By Sarath Buddhadasa –
Dr Sarath Buddhadasa
We entered Peradeniya university way back in the late 1970s with the hope of creating a future for our families and also to enjoy life while contributing to the progress of society, since it was the people of this country who sustained us in the universities by way of direct and indirect taxes paid to the government to provide us free education.
However, all our hopes and dreams were shattered with the birth of LTTE terrorism and Pirabaharan and his inhuman partners almost destroying our social and economic fabric.
We were fortunate that the country was saved from the clutches of terrorism by President Mahinda Rajapakse and his team, with the help of many supporters here and abroad, in May 2009. This gave us a new ray of hope and impetus. The nation drew a peaceful breath after 30 years and the people were confident of the country’s future. We were sure that such a dark era will not befall us ever again. We started building peace and rebuilding the much needed trust between communities. There were many efforts and sacrifices made to rehabilitate and re-integrate disaffected youth and peace building was initiated with our Tamil speaking fellow countrymen and women.
Now what is the situation in our country today?
Just like what we saw way back in the 1970s as young university students and caused us to lose our hopes, this nation is again heading or being dragged towards a very pathetic and catastrophic destination. This time it is by a gang called BBS (Boru Bana Sena) creating havoc and frustration at every turn and in every corner in the country in the name of Buddhism.
Although the BBS may say so, I as a Sri Lankan and a Buddhist, frankly doubt whether this country’s Buddhists are against the practices of another faith, adhered to by our partner community. Surely, any true Sinhala Buddhist with a decent IQ level will realize by observing the behavior of this BBS gang that it is undoubtedly against Buddhism and Sinhalese.
Why do I say this? At the outset they created the halal issue. This was amicably resolved with the mediation of intelligent, educated venerable monks like Bellanvila Wimalarathana. Then they attacked business places belonging to Muslims. Later, they attacked Sinhala Buddhist girls and boys alleging that their love affairs are immoral and not compatible with Sinhala Buddhist principles or standards. They organized their ‘golayas’ to attack Buddhists, throwing spoiled eggs at those who patronized businesses owned by another community. Just last week they unfairly criticized our High Commissioner in Singapore, a patriotic lady, Ferial Ashraf and now they are threatening our cricketers.
They are destroying our socio-cultural and economic landscape in an accelerated manner. They destroy the sentiments of peace loving people of this country. They destroy the image of the country. They draw the President and the government into an uneasy scenario, consciously or unconsciously serving the interests of our enemies and extremists.
Is this the Buddhist way of life? The Buddhism we know is not this. What the most Reverend Walpola Rahula did not teach us yesterday and would never have taught us, the BBS is trying to teach us today!
I don’t think this will do any good to Buddhism or Sinhalese. This may serve our international enemies who are trying to destroy Sri Lanka. In that sense, I entertain doubts that this so called BBS is either directly or indirectly supported by some parties who are against Sri Lanka. This assumption is getting re-inforced when you see what is going on in Burma/Myanmar now.
We must be ashamed of ourselves if we allow this gang to continue in this way. I am sure if this virus-like menace is not stopped today, it will drag us to the graveyard tomorrow.
So, this appeal goes to the Mahanayaka Theros in this country and specially the Sinhala Buddhist community. Please unite and create awareness in our society asking each and every citizen not to get deceived by or patronize these anti Sinhala-Buddhist elements. Learn from our forefathers as to how they treated and lived in harmony with other communities in the past.
I remember how I used to go with my parents to the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and attend the Sri Rajopavanaramaya Dhamma School at Getambe to study Buddhism, striving to mold myself as a person guided by the Buddhist way of life. Since our childhood, we have been trained in our Dhamma schools to chant every night before we go to sleep, the verse ‘siyalu sathvayo niduk vethwa, neerogi vethwa, suwapathwethwa’. This is the Buddhism we know and try to practice.
According to the Buddha, we belong to the human race. When we forget this universal truth and allow these destructive behaviors and trends created by these 21st century Devadattas to continue, are you and I not forgetting about Buddhism?
*Dr Buddhadasa is Managing Director, Business Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka
Pol Pot / April 7, 2013
We need this comment to be translated into Sinhala and publicised, so that gullible Sinhala Buddhists would be educated about the long range consequences of this trend.
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Dodo / April 7, 2013
Nice piece – we need more people like this speaking up and out against Balu Sena.
Also, the Balu Sena has targeted Christians and Tamils and the fact that they are TALIBANIZING BUDDHISM in Sri Lanka and giving Buddhism and Lanka bad name must be kept in mind.
The perpetrators of the violence and the leader of the Bodu Bala Sena aka Balu Sena must be tried in open courts and punished for hate speach, destruction of private property and incitement to racialand religious hatred and public disorder and disturbance of the peace – right now they are riding another wave of impunity with the support of the Rajapakssa brothers and the dirty Muslim politicians
By coming to an out of court settlement with the saffron clad thugs of the regime the Muslims have done themselves and the other minorities a great wrong!
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JULAAMPITYE AMARAYA / April 7, 2013
These BORU BANA SENAA group has come ;
After Listening to the Bana Preaching from Monkeys and throwing stones to Jethawanaaramaya temple,
{There is saying in sinhala for notorious gangs that
“Wadhurangen bana ahala, jetawanaramyata gal gahapu evun”].
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Lankan / April 7, 2013
Is it Boru Bala Sena or Balu Bala Sena?
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AYMAN / April 7, 2013
OF WHAT USE ARE THESE OPINIONS OF DECENT SINHALA BUDDHISTS WHEN THESE
SAFFRON ROBED THUGS ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE DEFENCE SECRETARY HIMSELF?
