A mob, lead by a Buddhist monk has sabotaged a seminar organised by the Samabima newspaper, Sudarshana Gunawardana, Attorney-at-Law and Executive Director of Rights Now told Colombo Telegraph.
Organizer:
“Samabima” (http://www.samabima.com/) is a monthly newspaper in Sinhalese, focusing on issues related to democracy and human rights, with a particular focus on minority rights. It is published by Rights Now Collective for Democracy, a NGO based in Colombo, Sri Lanka (http://www.rightsnow.net/) that also focuses on similar issues. Rights Now also publishes a one page supplement in the weekly Sinhalese paper “Ravaya”. “Samabima” is one of the very few regular publications in Sinhalese language that addresses issues related to power sharing, human rights situation of Tamils and more broadly in Sri Lanka and also international involvements in relation to human rights in Sri Lanka.
Background:
The “Samabima” paper had been organizing a series of public seminars on issues related to democracy and human rights at district level. The 11th such discussion was scheduled for 14th July (Sunday) at the Terel hall in Ampara, in the Eastern province.
The theme was “What will the East lose if given to the North” and the topic was expected to deal with issues related to power sharing, the Northern Provincial Council elections expected to be held in September 2013, and widespread debates whether existing constitutional powers of provincial council will be curtailed before that elections. Ministers, Members of Parliament and leaders of political parties within the ruling coalition had also expressed diverse positions on the possible curtailment of such powers.
Most of the organizing and coordination work was led by Mr. Gnaweera Dissanayake, a “Samabima” reader and well known social activist in Ampara. Mr. Dissanayake is a member of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party and his younger brother, Mr. Wimalaweera Dissanayake is the Minister of Education and Transport in the Eastern Provincial Council.
Amongst the speakers were Mr. Gnaweera Dissanayake, Mr. Sudarshana Gunawardana, Attorney-at-Law and Executive Director of Rights Now Collective for Democracy and Ms. Manori Kalugampitiya, Editor of the “Samabima” newspaper.
The details of the seminar, including the date, time and place and that it was organized by the “Samabima” newspaper, was advertised throughout Ampara through posters and also through the weekend national newspaper “Ravaya”.
Details of the incident:
On 11th July, the owner of Terel hall (venue of the seminar) had informed Mr. Gnaweera Dissanayake that he place will not be made available, as the Police as had inquired about the program and he feared renting out the hall for this program may adversely affect his business interests, even though he had no personal opposition to renting out the hall. Mr. Dissanayake had pointed out that there was no need to get Police permission to rent out a hall for a public seminar and had called the Ampara Police to explain about the seminar.
The first speaker at the seminar was Mr. Gnaweera Dissanayake. But as he was getting ready to speak, a Buddhist Monk, Ven. Satheendriya, spoke up and said that the seminar will not be allowed to proceed. When the public notices and even the publications at the venue clearly indicated “Samabima” was the organizer, the Buddhist Monk claimed that the seminar was being organized by the organization of Dr. Paikiasothi Saravanamuttu (referring to the Centre for Policy Alternatives, based in Colombo). When the organizers tried to continue the seminar amidst the obstructions, more people were being summoned to the venue by phone calls. The Buddhist Monk and his supporters stated that no discussions on devolution of power will be allowed in Ampara. When some participants, including a woman, insisted that the seminar must proceed, this group spoke in an abusive and intimidating manner.
Complicity of the government:
According to local people, the group that obstructed the seminar are supporters of the Mayor of Ampara, Mr. Indika Nalin Jayawickrama, who is from the government.
Even though intelligence officers of the Police were seen inside the hall and Police officers were outside the hall, they did nothing to control the situation and provide security to the organizers, speakers and participants and ensure the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
On the same day, the pro-government state TV station, Independent Television Network (ITN), gave publicity to this incident in it’s 7pm news broadcast, highlighting that this was a seminar held to promote terrorist agenda of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and that it was organized by pro-LTTE organization, Centre for Policy Alternatives, headed by Dr. Paikiasothi Saravanamuttu.
Complaints made:
Due to clear complicity of the local Police, the organizers did not lodge any complaints with the local Police. However, they are considering legal action.
Media reports and further threats:
Links to the ITN news broadcast accusing the seminar of responding to the agenda of the LTTE and other media reports on websites and report by “Samabima” are available at it’s website, http://www.samabima.com/?p=6916 (in Sinhalese). Amongst the negative comments posed towards organizers is one that says “people such as these that try to divide the country should not be allowed to live”. The original notice (invitation) in Sinhalese about the event is also on the website.
gonbella / July 16, 2013
The saffron robed terror has been unleashed and is continuing on its disruptive path against peace and harmony and is continuing to spread misinformation and the all too well known gullible rank and file ‘Silly Lankans’ will find nothing wrong in such action.
pssst – hint hint, what the monk and his retinue of thugs are doing is against freedom of speech and expression – a cornerstone of democracy.
