28 March, 2024

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BBS Linked To Governing Rajapaksa Family – New York Times Editorial

The anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Southern Sri Lanka has accentuated the need to expose links among the hard-line Buddhist organization Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), the Sri Lankan security forces and the Rajapaksas, yesterday’s editorial of the New York Times has asserted.

President Rajapaksa

President Rajapaksa

The editorial, titled ‘Sri Lanka’s Agony’ has taken a very moderate stand on the recent violence that erupted against the Muslims in the island nation.

Referring to President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tour of the areas affected by the violence, following his return from participating in the G77 Summit in Bolivia, the writer has expressed concerns over the promises made by the Government before the UNHRC on bringing the perpetrators who instigated the violence, to justice.

“President Mahinda Rajapaksa toured the afflicted area, while his government promised the United Nations Human Rights Council that it would conduct an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Whether it will do so is an open question in view of its refusal to allow an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses during the recent civil war as called for in a resolution by the council on March 27,” the piece sates.

Furthermore, it has highlighted President Rajapaksa’s failure to repudiate BBS by name, despite his statements directing the Police to take actions against any individuals/ groups inciting ethnic or religious hatred.

“Most Sri Lankans, including the overwhelming Buddhist majority, want nothing to do with the Bodu Bala Sena. Sri Lanka needs healing.”

Furthermore, the editorial has called on President Rajapaksa to move immediately to allow the OHCHR-led probe on Sri Lanka and to implement recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.

“Only these tangible steps will allow Sri Lanka to move forward toward reconciliation and justice for all Sri Lankans,” it has further stated.

We publish below the Editorial in full;

Sri Lanka’s Agony

Hate-mongering Buddhist extremists in Sri Lanka have set off the country’s worst wave of anti-Muslim violence in years. A bloody rampage on June 15 in and near the southern city of Aluthgama left four Muslims dead, at least 78 people injured, and Muslim homes and businesses destroyed. The attacks followed an anti-Muslim rally organized by the Bodu Bala Sena, which roughly translates as Buddhist Power Force, an ultranationalist group linked to the governing Rajapaksa family. Tensions remain high.

This latest round of attacks against one of Sri Lanka’s minority communities underscores the urgent need to shed a bright light on the relationship between the hard-line Bodu Bala Sena, Sri Lankan security forces and the Rajapaksas.

Following global condemnation of his government’s inability to rein in the Bodu Bala Sena and prevent the June 15 attacks, President Mahinda Rajapaksa toured the afflicted area, while his government promised the United Nations Human Rights Council that it would conduct an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Whether it will do so is an open question in view of its refusal to allow an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses during the recent civil war as called for in a resolution by the council on March 27.

The president has good reason to be concerned — and to act. Among other things, the violence threatens Sri Lanka’s recovering tourism industry and business development directly tied to members of his family. The violence elicited rare criticism in Sri Lanka’s press of the government’s failure to protect the Muslim minority. And Sri Lanka’s justice minister, one of the country’s most senior Muslim officials, Rauf Hakeem, publicly lamented the government’s failure to prevent the attacks.

Most Sri Lankans, including the overwhelming Buddhist majority, want nothing to do with the Bodu Balu Sena. Sri Lanka needs healing. Mr. Rajapaksa’s statements on Monday directing the police to act against any individual or group fomenting ethnic or religious hatred are welcome. But the president did not repudiate the Bodu Bala Sena by name. He should move immediately to allow the independent investigation called for by the United Nations; accept the technical assistance offered by the council to address human rights concerns; and put in place the recommendations of Sri Lanka’s own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission for dealing with the aftermath of the civil war.

Only these tangible steps will allow Sri Lanka to move forward toward reconciliation and justice for all Sri Lankans.

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Latest comments

  • 18
    2

    A well written article, which gives a clear picture of what is happening in Sri Lanka, and pointing to the crimes committed by the ruling family. This article should make the rajapaksa’s ashamed, but they have grown thick skins, shown arrogance, blatantly lied, tampered with evidence and witnesses, and now think and act, they are above the law. They are a law to themselves, but then for a nation that depends on aid, much as they attempt to hoodwink the international community and give them the run around, like all rogue regimes, they will have to pay for their human rights violations against the minorities in Sri Lanka.