SPEAKING FOR MUSLIMS ALL THE POLITICIANS ARE A SET OF HYPOCRITES.WHEN A DECENT TAMIL MP. WAS SPEAKING ON THIS ISSUE THERE WAS THAT SCOUNDREL “ASSWER” SHOUTING HIM DOWN.
THE GOVERNMENT IS “SOFT-PEDDLING” THIS ISSUE.
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mike / April 7, 2013
ASSWER HAS BECOME THE ASSMAN FOR RAJAPASSA!
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Bavani / April 7, 2013
“According to the Buddha, we belong to the human race. When we forget this universal truth and allow these destructive behaviors and trends created by these 21st century Devadattas to continue, are you and I not forgetting about Buddhism?”
Where did these Sinhalese intellectuals go when the killing machinery of Sinhalese army were killing, bombing & committing horrible crimes on Tamil people, not only in 2009 but also since 1948??
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Safa / April 7, 2013
These issues are to be sorted out by our Sinhala Buddhists compatriots. Our moaning and groaning will be of no use if the majority of the majority community feel that this is the way the country should be goverened.
Prime responsibility is with the elected govt and then with the Sinhala Buddhist polity to get its house in order. Thanks to Mr Buddhadasa and other open minded Sinhala Buddhist for voicing their opinion. Do not let the extremist hijack your religon as has happened to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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Yehiya / April 7, 2013
Why buddist always forgot the past.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
Please come with appropriate examples then the readers can add their comments to yours. I really dont think that BUDDHISTS in general would forget the past easily. Buddhists that pretend to be buddhists would do whatever they are manipulated to do as seen on the video – a monk is fearless throwing stones to damage a camaer – in the presence of so called policemen in the very place…. watching at it as they the police has nothing to do with avoid the particular monk his criminal deed. Either police are donkey sorta or the govt authorities are like that so that they cant react properly.
Hearing the public speeches of the those violent BBS monks – I automatically went to the era – 89 that the country was destroyed by JVPers and Premadasa regime – in which thousands of innocient youth went missing. The difference this time is – safron robed monks are leading that today, while JVPers have not uttered a word about all these.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
And that should again be a matter of lack proper handling by the respective authorities in terms of food items and the control. Each and every country should deal with these issue to a manner that the prevailing laws allow. If there are no provision, RULERS together with respective authorities should solve the matter, not that the reglious sentiments should intervene trying to add communal problems between adherents of varied religions. BBS is not a peaceful organisation – this is clear to any 10 year olds if they go through the comments that are being added to this and other threads these days.
AMong the many peaceful buddhist monks, they openly criticise BBS have been very violent as if they are worst to the gihi people. One should teach them the way they have been marching could disgrace entire buddhist volks and thier images internationally – if the rulers would not take proper actions against BBS at this critical juncture of the country.
I simply cant undrestand why the most scared accepted monks seem to be dead silent today about the violent monk behaviours. If they have no laws to go agains tthose monks, they have to add reforms to the prevailing laws for the sake of the security of the ALL FOLKS of the nation.
For me, BBS leader together with violent henchmen should be sent to Jail – soon as possible.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
Typo error – it should be why most sacred accepted monks..
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Prey / April 8, 2013
No, they don’t, still yearn to be the Hunters.
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Leela / April 7, 2013
Dr Sarath Buddhadasa,
So, you accept that there has been a ‘Halaal’ issue. Yet none of you happened to notice that Buddhists were compelled to consume ‘Halaal’ all this time befor BBS exposed it. How could you! You may not have known that the Halaal badge or the meaning of Halaal at the time.
‘Halaal’ has been forced upon Sinhala industrialists under false pretences for a long time. I knew it, but I couldn’t do much about it as an individual. I knew every thing including tomato ketchup was been made Halaal. In the end, even water bottles and cement bags had become Halaal. ACJU started collecting millions of rupees from Sinhala Buddhist and other communities immorally and illegally.
People opened their eyes when BBS accused ACJU for selling ‘Halaal’ logo immorally. ACJU said they haven’t compelled any one and therefore is not illegal. BBS had to take the issue to street for you guys and Ven Wimalarathana to wake up and realize what’s up. Now, instead of appreciating service rendered by BBS you depict BBS as ‘Boru Bana Sena’. You must be suffering from Alzheimer disease.
Leela
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Sama / April 7, 2013
WHAT IS THE ISSUE SO LONG BOTH TYPES OF FOODS ARE AVAILABLE. IF THE CASE WAS DIFFERENT – GIVEN THAT CONSUMERS ARE COMPELLED BUY ONLY HALAL- the rulers could react to it within the prevailing laws in the country, but BBS or any other movement to mediate in this is absolutely not acceptable.
Did not you find Halal and Non halal food in the UK where you were based many many years ?
And you say you knew it – but as one single person you failed to react ? How many of the other grieved issues that you are well aware – but you only support the uneducated rulers to continue:
Like for example in the issues that rule of law is abosolutely a mess in the issues such as proper investigation in terms of any crime incidents in the country today.
And president seems to be paying blind eye when it goes with any criminal deeds being perpetrated by Mervin and other ministers – have you added any acceptable comments to satisfy the readership ? No.
David Blacker realized that he has to react according to his CONSCIENCE… that is exemplary to the many that stay blind not reacting. U afterall as a man or woman with that much of potential should have guts to do more to the nation than trying to be stuck to the idiots that right thinking ones wating to get rid of.
Please respond to this if you are honest minded, if not, please just leave it as always has been.
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Leela / April 7, 2013
Sama,
I never vote for idiots. Chandrika is an idiot but Rajapakse is not. At the last GE, I voted Thilanga, Champika and Bandula. I have spoken only to Thilanga but I thought all three would be honest and do some thing to the country. On principal, I do not vote to any one at Provincial Council elections. At local elections, I vote for our UNP village man. So, I am no yes man for everything Rajapakse.