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Amarasiri / July 16, 2013
Action Items,
File lawsuits against the disruptive for not allowing for the fundamental rights.
Clog the system.
File civil lawsuits on damages.
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Don Stanley / July 16, 2013
This is exactly what the LTTE used to do when it controlled the northeast.. Progressive voices were silenced and conferences that did not promote ethnic hatred but sought to bridge the gap among communities were closed doen.
This is the Sinhala equivalent of LTTE – with the patronage of Gota the Goon and war war criminal and his military apparatus.
The situation in Pakistan should be warning of how Gota means to consolidate his state within a state – by DIVIDING, DISTRACTING and consolidating the Rajapakse military dictatorship – much like the Pak ISI-military plays the Taliban card to keep US funds coming and military in power. Rajapakse fully intends to destroy Sri Lanka’s multicultural social fabric to stay in power and civil society must PREVENT this at all costs. Civil Society MUST ask international civil society to BOYCOTT the CHOGM people’s forum and abort CHOGM in Lanka..
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Tsunami Hora / July 16, 2013
This is exactly why we compare MaRa to Praba. That was LTTE terror and this is state sponsored terror. This dick-tator must go soon, the faster the better. This ugly family is ruining the country and its history.
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whywhy / July 16, 2013
Will the family rule-culture then come to
an end?”I am so and so’s so and so” is the
most acceptable winning mantra, to our 92%
literate and very proud SAKALA SIRIN PIRI
voters.When this country is one step
forward,it takes many steps backward simply
as a result of that one forward step.Signs
had been present all along that ours is a
country of fully qualified HYPOCRITES.
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Fair N Square / July 16, 2013
the more one oppress the impact of a “IN your face” scenario is gonna happen.. When u suppress, the seam bursts… sooner than later, we may have Tamils and Muslims unite and de-robe these bhikkus IF the govt will not act… Wonder, where these robed goons were when the LTTE terror was at it’s peak. the LTTE itself came about cause of supression.. we Sri-Lankans cant afford another uprising, whether it is Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim…. or all three combined…
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Jayantha / July 18, 2013
Get an International Travel Ban on all these monks affiliated Terror organizations such as BBS, Rawana, Rawaya members etc.
Also inform the UN,EU,CW, SARC, and Non Alignment movement on these thugs behavoiur, and get a consent to press Rajapakse Regime to stop helping these Thugs.
Stop them now and avoid future catastrophe. Also should sue the ITN for misleading public and false News.
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Sanjay Karuna / July 18, 2013
These ‘Men in Saffron Robes’ should have read the Dhammapada and understood the Buddha’s Message especially verses 9 and 10:-
9. “Those who put on the Saffron Robe without purifying the Mind, who lack truthfulness and Self Control, are not fit to wear the Saffron Robe”
10. “But Those who have purified their Minds, Who are endowed with Truth and Self Control, are truly fit to wear the Saffron Robe”!
6. For Hatred can never put an end to Hatred; Love alone can.
This is an unalterable Law
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Rama / July 16, 2013
organisers made a huge blunder . there should have been an invitation to prostitutes to cater for the sexual needs of sinhala buddhist bikkus. besides an invitation should have been extended to 10 year old boys and girls.
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / July 16, 2013
there should have been an invitation to prostitutes
They did send an invitation out to you Rama – it must have been lost in the post, or maybe you were too busy with the rich pickings in Croydon alleyways and public toilets. You missed out on a good business opportunity :-)
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Rama / July 18, 2013
did the sinhala buddhist bikku stick one up yours and that may be the cause for your agony.
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mahela / July 20, 2013
They have stuck many all over the world. Read the following web.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/18/world/thailand-corrupt-jet-set-monk/index.html?hpt=hp_mid
They just work for nothing, but to get their ones stuck by the big one.
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Burt / July 16, 2013
This would continue as long as the justice system is controlled by politicians and the same people that support these racist monks. To make things worse we got judges on the bench that have no backbone and who consider that holding on to their positions are grater than the law.
Blame also should go to the Mahanayake’s and silent Buddhists because their silence is destroying the good name and goodwill of Buddhism.
Charge these “B” and throw the book at them if there is to be peace in Sri Lanka.
