 2018
Police should ban all Hartals and protests until further notice. There is one going on in Colombo by Thwhid Jamad. Why was it allowed? Law should equal to all whether they are Sinahalese, Muslims or Tamils.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / March 7, 2018
Champa what a hypocrite are you. You say law should be equal to all whether they are Sinhalese, Muslims or Tamils. In another posting you said government should enact different laws for Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils. This shows your low mentality.
/
old codger / March 6, 2018
There is no point in entrusting the safety of minorities to mono-ethnic security forces. The forces are drawn from the very people who are rioting and murdering. Talk to them privately, Sinhalaya -to -Sinhalaya, and you get the same attitudes that the three-wheeler crowd have, that the Muslims are stealing Sinhala business unfairly, are eating beef, etc.Stupid and simple-minded, like most of the population.
They will never arrest any Buddhist monk even if ordered to do so, and the government knows this.
This is the result of eliminating the non-Sinhala-Buddhist officer class in the 60’s. These security forces aided the rioters in 1983 too, we must remember.
Even during the anti-Muslim riots in 1915, the colonial government had to get down Punjabi soldiers from India, who cracked down so hard that they are feared to this day.
A word of advice to the Muslim brethren: You have every right to practice your religion. Be Muslims, but do not try to out-Arab the Arabs. I have seen little girls covered up head to toe in black, with even black gloves. Even the Saudis are not that extreme.If Indonesian or Malaysian Muslims do not go around like this, why can’t ours? Why can’t you dress as your grandparents did? Were they not Muslims? You only present an easy target for rabble-rousers.
/
Native Vedda / March 7, 2018
old codger
–
The process is Arabisation of the entire universe through back door.
I came across an interesting cultural phenomenon in Tamil Nadu. You would have noticed many Muslims were and are among Ramayana scholars, including M M Ismail the ex Chief of Tamil Nadu High Court, Prof Parveen Sultana, … late Abdul Kalam, ….
–
A Song that depicts a Tamil Nadu Muslim:
–
India is our Motherland
Islam is our way of life
Only Tamil is our language
–
Source
Religious Vocabulary and Regional Identity
A Study of the Tamil Cirappuranam
By Vasudha Narayanan
–
Only in this island the people are confused with their own identity. They mix religion with language and concoct new identities, Sinhala/Buddhists, Tamil/Saivaite, Latin/Christians, Arab/Muslims.
About two years ago Dr Ranil traced the Sinhala/Buddhist ancestry to Mohenjo-daro which is in present day Pakistan. Tamil trace their ancestry perhaps to Harappa which is also in present day Pakistan. The Muslims believe they are Arabs descendants perhaps tracing their ancestry to Mecca while the Christians believe they belong to Vatican Latin elites.
–
What is common among these diverse people, the answer is their enduring stupidity.
/
oldcodger / March 7, 2018
Yes,In Tamilnadu, Muslims are not that much different from the others, and regard themselves as Tamils.
/
SJ / March 7, 2018
OC
The composition of the Army changed drastically in the 1960s because of the attempted coup which was planned predominantly by Christian officers.
The effective absence of Tamils in the armed forces precedes that, and had more to do with Tamil social attitudes. (Discrimination came in later.)
Malays more than Moors joined the Army for historical reasons.
*
As for the attire of Muslims, it is to a considerable part an expression of resistance to oppression, both local and global. I do not see why anyone should dress like his/her ancestors. (The ‘Arab dress code’ is not a dominant thing, but rather noticeable I agree.)
Let us examine why Muslims in Bangladesh, Malaysia or Indonesia dress differently from some here (or Saudi Arabia).
True, there is Wahabi/Salafi influence and that is for the Muslims to deal with.
The day they learn that the Saudis (guided by the US and in partnership with Israel) are the enemy of the Muslim World, things will change fast.
/
old codger / March 7, 2018
S.J,
” I do not see why anyone should dress like his/her ancestors. (The ‘Arab dress code’ is not a dominant thing, but rather noticeable I agree.)”
I could point out that my grandfather’s dress code was not much different from mine!