Leela
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gamini / April 7, 2013
Leela your honest Thilanga got his catcher whom he took to the UK to see Cricket Matches bumped off inside Hulftsdorp Courts as he turned State Witness. Although the assailant was caught that was the end of the matter. I find you including this writer who praise this Hora MR are a waste of public funds providing an education at cost to the Nation and only had we instead planted some coconut trees for the money spent in producing your type, the country would have benefited definitely.
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srilal / April 7, 2013
Lady Leela , find out who did the millions of rupees worth illegal voice termination in Trans Asia hotel room in early 2000 ???????
Your wise decision to vote for those crooks , racists and utter losers shows , how ill informed you are !
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Probono Publico / April 7, 2013
@Srilal
Leela is a not a woman but a man who was pretending to write under a womans name till he got caught in on thread in Transcurrents site
Also dont ask Leela re concience as the talk going round is that Leela played out people under the guie of building houses in Kandy in a private housing scheme (pls verify details this is what I heard )
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Leela / April 7, 2013
gamini,
John 8:1-11 “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”.
Let me know the perfect man when you find him.
Leela
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gamini / April 8, 2013
Leela for your information, I can fearlessly stand out as I have not sinned. I have not robbed, I have never lied, I have never killed nor have I ever committed adultery in my life. I have never practiced or aligned myself to any Religion in my adult life. I have my conscience as my Religion. I have children familied themselves and have no ties to any Religion. I live by what is right, universally accepted by society. I am sure there are many like myself in society and a few of the wicked inhuman who flock together and are organized, where as we are not.
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Glee / April 8, 2013
Throw at which, the transvestite Leela???
Ultimately, the perfect man’s horoscope didn’t match it seems.
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Jamal / April 8, 2013
Gamini, in your outlook you are many times more honorable in conduct than so called defenders of Regimes and Beliefs. At least you are honest in what you say and are gentleman enough to accept that sometimes we tend to believe what we hear. Many times these stories have been proved wrong. We need to be open minded and accept that differences are part of our lives. We need to develop that harmonious blend to help each other as humans, whatever beliefs we hold. We need to enlighten ourselves so that, problems can be solved by inter-communal discussion, negotiation in a spirit where all will be winners. Only then can our Country move forward. Unfortunately some of our contributors are pseudo intellectuals and pseudo scholars having an animal instinct of marauding and besting others in the name of religion even if that meant violence. The Halaal issue was one such instance which could have been amicably settled as even Muslims were not very happy with its implementation albeit for more academic reasons.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
If Rajapakshe according to you is acceptable, why that many countries are against him today is my question to you.
And we did not have leaks with ALEVEL papers and any events in the previous regimes in the ministry of education – even if the technology was not that good as today. So I dont think that current minister of Education is appropriate to the position as we notice his performances cant be that good to allow those mal practices in the system to be repeated many a times.
What has Champika the mighteous done seeing that BBS is deliberately acting against the rule of law in the country. I mean Champika should be from Helaurumyaya and IN THE same time a cross supporter to the BBS.
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Ceylonese / April 7, 2013
Liela – There is a serious chemical imbalance in the attitude of a transvestite. (A) Halaal product were never forced on any industry. It was voluntary on the part of an industry to capture market share of the Muslims. (B) No one was compelled to consume. The choice was wide open. Halaal is here to stay, the difference now is most Islamic countries refuse to import. Thanks to BBS. By repeating a false premise many times would not make it true. BTW ACJU was legally certifies by the relevant authorities.
See, Direction No. 17 (Gazette Extraordinary No. 1515/22, 21.9.2007) under Section 10(1)(b)(ii) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.
“No manufacturer, trader or supplier shall manufacture, market, import, distribute, store, stock, sell or expose for sale any items of food or drink containing the word “Halaal”, or any expression picture or symbol denoting the term Halalal, unless the said item of food or drink is certified as Halaal, by a recognized body in the relevant field.”
Hence, the argument that the Halaal certificate is illegal or unauthorized is simply flawed and untenable.
Please take your medication on time.
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C_Tok / April 7, 2013
Great stuff! Little Leela has to learn a lot even at this late stage in life.
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Gandhi / April 7, 2013
Why are you calling people names you cock sxxxxr? See its not nice no? Play nice gay boy.
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Bappu / April 8, 2013
What nice no? Gandoo. “Where” to play the “nice” she boy?
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Ceylonese / April 10, 2013
Self conscious on the lack of manhood wo/man
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shama / April 7, 2013
if you are true why on earth price of halaal certified products are not drop down even after halaal certification is stopped. you all think all that said by saffron robed so called Buddhist priest? are true?. it is wrong, according to Buddhism you have find the truth before you make a decision what is right or false.because there are Buddhist priest abusing girls, raping, do other things which are against Buddhism.why on earth BBS is silent when girls play beech volley ball only with nicker and bra and now voicing against Islamic dress code of women which give protection from abuse.Does Buddhism permit beach volley ball dress for women?Try realize the truth. BBS is anti Buddhist organization which aim to destroy Buddhism in the name of Buddhism. It can do it successfully till people like you in this country.
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AYMAN / April 7, 2013
LEELA,
SINHALA INDUSTRIAISTS NEEDED THE HALAL LOGO TO TO EXPORT TO MUSLIM COUNTRIES. NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO EAT HALAL. WE MUSLIMS HAVE TO EAT WHAT IS PURE. WE DO NOT EAT THE PIG WHICH LIVES ON YOUR DAM SHIT. YOU ARE FREE TO EAT YOUR PIG AND EAT YOUR OWN SHIT.