    • 10
      0

      “Most Sri Lankans, including the overwhelming Buddhist majority, want nothing to do with the Bodu Balu Sena. “

      Bullshitosis! the greedy baboons voted Sihala Buddhist only and have turned into chameleons – once a fascist always one except when foreign forces oversea as in Germany until 2020.

      See what transpired to the Buddhist guy in orange sari who spoke against.

      Then where are the sly hi-fifi (with Hitler mania) Sihala Buddhist commentators on CT who were promoting that katte pittu Sobita??

      Sihala Buddhist will vote themselves as much as Muslims will vote for themselves while the Tamils will fight among themselves and also the villagers will vote tamil

      Yet another Roosevelt/ Churchill misadventure like the Bush/Blair Iraq as at present where minorities have nothing – no opportunity.

    • 3
      0

      “but then for a nation that depends on aid,”

      From 1948 the maximum aid has and is coming from fascist Japanese Buddhist who even bombed Colombo and killed millions of unarmed Asian civilians saying they are dirty- the Japanese have not apologised to none.

      This is the Hippocratic aspect of western Democracy that control vassal state Lanka. Without India they cannot operate a uturn.

      Enjoy the stay.

    • 2
      1

      Minorities in Srilanka is the security of Democracy.
      The threat from racism is to destroy that security.
      SLFP was founded and worked throughout to achieve
      this goal and the present regime is the worst form
      that has made it a family goal.At this moment the
      family losing power means end of the world for them.
      So they force the Buddhists to protect them from
      global punishment for the wrongs they committed in
      the name of Sinhalese but with ill intention.

    • 2
      0

      Country come to worse in economically. No any development or job opportunities for young generation.No vote for next election therefore only way to collect the vote is through extremism. Country will divide to three if lead the Rajapakse for another three years.

  • 13
    0

    It is very encouraging to note that Sri Lankans all over the world, irrespective of their religious beliefs and race have condemned the action of the President and the Police and BBS. Unfortunately the President has still not mentioned the name of BBS in any of his speeches and above all the Police spokes person and the Army Chief have not mentioned BBS in any of their speeches. Now the Army is rebuilding those houses and businesses. Its a civilians job and why should the Army get involved in civilian functions. Since the Government supported BBS which attacked these premises the Government should provide compensation for the people to build their own buildings. It should be the people and businesses in the area who should reap the benefit of these construction projects. Army getting involved is an ulterior motive of Gothabaya to set up Army camps in those areas as they did in the Northern Province. Once the camps are set up there will be rape, murder, harassment and inability to continue with the normal life in those areas. We are seeing this in the Northern Province. Why should the Muslims agree to Army building these affected buildings?

    • 4
      0

      There is no point in behaving like the `lying race` and consoling.

      In the west mostly it was about are you Tamil or Sihala (sic) now a new dimension of Sihala Buddhist attacking war partner.

      In the west some say we trust in god but SB’s have no God and Muslims do.

      Most have condemned not because they care but their slip is showing glaringly as fascist.

      It seems the island wants to be communist while the communist cannot survive without western WTO.

    • 0
      0

      Park

      There’s a genuine need for a genuine Muslim leadership
      and lack of it expose Muslims to all sorts of dangers
      including dangers from within the community like in
      any other.The regime and other parties with vested
      interests are working day and night with ill intention
      to inflict maximum harm they can if that will benefit
      their objective.All these dangerous elements are today
      standing fully exposed even in front of justice seeking,
      helpless but intelligent and just society.Put aside
      Muslims,can the Sinhalese stand up against the evils
      they are facing in everyday life?Even Sinhalese can
      stand up and say “not in our name” because this is a
      human tragedy at their doorstep.Ordinary people must
      have a courage to defend their neighbourhood, like
      Palitha Thevarapperuma did,especially because tomorrow
      it may be their turn.

  • 13
    1

    The Sinhalese are like scorpions.
    The female scorpion sting the male scorpion after a mating session.
    In this case, the male scorpion is the muslim community who have been faithful and loyal to them for ages. Now, they got the sting. And its very painful.

    • 2
      0

      Very soon, amongst others, Hakeem Kumari and ASSwar Thero will feel the pain!