This is a big part of the problem ,that our Muslims identify with Arabs rather than their real ancestors whose language they speak.
Local Christians for example do not follow Western dress codes to the letter.
I don’t think oppression has much to do with it. Poor Muslims (like the women begging on Fridays in Pettah) do not wear burqas or cover their faces.
The mass of Muslims, just like their Sinhala counterparts, cannot think rationally about their religion. They just do what their Wahabi -funded Mullah tells them.
/
Sinhala_Man / March 7, 2018
Yes, Muslims,
–
Please maintain a low profile, as old codger as old codger.
–
Things could get more nasty.
/
Jim softy / March 7, 2018
OLD codger: It is because of Tamil minority, during the LTTE, there were many defeats including the killing of a higher army officer. So, you want another round of minority violence inside. OLd codfger, now, are you one worshipping SIVU WARAN gods one praying for ALmighty.
/
Jim softy / March 7, 2018
OLDcodger, FYI, Tamil civilians in Wanni doe snot like Tamil police and they prefer Sinhala police. The reason, Tamils are very harsh and discriminatin on Tamils. Because of Tamil Judge, One Tamil police oficer was gunned down. Because of Tamil politicians, ONE DIG was in jail because he was protecitng TEO PRO_LTTE politicins who helepd Raist Gang. What do you about these. did you work for PHILLIP Gunawardane you did not get anything, so you are upset ? IS PhillipGunanawanrdane related to you and you live int hat Area bulathSinhala ?
/
oldcodger / March 7, 2018
Jimmy,
“IS PhillipGunanawanrdane related to you and you live int hat Area bulathSinhala ?”
There is a quadriped braying herbivore in Puttalam. His name is Johnny. Are you related?
/
Uthungan / March 8, 2018
Burquas are mainly worn by middle class Muslim women, while their menfolk wear the Arab male kits.
It could be just for purposes of identification to show to the general public who they are.
It is a recent phenomenon that has developed probably following closer contact gained with their co-religionists in the ME due to the spurt in travel,trade,and jobs and not Haj pilgrimage alone.
It may be due to that, the local Lankan Muslims have a degree of religious zealotry ingrained in them when compared with their Tamil speaking South Indian co-religionists in Tamil Nadu.
/
Grandma's Poodle / March 7, 2018
I tip my hat to you sir. Couldn’t have said it any better.
/
Native Vedda / March 7, 2018
old codger
–
Look how SC is defending weeping widow’s recruitment and promotion policies, a long shot. By the early 1960’s her functionaries and advisers have made a (un)concious decision to stop recruiting members of armed forces from minorities. One should not deluded oneself stupid paranoid racist weeping widow making secular decisions.
/
Samjayers / March 6, 2018
Isn’t that strange in 1983 and 2018 governing party is UNP. Either they are not capable of handling these kind of situation or they are deliberately letting this unfortunate incident spread to gain political advantage.
/
goraka / March 6, 2018
Where is the Maha Sangha? Still sleeping!
/
Maharage, Nimal / March 6, 2018
Bodu Bala Sena and GoTa at just started the mayhem. Way to go for creating optimum condition for GoTa’s ascendency for President in 2020
/
Niro / March 6, 2018
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
/
Namal / March 6, 2018
No wonder the IGP said he would resign if SF ia appointed Minister of Law & Order in this Lawless banana Republic.
/
Samson Ferdinands / March 6, 2018
The entire blame should be on the President for not appointing Sarath Fonseka as the Minister in charge of Law & Order. He should be answerable to Muslims & the nation
/
Rajash / March 6, 2018
The country, its people, the politicians, the religious leaders have learnt nothing from 70 years of blood shed since independence.
The DNA of the country is violence and arson in the name of Sinhala Buddhist Sri Lanka.
Even the PMs statement today opens with we are a “Sinhala Buddhist Country.”
If his intention is to calm the situation he should have opened with the a more neutral statement.
instead he is in fact endorsing the riots and no wonder that it went on to a second night and may be to a third night as politicians after politicians endorse the violent acts of the thugs
/
Sinhalaya / March 7, 2018
It is sad that we have not learnt anything from 1983 riots. Unfortunately the President is sleeping with the enemy at night by meeting Mahinda. Why is the President not appointing Sarath Fonseka as Minister of Law and Order? Its time all those who love peace should bring a no confidence motion against the President soon.