HALaL LABELING WAS FOR MUSLIMS. . WELL YOU HAD THE OPTION NOT TO BUY IT..IF YOU PAID MILLIONS YOU ARE IDIOTS. YOU NEED NOT HAVE.
DO YOU KNOW ONE INDUSTRIALIST A RACIST SINHALESE IS MOVING TO BANGADESH.
NOT TO LOSE HIS MUSLIM BUYERS.
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docdoc / April 7, 2013
Nothing BECAME halaal, things complying to halaal were just labelled as such. Did you know that halal meat rules govern that the animal is strictly killed only for one’s sustainence and the REMNANTS used for leather etc. So in fact for a faith that allows omnivorous diets, this is a fairly humane one. The halaal as pect for water comes from the charcoal used to filter the water (animal or other organic charcoal).. if its animal charcoal then we cant consume it unless its a halal slaughtered animal. In the past when there was no halaal labelling, the muslim cinsumer had to individually ask whether each item was halaal. Certain ingredients in things such as bristles on toothbrushes to other coded ingredients on processed foods were beyond the understanding of the lay muslim therefore HALAL labelling clarified this so we could practise our faith. We werent reciting mantras and the like that the BBS accuse us of doing.
As for the BBS openly lying about muslims spitting on food three times prior to consumption by non muslims etc are pure lies… these guys lie that is not buddhism at all, if you have certain preconceived notions about islam and need clarification… there is an impartial centre in rohini road colombo called the centre for islamic studies ehere a lot of your questions can be answered impartially… and no NOONE is going to try to convert you there!!
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Tripitaka / April 8, 2013
“Did you know that halal meat rules govern that the animal is strictly killed only for one’s sustenance”
is what Gautham Buddha argued with Devadatta not to be a vegetarian and a forest hermit. Buddha did not categorically forbid his disciples to eat meat. The animal is killed accordingly does mean that “it is not beaten to death”, “a dead carcass”, “a nearly dying animal due to natural causes”, “an unclean animal veal”, “an animal killed between the jamb of a door” etc…
Buddha was very wise to lay this fundamental rule clearly in his commandments years ago, unlike his following of a laughing stock.
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Wickramasiri / April 8, 2013
Leela, How exactly did ‘Hallal’ affect you?
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WickSiha / April 8, 2013
It stuck between a motion between the colon and the rectum. Ha..Ha..Ha.. Lal..Lal..Lal…
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Deepika / July 29, 2013
“Leela” – when were Buddhists compelled to consume halal you moron?
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Zarook / April 7, 2013
Wonderful article written by a true buddhist. Well done. Like another reader has expressed this article should be translated into Sinhala language so that masses can read it. It is unfortunate such articles dont show up in all the medias. The problem today is some media are more biased to the government and are fearful of their existence and not serious in fulfilling their fundamental rights. This is happening not only in the print media but also on TV. It is very unfortunate these medias are also supporting the BBS and other extremists groups and fanning the fire of hatred. So I word of gratitude to Dr. Sarath Budhadhasa for expressing a honest view.
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Ronny / April 7, 2013
Most of the countries in Europe and also in North and South America are Catholic (Christian) countries. In almost all the European countries and in the USA there are Buddhist Temples and Sri Lankan Buddhist Priests live in Peace and Harmony with all the communities in those countries and lots of non-Buddhists help these Temples Institutions. Also, these priests walk on the streets of these countries without any fear in their “sivura” (Buddhist monk robe) and no one has ever insulted or atleast questioned why they wear robes. These idiotic Balu Senawa in Sri Lanka are just “gembos (toads) in a well” and they have no knowledge of the outside world. What would be the position of Christians (let us say radicals) attack the Buddhist Priests for wearing the sacred Buddhist robe? “Pissu Ballani” please think of your own brothers living in other countries. Just because you can make the biggest criminal in Sri Lanka (next to Prabhakaran)happy, you may gain recognition by the looters of our motherland but you are only tarnishing the image of PURE BUDDHISM in the entire world. I am sure, even the Sri Lankan Buddhists are against the activities of these Balu Senawa except the top rogue politicians who want to create tensions amongst the different ethnic communities for their political survival. The war with the LTTE made them multi billionaires and now the need another war to become multi trillionnaires.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
Ronny what I believe is – President himself cant INTERVENE here becasue GR openly stand by BBS. I have read and seen several articles how GR is marching with them for BBS rallies. I really dont know as a man who has lived in the US for such a long time like 15 or more years is not in a mind to get what these BBS are about. In some areas as it is for any average thinkers, GR could be a clever person, but his AFFINITY to the BBS is no means comprehensible.
Lanken state has been robbed by a brother company- This has been very disadvantageous for the future of lanka. One brother is supporting while the other pay ignorance. President let destroy the country.. ALL we the real buddhist should pray for a better regime that have no such family governance.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
This is not just for this matter, but in many cases – where his brothers interfere are seen to be out of MR´s control. People of the country have to face the result of the ill performance of the Rajapakshe. I believe if MR was better advised at the beginning, the impeachment process against CJ Dr.SB could have ended to the manner the world could recognize the prevailing legal system of the country. That could then positively affect on the discussions held in Geneva last month. Consequence could have been much better with the resolution. Today no country on this earth feel somewhat hatred to our country – all because of MR goverance. It is clear theydont take human rights issues serious. All what got to see – compellingly in the aftermath of war victory against Ltters are worst than expected.
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Sama / April 7, 2013
Typo error:
Meaning no country seems to be supportive with the performance of the current regime.
They the frogs of well always accuse that western forces are imperialistic and not supportive – feeding the locals with false info as has been sofar. Latter is important them to rob the votes of innocient villagers.