    • 5
      0

      Well, if that’s the case, then just you wait until your leaders get stung by their own creation – BBS thugs. They have spawned hundreds of youth in all parts of the country, trained to cause maximum mayhem using violent methods to attack homes and shops of innocent minorities, loot their shops and send it up in flames, harass and threaten those who cant fight back.

      Very soon they will turn into IRCs and common criminals and fall short or foul of the law enforcement sentinels, and finally end up serving sentence in jails. What a ruined life they may finally face. Youthful exuberance simply destroyed in exchange for loyalty to BBS theology. They are young, and their characters need to be molded. They have been thoroughly misguided and brainwashed with anger against humanity, specially minority communities, and know nothing more than Gnaanasara bandy ism, not Buddhism.

      There is nothing they studied that would benefit themselves in any meaningful way, as in training in self employment business opportunities in myriads of trading fields, training to become future leaders to serve the public, or attend leadership training courses etc., Instead, they received training to become bandits, murderers, thugs, arsonists, looters and possibly even future rapists. What a waste of talent of an entire generation.

  • 13
    0

    New York times sand UNHRC,

    “The anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Southern Sri Lanka has accentuated the need to expose links among the hard-line Buddhist organization Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), the Sri Lankan security forces and the Rajapaksas, yesterday’s editorial of the New York Times has asserted.”

    This is State Terrorism.

    This is Sinhalese Buddhist terrorism

  • 2
    4

    Government is elected with landslide majority as a praise for the deed of suppressing minorities.

    But the president did not repudiate the Bodu Bala Sena by name.

    Most Sri Lankans, including the overwhelming Buddhist majority, want nothing to do with the Bodu Balu Sena. Sri Lanka needs healing.

    New York Times says:
    1. A=B
    2. B=C

    Then accoding to the mathematical law, A=C.

    Then how the majority want nothing to do with the BBS? Isn’t that amounts to AC?

    • 0
      0

      ” Isn’t that amounts to AC? “

      Please read it as ” Isn’t that amounts to A=C”

  • 5
    0

    .
    Srilanka hits world headlines for two reasons:
    – cricket
    – riots

    If our national team plays cricket everyday, we will spend time in front of tv, there’s no time for rioting.

    :-)

    • 3
      0

      “Srilanka hits world headlines for two reasons: “

      Only two???

      What about BBS thugs, Minority killings, Grease Yakkas, White Vans, White Flags,Khurram Murder and rape, Ballotbox gunning by Nondi General, Wimal Modawansa, Kudu Mervyn, Lasantha W,Frederica J,Tsunami Funds, Ramazan Dates pilfer by Ministers, Night Races, Airport with no planes, Harbour with no ships, Tying up of govt employee to tree, Housemaids washing toilets of filthy Arabs, Madmen, opening plane door in flight, Laptop santhosams, Oh the list goes on and on.

    • 0
      0

      You canot eat Cricket, neither Riots.

      • 0
        0

        In that case go listen to the sound of crickets on a hot summers day ;)

  • 9
    1

    Mahinda Rajapaksa’s behaviour after the defeat of the LTTE is inexplicable. A man who had near 30 years political experience at the time, and who championed human rights at the UN, could not comprehend that he had overwhelming support of all sections of the people, all ethnic communities including Tamils, all religious denominations, as well as the Military, to go ahead and build a democratic society where justice, equality, equal opportunity, harmony, peace and happiness would prevail. He did the opposite. Even if he had to give priority to economic development, he could have done so, without sacrificing religious and ethnic harmony. After all citizens only want to live their lives happy and contented.

    So why did he turn tyrant? Was it greed for power and wealth? Was it to protect himself from future prosecution for illegal activity, corruption, and violations of human rights? Has he changed as a result of unbridled power and does not realize it? Is he unable to comprehend the damage he is causing this country? Why is the family unable to rein him in? Why is the legislature silent?

    We have here a classic case for study.