/
Jim softy / March 7, 2018
Killing of the Sinhala man by muslims gang is neglected. sinhala property vandalizing is big news.
/
Goraka / March 7, 2018
“Killing of the Sinhala man by muslims gang is neglected. sinhala property vandalizing is big news.”
All killings are bad but why attack the innocent Muslims!
When Buddhist monk killed SWRD, did the Sinhala Buddhists went on a rampage to kill all Buddhist monks?
/
kp / March 7, 2018
No, it’s not “neglected”. It’s only “neglected” if you’re a racist pushing propaganda. The perpetrators were arrested immediately after the assault and remanded, what more would you like to do?
Stop making excuses for rioting.
/
TheTheologist / March 8, 2018
This is the problem with backward thinkers like you. Why is everyone looking at people by their religion. When kondaya raped that poor 4 year old, nobody said anything about race and religion. When some drunk wastes of DNA beat up a man( who was killed by other means) is looked at there’s a thousand people lining up to pointout religion.
Sad…
/
K.Pillai / March 7, 2018
The present situation started with a rumour that certain eateries are mixing an additive which renders the eater sterile. No leader of note has said that this is a canard.
The canard was started by some businesspersons to edge out Muslim businesses.
/
nalmen / March 7, 2018
if RW continues as minister of law and order all you can expect is no law and much disorder
a weakling who only talks with no follow up tough action
/
Park / March 7, 2018
President should appoint Sarath Fonseka immediately as Minister of Law and Order. Let the IGP and all DIG’s resign. Appoint more suitable ones to those posts.
/
Real Revolutionist / March 7, 2018
Police are inactive means government want police to be inactive.
Because government are in favor of UNHRC.
/
kolla / March 7, 2018
The news here is things are coming to normal . What news to believe ?
/
Bruz / March 7, 2018
No worries guys…no one can or will help us…we are doomed for ever..gradually..we are sinking..
Thanks to all the rowdy sinhala brothers and politicians…….
Do not blame Tamils or Muslims for the destruction..of SL
just burn all the mosques, Muslim shops, Hindu temples, houses and be happy, if you can or if that is what you want to be happy with…
Just destroy everything you do not like…If That is Buddhism…and Sinhala only stuff.
Have a good day, if you can.and enjoy life…
Let Tami;s and Muslims get lost or get killed by Lanka putras and Ranawiruwos..
End of the story and you all can live in peace for ever…..
There is no other solution…so just go ahead and do it…all the best.
/
Sampath / March 7, 2018
//Colombo Telegraph learns that the Muslims were instead informed by Police to stay at home and close the shops. The torching took place thereafter. The electricity was also cut off prior to the violence erupting in Theldeniya yesterday//
This is the shameful act of the police, demanding innocent people to stay calm while the mobs with the support of the same police (at least by police support by their inaction) torch and destroy Muslims property and lives.
Police is kind of dogs under the politicians and bit or bark only when the master (politicians) demand to do so. So we can expect protection to citizens specially those minority citizens, as the police always with the majority that is low cast mobs.
We need out side the box solution such as law reform to enable to people of the area to go to court and get the order to police protection as well as enable the villages to have self defense initiatives..
/
Kusummittha / March 7, 2018
Thannakumbura mosque is unharmed! Pls do not spread information that is not true! The villagers in Thannakumbura r a peaceful bunch and would work as a team to put a stop to all this senseless killing and vandalism. Pls don’t course unnecessary trouble, we have enough to deal with at this moment.
/
Ranganath Herath / March 9, 2018
“The small mosque in Thennekumbura was torched a short while ago and is currently in flames while mobs roam freely around the street, the Colombo Telegraph learns.”
The above lines were taken from this document. Please let us know about which mosque you are talking about in Tennekumbura. Because the mosque in Tennekumbura is well and safe until now 10am 9th March 2018.
/