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Wickramasiri / April 8, 2013
Sama, Don’t believe this story. Everything is done under the direction of Mahinda.
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Pol Pot / April 8, 2013
GR probably has shares in an arms manufacturing business in the USA. Therefore he needs to keep the ball of Defence rolling, so he can order ammunition to keep the Military going for ever in Sri Lanka. This is how the USA keeps selling Arms to the rest of the World, by creating unrest in other countries.
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fasmi / April 7, 2013
wonderful article.This sort of article educate people
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Newton / April 7, 2013
Dear Mr Buddhadasa
There are two types of chauvinists living in Sri Lanka .The first type of chauvinists explicitly talking and acting on their agenda like BBS.The second type is talking like a Bodhisattva but in their actions they do even worse than the former.Obviously later is more dangerous than the former.
If you are trying to show that this BBS as a recent phenomena and not admitting the role of sinhala buddhist nationalism in the long standing ethnic conflict , war and destruction ,you probably falling in the second category.
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Nas / April 7, 2013
Peace is what we need and some thugs take laws into their hands. This should be stopped in the greater interest of country. All should realise BBS bring more harm than any good. All politicians should realise this and act so quickly to dismental BBS as soon as possible.
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sinhala friend / April 7, 2013
Even Dr Sarath Buddha did not forget to mention LTTE and VIP.Doctor has forgotten the terrorism before the VIP era. Perhaps, it may well be the reasons for the massacre and the ongoing genocide as bunch of educated big heads only think about themselves. why only 1970?
as a doctor(?medical) give a little bit of space in your grey matter (if you have left any) for lateral thinking!
note: this BBS could well be a diversionary tactics in order to buy time to complete the mission, designed by MR’s advisers.
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Piranha / April 7, 2013
SWRD and a bunch of influential Buddhist monks put and end to true buddhist tolerance and respect for non-buddhists and non-sinhalese in 1956 with their anti tamil camapaign to win the votes of the Sinhala Buddhists and come to power.
The present campaign against the muslims is a continuation of the Sinhala Buddhist’s camapaign against the minorities and is no different from the past camapaigns against the tamils. The fact that the Rajapaksa brothers are overtly and covertly supporting the fascist monks and the fact that hardly any voices are being raised against the BBS signifies the intent and wishes of the so called buddhists among the Sinhala intelligentsia or the masses.
The Rajapaksa brothers are happy to sit back and see the anarchy that is sure to engulf the country as long as they are able to stay in power and suck it dry.
Dr Buddhadasa you should address your concerns to the man who “liberated” your country from the tamil terrorists and has since then become an autocratic, corrupt and murderous thug.
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Park / April 7, 2013
I think the time is ripe for all the TRUE BUDDHISTS to show their hatred to BBS (whether its Bodu Bala or Boru Bala or Balu Bala) and march on the streets all over Sri Lanka. This is the only way to control BBS. Further this would show the Governement and Gotha that the masses do not like the stance of BBS which is openly violating the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Prevention of Terrorism Act clearly states that any action to incite communal disharmony is an acto of Terrorism. Why is Gotha not take action? Its time for the TRUE BUDDHISTS to walk the streets in protest all over Sri Lanka. If we do not do it then there is no point in protesting against BBS in writing alone.
What the Government does not understand is that the actions of BBS is definitely going to increase the length of the resolution against SL at the next UN Human Rights Commission. When will this Government learn, will it ever learn!
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Jim Hardy / April 7, 2013
Good Article
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Oh Danny boy / April 7, 2013
SOON WE ARE GOING TO WITNESS THE SIBLINGS ON WAR PATH AGAINST EACH OTHER.
THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE ANCIENT KINGS WERE RULING THIS PARADISE.
THE ANCIENT KINGS FOUGHT FOR FORTS, MOATS, CHARIOTS, HARLOTS, DONKEYS, MONKEYS, HORSES AND ELEPHANTS.
THE PRESENT GOONS ARE FIGHTING FOR HIGHWAYS, HARBORS, HOTELS AND HELIPORTS.
THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS ARE FIGHTING FOR LAMBORGHINI’S, B M W’S, MASERATI’S, FERRARI’S & SPEED BOATS.
THEY ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR MALE PROSTITUTES, BUM BOYS, FEMALE PROSTITUTES, UNDER AGED GIRLS, BOOKING HOTEL ROOMS FOR FREE, WITH THE TAX PAYERS MONEY.
THEY WILL FIND THEM IN MATTALA, AND HAMBANTHOTA.
THEY GO AROUND ASSAULTING OFFICIALS OF THE FORCES.
WHAT A WAY THE HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF.
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eureka / April 7, 2013
”We entered Peradeniya university way back in the late 1970s with the hope of creating a future for our families and also to enjoy life while contributing to the progress of society… However, all our hopes and dreams were shattered with the birth of LTTE terrorism and Pirabaharan and his inhuman partners almost destroying our social and economic fabric.”
Dear Dr Buddhadasa
It’s precisely because the successive governments from 1948 hhad been oppressing the ethnic minorities politically, economically and socially that the LTTE appeared in the 70s on the horizons after the Tamil parliamentarians failed to get even meagre concessions for more than 25 yrs. The standardisation for university entrance of the 70s precipitated the armed struggle.
Do you know what happened in 1977, 1974, 1972, 1966, 1961, 1958, 1956, …..to the Tamils?
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Senguttuvan / April 7, 2013
By the time the Writer went to the Varsity in 1970 the country was half-destroyed by the adventurism of Sinhala Only Buddhist Revolution of 1956. VP/LTTE held sway from the mid-1990s – that was 25+ years from 1970. Therefore to claim “all our hopes and dreams were shattered with the birth of LTTE terrorism and Pirabaharan and his inhuman partners almost destroying our social and economic fabric…” is totally in contradiction to the historical development in the country.