  • 6
    0

    Actually not only for Mangy we should take action against the Editor of the “New York Times” and it’s publisher for revealing top super secret of the Sri Lankan Govt. to the whole world. Prof. G.L Peiris can scrutinize the “State Secret Act” and file a case against New York Times. Actually as a Sovereign Country our National Security is in great danger as almost all the top secrets of our Govt. are now out in the open. All these problems because of the Ranil, Mangy and the Opposition. Somebody should remind our Brave Police Spokesperson and Army Spokesperson about this to react quickly to control the damage done by the New York Times. This time somebody capable should write the script as every time both spokespersons used put their legs in their mouths when they speak because of bad scripts. Even so far as Sri Lankan’s we were not aware about this connection and we supported BBS(Pvt) Ltd and it’s Boss to Protect pure Sinhala Buddhism In Sri Lanka. I think they are trying to destroy BBS(pvt) Ltd and it’s Boss Galagoda Gandasara with the intention of destroying Pure Sinhala Buddhism in Sri Lanka as they know very well that without Gandasara and BBS(pvt) Ltd Pure Buddhism can’t survive in Sri Lanka. We should protect BBS(pvt) Ltd and the Galagoda Gandasara as he introduced “Aba Sarana) to “Thun Sarana” with the blessings of Hon. President and his brother, Grease Piya.

  • 3
    0

    ‘An ultranationalist group linked to the governing Rajapaksa family’

    This is enough. So the world finally finally came ot know the truth.
    END of the Bloody scoundrel and his ugly family.

    Probably this is why the beggar bugger went to see his island somewhere near Mauritius purchased with embezzled LTTE+Tsunami funds.

    Enjoy until you are grounded for good southern criminals!

  • 1
    0

    BBS acted to distance it from Royal Government saying in its infamous Aluthgama speech that “What kind of a fool will have Hakeem in his cabinet”

    Now, in an interview with Mawbima he has said they will not allow anyone (mainly Ranil or Chandrika) topple the King. After the Wilpathu incident a cabinet minsters said “they(Muslims) have ministers in colombo, instead of dealing it here, why they are dealing it with them(BBS)”. Recently, Brother Prince has had two meetings with Muslims leaders. So, Muslims are not in danger if they follow the path to which they are being guided. But Bathiyudeen recently has threatened the Royal Government with at least two lawsuits. Hakeem has taken few cases to western diplomats. As soon as these rebelling minsters surrender, physical threat to Muslims may go and earlier Halal, hijab, niqab will come back and stay at medium level until 2016 is over(Parliament and Presidential elections). If elections are not conducted to anyone of them or all two, there is a chance Muslims’ problems will subside with Aluthgama. In other words Muslims may not have an acute problem than Tamils. They may even return back to get their special status of 2009.

  • 3
    0

    Over to comedians K A Sumansekera (LEELA) ,Ella Kolla,Jim Softly ,Eusense et all to write their gibberish and earn their ‘bath packet’

  • 2
    8

    The Editor CT,

    Thank you for republishing this Editorial from one of the most Influential Newspapers of the World.

    The Editor has astutely observed

    “Hate-mongering Buddhist extremists in Sri Lanka…..”

    And

    “Most Sri Lankans, including the overwhelming Buddhist majority, want nothing to do with the Bodu Balu Sena”

    Though a Foreigner, the Editor has drawn a Very clear Line, differentiating the BBS extremists and the ordinary Buddhist.

    This would not be to the liking of propagandists of whatever hue, bent on denigrating the Buddhists.

    Kind Regards,
    OTC

  • 5
    0

    We all love Jon Snow-Ch4 the entertainer from word Go!

  • 2
    0

    Kurdishan’s and Rajapakass have one thing in common they always find one way or other to be on the news all the time.

    Both these parties are not ashamed of doing the things they do to get noticed.

  • 0
    0

    Raja Inc. has a better chance of holding on to power with BBS than without but keeping BBS around will also destroy Sri Lanka as a civilized nation. Looking at the Rajapakse’s do you think they would care, specially if they think there is a chance of loosing power and some future government would investigate how they accumulated so much wealth in so little a timeframe.

  • 1
    0

    Rajapukka in this picture looks like he is constipated.

  • 0
    0

    ‘BBS Linked To Governing Rajapaksa Family – New York Times Editorial’

    What an indictment. What a shame that an elected government supports, finaces and nurtures an organisation to kill, maim, and loot the property of a defenceless minority.

    What kind of people are these.

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