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Sanjay Karuna / July 16, 2013
Burt, It is an insult to the Buddha, to call these people ‘Buddhist Monks’. Buddhism in Sri Lanka died out a long time ago. What is being practised as Buddhism now is a corrupt form of Hinduism, with all the Hindu rituals of Chanting and tying of Sacred Threads etc. etc. It is a very few true Monks who practise what the Buddha Taught, and they are not considered as such, by the Lay followers, who are used to thinking they accumulate ‘Pin’ by offering Dane and erecting Thoranas, complete with loudspeakers and garish lights. People are so concerned with collecting ‘Pin’ like money in a Bank Account, that the practice of The Buddha’s wonderful Dhamma is almost forgotten.
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mike / July 16, 2013
The saffron robed thugs. rapists, racists of the Balu Bala Sena Group of Companies along with their leader should be hung by the scruff of their necks until pronounced dead. This has gone too far!
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Amarasiri / July 16, 2013
Human Rights?
What did the Enlightened Buddha say about Human Rights?
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm
1. To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’. It is a philosophy because philosophy ‘means love of wisdom’ and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
2. Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
3. There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.
EXCEPT IN SRI LANKA where the Buddhist monks are running Amok,and have become the tools of the politicians, in maintaining the Monk-Ruler Axis.
No Wonder, the Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka is Mara -ism.
See below.
Want to know what Buddhism is claimed to be and the Real Buddhism is?
Real Buddhism aka Mara-ism.
Introduction to Buddhism. A violent Religion? Monk Hegemony?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNOfTGSADdY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcs2PSze0
Claimed Buddhism
http://www.vipassanadhura.com/buddhism.htm
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me / July 16, 2013
what amarasiri shows symptoms of xenophobia!
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Amarasiri / July 16, 2013
me,
The Xenophobia of Buddhists is exposed in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, which was NOT in Buddhism.
The Xenophobia was shown by the Sinhala Buddhist Monks, and by a fraction of the Sinhala “Buddhists” who listen to the Sinhala “Buddhist” Xenophobia and turned racists.
1. The causes of the separatist war over the past.
2. The Current Sinhala “Buddhist” Xenophobia against all Non_Buddhists, shown by the Buddhist monks, BBS , Ravaya etc. who are protected by the state, and protected by the SILENCE of the MAHANAYAKAS, who want to keep their Mon-Ruler Axis Hegemony.
This is called Buddhist Xenophobia, or Sinhala Buddhist Xenophobia.
The original Xenophobe was the Racist Sinhala Buddhist Monk and his Myths 1,400 years ago introduced to Mahawansa.
Remember, Buddhism is Foreign. Sinhala is also foreign as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophobia
Xenophobia is the irrational or unreasoned fear of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange.[1][2] It comes from the Greek words ξένος (xenos), meaning “stranger,” “foreigner,” and φόβος (phobos), meaning “fear.”[3]
Xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways involving the relations and perceptions of an ingroup towards an outgroup, including a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity.[4] Xenophobia can also be exhibited in the form of an “uncritical exaltation of another culture” in which a culture is ascribed “an unreal, stereotyped and exotic quality”.[5] Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action urges all governments to take immediate measures and to develop strong policies to prevent and combat all forms and manifestations of racism, xenophobia or related intolerance, where necessary by enactment of appropriate legislation including penal measure.[6]
Definitions
Dictionary definitions of xenophobia include: deep-rooted, irrational hatred towards foreigners (Oxford English Dictionary; OED), unreasonable fear or hatred of the unfamiliar (Webster’s).[7]
A xenophobic person has to genuinely think or believe at some level that the target is in fact a foreigner. This arguably separates xenophobia from ordinary prejudice. In various contexts, the terms “xenophobia” and “racism” seem to be used interchangeably, though they can have wholly different meanings (xenophobia can be based on various aspects, racism being based solely on ethnicity, and ancestry). Xenophobia can also be directed simply to anyone outside a culture. Basically, a completely biased opinion regarding foreign matters.[citation needed]
Creating stereotypes is a way of organizing information. The problem comes when you start discriminating based on these stereotype in ways that counter accepted cultural values. Discriminating is the act where stereotyping is the thought process. When discriminating you start attributing good and bad evaluations of people based on that stereotype.
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I am no Muslim / July 17, 2013
Al Amarasiri is a Jihadi in a Sinhala garb.
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Amarasiri / July 17, 2013
I am no Muslim –
Amarasiri is Egalitarian and a disgusted LSSP er. Because LSSP elders sold out to the racists.
Amerasiri is a Myth Buster, dedicated to exposing Myths.
All Myth holders cannot argue their way out by reason, truth and logic.
The Earth still goes around the Sun, despite the Myths of scripture.
\
The Myths are the cause of all evil, because they are not true and not real.