The truth is Sinhala politics was destroying the country gradually from 1956 and there was no space from outside to do this. Sinhala academics from across the political spectrum have agreed with this perception. In a way, it can be argued VP/LTTE were trying to take the Tamil Nation out of this growing vortex of self-destruction – although many of us disagreed with the means he adopted to gain his own fascistically imposed solution to gain the end.
Senguttuvan
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malli / April 7, 2013
I wish there are more sensible people like DR. Sarath. If you had listen to the speech in Kandy that Bodu Ballu barked, you would have realised who he is. Is that the way a priest speaks. Pepiliyana attack is a direct result of his balu katha . He can deny this now like saying that he never asked the bees to sting after attacking the bee hive , He has let loose all the hooligans after pouring anti muslim sentiments in their system. I saw a good program which showed a man carrying a Deshapremi stone to pepiliyana, Do you ring temple bells to call the people to attack. He is funded by business interests to break the business of the Muslims. There are lots of articles about his personal life- He was charged for drinking and driving. A case number is also given. He is really the modern Devadutta.
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kamal nissanka / April 7, 2013
What the intelligent educated lay people should do is to start discussion on Buddhist philosophy without sanga. We must learn and follow all books written by Prof K.N.jayathlake to form a “True Bodu Bala Sena” based on ” Maithrree”
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C. Wijeyawickrema / April 7, 2013
Buddhadasa is a boru karayek. Did he read what BBS is proposing from its website?
The fear against BBS shows how it has become a great force for Sri Lanka. All those black-white, English-slave crowd is against BBS.
What is this Buddadasa’s Ph.D about? Buddhism in Sri Lanka?
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Probono Publico / April 7, 2013
Hahaha wijewickrama so you beleives the BBS website huh,even the LTTE website said they abide by rules (now will you believe that?)
Forget about the damm website look at their hate speeches which is freely available on youtube ,look at the monks attacking Fashion Bug and then tell us that BBS is an innocent entity
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Amerasiri / April 7, 2013
It is time NOW for ALL TRUE BUDDHISTS and ALL SRI LANKANS to show that BBS (whether its Bodu Bala or Boru Bala or Balu Bala) and organize go SAVE Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhism from the BBS Mara “Buddhists”.
BBS are terrorists. They fit the definition of Terrorism. Unfortunately, the present govt. is NOT doing its duty of maintaining law and order.They are Taliban “Buddhists”. They are Nazi “Buddhists” They are Mara “Buddhists”. They are Fascist “Buddhist”, They are Ku Klux Klan “Buddhists” protected by the State.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism
Systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective. It has been used throughout history by political organizations of both the left and the right, by nationalist and ethnic groups, and by revolutionaries. Although usually thought of as a means of destabilizing or overthrowing existing political institutions, terror also has been employed by governments against their own people to suppress dissent; examples include the reigns of certain Roman emperors, the French Revolution (see Reign of Terror), Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and Argentina during the “dirty war” of the 1970s. Terrorism’s impact has been magnified by the deadliness and technological sophistication of modern-day weapons and the capability of the media to disseminate news of such attacks instantaneously throughout the world. The deadliest terrorist attack ever occurred in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001 (see September 11 attacks), when members of al-Qaeda terrorist network hijacked four commercial airplanes and crashed two of them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City and one into the Pentagon building near Washington, D.C.; the fourth plane crashed near Pittsburgh, Pa. The crashes resulted in the collapse of much of the World Trade Center complex, the destruction of part of the southwest side of the Pentagon, and the deaths of some 3,000 people.
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Anura / April 7, 2013
TRUE BUDDHIST ???? To me these words shows ignorance of ones thinking. SL true Buddhism strongly based of myths like worshipping trees and requesting those special trees to cure their sick relatives and get good universities to their children.
MISUNDERSTOOD TRUTH IS WORSE THAN THE WORST LIE !!!!!!
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Binara / April 9, 2013
Yes, still the younger generation is avoids going to the temple and does not abide by modesty in dress.
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Amerasiri / April 7, 2013
Do you have a Sinhala Version of Colombo Telegraph? Direct Translation.
Just like Ada in Sinhala?
Let’s collect funds, and start on the project as soon a possible
We need to educate the Sinhala Buddhist masses who are very versatile in Sinhala, as the Dhamma Schools teach in Sinhala, not English.
To Start I will contribute to a fund, to save us all, Buddista and all Sri Lankans from these Dogs, Mara Balu Senas
SINHALA – https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/category/sinhala-si/
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Lester / April 8, 2013
What about a fund to educate the Sinhalese – especially those in rural areas – about the dangers of violent Islamic jihad? You thought these monks were bad; wait till Al Qaeda comes to Sri Lanka!
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LOW prayer / April 8, 2013
When the burrow is free, a conical bauble in a vigorous twist may set in you a thorough-full spin.
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Jamal / April 9, 2013
A fund to get Lester mentally examined will be more appropriate. He is already tilting at windmills. Awaiting an irrelevant reply from KYMP (KOHEDDE YANNE MALLE POL)
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Prey / April 9, 2013
He was already milled between the cheeks by CT pathogens, that’s what still mentally askew.
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ahmad / April 9, 2013
Lester, If you beat your war drums harder, the Al Qaeda might actually hear it and come to Sri Lanka. Don’t try to fix something that is not broken.
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Lester / April 11, 2013
Yes you want Al Qaeda to come. That is your true wish. Finally you have admitted it.
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AYMAN / April 7, 2013
HERE IS AN EXTRCT OF A NEWSREPORT IN THE SAUGI GAZETTE OF TODAY
WITH MY COMMENTS RESPONDING TO STATEMENTS OF BORU BALAU SENA BOSS.
“I have a fundamental right when I go in the street to see the face of a person,” said Dilantha Withanage an official of the prominent Buddhist nationalist group, Bodu Bala Sena, or Buddhist Force.
DILANTHA WITHANAGE,NEXT YOU WILL SAY YOU HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO SEE MY “ARSE”
Another proposed law would stop Muslim men from being able to marry up to four women.
THIS IS OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT AS PER QURANIC INJUNCTIONS.AS SRI LANKANS
WE ARE GUARANTEED THE RIGHT TO PRACTICE ISLAM BY THE CONSTITUTION
“What we are fighting for is a single legal system in this country. If a Muslim has the right to marry four wives let the Buddhists also have that,” he said.
YOU IDIOT WITHANAGE. WE HAVE A SINGLE LEGAL SYSTEM FOR CRIMINAL AND CIVIL MATTERS. AS FOR PERSONAL LAW EACH RELIGION HAS ITS OWN LAWS GUARANTEED BY THE CONSTITUTION.
YOU “BOORUWA” DO YOU KNOW THAT THE SINHALESE TOO HAVE TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF LAWS – ONE FOR KANDYANS AND OTHER FOR THE LOW COUNTRY FELLOWS.
Sri Lanka allows citizens to marry according to the customs of the four main religions — Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
Withanage denied having an anti-Islam agenda, saying his group wanted only for Buddhism to get the credit for building up Sri Lankan civilization. Other religions can still be practiced, he said.
DO NOT WORRY YOUR BORU BALU SENA WILL HAVE THE CREDIT FOR ATTEMPT TO DESTROY BUDDHISM
The attack on Fashion Bug came a week after a monk accused the company and other Muslim businesses of committing “sexual crimes” against Sinhalese female employees and converting them to Islam by marrying them to Muslim employees. The mob stormed the store on the pretext that a 15-year-old girl had been raped inside, an accusation that proved to be false.
WHAT HAS YOUR BORU BALU SENA TO SAY ABOUT THE VIHRADIPATHI OF MIHINTALE ACCUSED OF MOLESTING A WOMAN.
Another monk told a rally that another Muslim-owned clothing store was giving free candy to Sinhalese women customers with ingredients that caused miscarriages and infertility. He said men’s belts sold by these companies caused kidney diseases and damaged customers’ testicles.
Text messages were sent en masse accusing another Muslim company of manufacturing sanitary napkins that turned women barren. The claims were passed around on Facebook and Twitter as well.
IF IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY THERE ARE SINHALESE,WHO BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAY ABOVE THEN YOU ARE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS.
The campaign has frightened Muslims, who suspect the government is not just refusing to protect them, but is actively fomenting the tension, a charge the government denies.
Sri Lanka’s national telecom provider started selling the Buddhist Force theme song as a ring tone to help raise funds for the group. Following protests, the company apologized for any “emotional distress” any community might feel — but refused to withdraw the tone.
Suspicion that authorities were complicit grew after the police stood by and watched the Fashion Bug attack.
Amid criticism of police inaction, 17 suspects, including three monks, were brought to court. The court later released them, saying the parties arrived at an amicable settlement. The injured cameraman also withdrew his complaint, saying fighting his case might create social unrest.
The powerful defense secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the president’s brother, was recently a chief guest at a Buddhist Force event, where he defended the group.
“The venerable monks always came forward to protect our country, race, religion and culture. This effort is to bring them to a correct course, not to spread hatred,” he said.
Mohamed Saleem, a Muslim community worker in Colombo, called the defense secretary’s endorsement of an extremist group “worrying.”
“Are the Muslims equal citizens of this country or not?” he asked.
Presidential spokesman Mohan Samaranayake dismissed accusations the government was involved in an anti-Muslim campaign as the “usual finger pointing” by the opposition.
“I need to emphasize the fact that from the beginning, the government has treated every community equally,” he said.
He said the government would not restrain anyone’s freedom of expression, but would take action if they violated the law
The Muslims, descended from Arab traders who came to the island more than a millenium ago, are considered a separate ethnic group. But they have had a relatively amicable history with the Sinhalese majority and were persecuted by Tamil rebels for siding with the state during the war.
Kusal Perera, a Sinhalese political analyst, said he believes the anti-Muslim campaign is aimed at distracting Sri Lankans from the rising cost of living and other contentious issues. Sinhalese traders have also seen an opportunity to “grab the market” dominated by Muslim businesses, he said.
Mohammed Thanis, a resident of the eastern town of Kantalai, says the government is more concerned about retaining the votes of its Sinhalese base rather than taking action against anti-Muslim forces.
Opposition politician Mujeebur Rahman said the Muslim community has so far been restrained in responding, but he feared what would happen when that patience ran out.
“If they try to react, it can flare up into a major clash,” he said. — AP
LETS HOPE GOOD SENSE WILL PREVAIL!!!!!
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Lester / April 7, 2013
They are destroying our socio-cultural and economic landscape in an accelerated manner.
Sinhalese people – monks! – destroying the Sri Lankan socio-cultural and economic landscape in an accelerated manner? Really? Do you know what is happening in Europe right now? If you did, you wound understand that the monks are probably doing Sri Lanka a favor by at least creating awareness .
In Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community inaugurated a new mosque on March 29…
Ahmad added: “In Spain there are a million Muslims and we believe that in twenty years this number will double. In Spain there are signs that Islam will dominate once again.” He also said the mission of the new mosque would be to “spread the teachings of Islam to every single citizen of Spain.”
http://www.rightsidenews.com/2013040532292/life-and-science/culture-wars/europe-mosque-building-shifts-into-high-gear.html
Look, if the Sri Lankan Muslim population continues to grow at the present rate, it will not be long before Muslims being speaking of domination and spreading the teachings to every single citizen, in Sri Lanka as well. I do not advocate violence, but some kind of measures need to be taken.
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Probono Publico / April 7, 2013
Lester now I believe that you well and truly need some psychiatric treatment for having so much hate inside you!
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Lester / April 8, 2013
Truth hurts? You have no answer to the facts that I have presented.
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Jamal / April 9, 2013
But you never do . The greatest escape artist since HOUDINI. Your tricks not sleight of hand but by answering in KOHEDDE YANNE MALLE POL (KYMP) Style
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Dhaksha / April 8, 2013
He has been off his meds for a while. If he had some sense, he would have realized by now, that apart from a couple of his batch mates, he is outnumbered here, and most commenters know he is an islamaphobe desperate to spew the mindless propaganda he has been trained to spew.
He is not making a dent in poisoning minds here. Everyone knows hate when they see it here.
Please note that he is accusing Muslims of being mean and evil, yet it is HE who is spewing hate here.
Ironic.
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Lester / April 8, 2013
I am talking about demographics, not who is mean or evil. I remember you tried to argue against this point on demographics before, and could not come up with anything useful.
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Jamal / April 9, 2013
You do not talk anything other than BS. You never keep to the discussion in the thread but deviate showing your utter hatred towards Islam and Muslims. You are never known to accept defeat but only to wriggle out by delving into extraneous topics. That’s what you are KYMP.
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Lester / April 9, 2013
You are bitter because I proved your Prophet (SWAH) is a fraud. :)
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Jamal / April 11, 2013
Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad. Euripides
Greek tragic dramatist (484 BC – 406 BC)
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ahmad / April 9, 2013
Lester, my ignorant friend, read what the census department has to say about the lies you and your BBS cronies have been spreading about Muslim demographics
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=75030
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Lester / April 9, 2013
What a joker. You only confirmed my point.
Mrs. Bandara said that the Sinhala and Muslim populations had increased at the rate of 1.04 and 1.87 per cent respectively between 1981 and 2012
So the Muslim population is increasing at almost double the rate of the Sinhala population. And this is over a 31 year span. Ask your Imams to provide the data for a 10 year period.
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Jamal / April 11, 2013
Lester add one more to the World population of Muslims:
Arnoud Van Doorn, a former member of the extreme right wing, and anti-Islamist Netherlands “Freedom Party,” was converted to Islam.
Geert Wilders is the head of the extreme right wing, and anti-Islamist, “Freedom Party” in Netherlands. Arnoud Van Doorn, a former member of Freedom party was converted to Islam.
It was very hard for the people in Belgium to believe the news that Arnoud Van Doorn, a former member of Freedom party was converted to Islam. But Van Doorn confirmed the authenticity of the news himself.
He announced the news on the social website of Twitter, under the title of “a new beginning” and displayed the Declaration of Faith on the website in Arabic language.
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sunila Mendis / April 8, 2013
Ronie’s comment is praiseworthy because Buddhist Philosophy is now mostly practised in the West.I happened to go to a Buddhist Monastery in Sydney situated in a vast acreage of land granted by the Govt.Govt gives grants to the Religions practised by Australia’s migrant community.Isn’t this gesture of the Govt buddhist? Like frogs in a well with an inferiority complex common to islanders Sri Lankans follow any rogue in the guise of a Buddhist.The ruling family themselves suffering from an inferiority complex and a guilt complex killing many a Sinhalese (Prageeth,Lasantha) Tamils (Raviraj,Maheswaran)are aiming their guns at the muslims now.The unending worship of Buddhist priests and giving Dhane at the expense of rich mudalalis is a symptom of their fear of death and life thereafter.
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Wickramasiri / April 8, 2013
Absolutely true.
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eely / April 8, 2013
Some of my Chritisn friends who are hard core UNP supporters reckon, putting the Halal label right across the food chain is bad policy.
They appreciate the initiative of the BBS to confine it to meats sold to Halal consumers.
These writers should also consider why these patriotic fronts make serious appeal to the populace.
Since May 2009, evey effort to unite the inhabitants and allow them to live freely and peacefully in any part of the Island has been thwarted.
Ever increasing threats are made to separate the country, create enclaves, UN protectorates and even outright Eelaams.
These are serious threats emnating from powerful places and powerful people.
Buddhist Monks are physically attacked, Even poor fragile pilgrims to Buddagaya are not spared.
Yet BBS hasn’t gone out attacking people.
They have been on a campaign to raise the awareness of the Sinhal Buddhists , the rural poor who happen to be the majority, to safe guard their freedom, peace and culture.
Surely the undesirables always take advantage of these organizations, and belive me there are a lot of them in the Motherland at the moment in all colors both local and overseas.
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TRN / April 11, 2013
Aney is this true meya?
Hari sin meya …..
No logic in your comment…. Shows how small the brains are who support BBS
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NAK / April 8, 2013
This DR.Buddhadasa is writing like a child without knowing who is doing what.There are many look a like organisations like BBS doing all sorts of things all credited to the BBS.The sho in Papiliyana was vandelized one of those groups and it is well known but the good Dr. does’nt seem to know that.What the BBS is doing is right and some one has to do it,having said that,it would help the cause if Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara thero just change his tone to a more buddhist monk like rather than a bankrupt politiacian.
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Peace Lover / April 8, 2013
Ah I see your getting all sensitive when people speak out against the BBS goons ,truth hurts you huh ;-)
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PATIENT AND PEACE / April 11, 2013
Dr. Buddadahsa – Well done, please keep up your good writing.
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