That is where the core Problem Lies, In Myths, unsupported Myths of Religion and Racism. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.
Religion is the Opium of the masses- Karl Marx. He was referring to the Bible , bit applies to others as well.
The biggest threat and challenges to myths is reason, facts and logic.
Do you believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament , The Hindu and Buddhist Scriptures and Quran literally? Do you take the good parts and discard the bad parts. After all, that is what we do when we eat food.
Do you believe in Mahawansa and other Texts literally? Do you believe in the Monk Mahanama Myths 1,400 years ago? Science and reason is making a mockery of these Myths., and the Monks are running Amok.
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Amarasiri / July 17, 2013
I am no Muslim –
Amarasiri is Egalitarian and a disgusted LSSP er. because in the past the LSSP elders sold out to the racists.
Amerasiri is a Myth Buster, dedicated to exposing Myths.
All Myth holders cannot argue their way out by reason, truth and logic.
The Earth still goes around the Sun, despite the Myths of scripture. There is NO proof for the other Myths of Nirvana, Nibbana, Rebirth, Sansara, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and Limbo, all mental states, used by Monks, Priests and Mullahs to perpetuate their hegemony over the people.
The Myths are the cause of all evil, because they are not true and not real.
That is where the core Problem Lies, In Myths, unsupported Myths of Religion and Racism. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. It Ai Lanka, it is primarily Buddhist Monk Mahanama Myths and Maraism.
Religion is the Opium of the masses- Karl Marx. He was referring to the Bible , bit applies to others as well.
The biggest threat and challenges to myths is reason, facts and logic.
Do you believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament , The Hindu and Buddhist Scriptures and Quran literally? Do you take the good parts and discard the bad parts. After all, that is what we do when we eat food.
Do you believe in Mahawansa and other Texts literally? Myths as well? Do you believe in the Monk Mahanama Myths 1,400 years ago? Science and reason is making a mockery of these Myths., and the Monks are running Amok.
Enlighten yourself with facts, reason and logic, not Myths! Do not be a Blind Follower. In Sinhala it is called, “Andanu Karanaya”, Blind Doing or Following. Do not accept just because it comes from a Saffron clad guy.
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sooriya / July 16, 2013
Well done reverend sir, Protect my motherland from dollar greedy traitors..
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patriot / July 17, 2013
We remember, the UK police didn’t provide protection even for a pre-arranged speech by President Rajapakse at the Oxford Union on the basis that threatened violent protests by Tamils would be a hindrance to peace. SO MUCH FOR RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH IN THE UK. On the same basis Sri Lanka police must advice organizers to cancel all pending samabima meetings.
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Anura / July 16, 2013
Stop feeding these saffron thugs.
I know this is not practicle. I lost couple of my old friends, because I have talked against Sinhalese Buddhist practices and these saffron thugs after having couple of drinks :-)
Anura
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AYMAN / July 16, 2013
PLEASE DO NOT REFER TO THESE YOUNG THUGS IN SAFFRON ROBES AS VENERABLE.
HERE IS THE MEANING OF VENERABLE;
“commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity; worthy of veneration or reverence, as because of high office or noble character”
IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO REFER TO THEM AS “VENEREAL”
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patriot / July 17, 2013
What do you want to call bearded Jihadis or Mullahs like the blind Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman who is convicted of conspiracy to blast the twin towers. Look around, you’ll see that such people continues to inspire acts of terror throughout the world.
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PEACELOVER.. / July 19, 2013
halo……mind that these mullas are not ” KAAVI BILLAS ” OF SRI LANKA……..
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Lapatiya / July 16, 2013
“Samabima” organizers has to go to Rajapaksha’s court to file legal action against Rajapaksha backed saffron robed thugs. Finally Judge Rajapksha will ask both parties to settle matter amicably as it is connected with religion.
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MMC / July 16, 2013
This is shame and insult to Democratic freedom of the county. The behaviour of such Buddhist monks are disgrace for Lord Buddha. They think they know politics, culture, security and should be done and not. Who is ruling this country. Either the defence is frighten to these people or it is done under their patronage. The nation of Sri Lanka say, that is done under the support, guidance, security, patronage and blessing of the government and the ministry of defence.
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Helena Waidiyasekerta / July 16, 2013
These saffron robed monks are a disgrace to Buddhism, no wonder peace loving Buddhists are converting by the hundreds as they do not want such saffron goons inside their homes for danas and other Buddhist rituals, what shame these goons are bringing upon the religion and the country calling themselves a Buddhist goon nation, present day children are ashamed by what these saffron goons are doing in the name of Buddhists, where is the karuna, muditha, maithri, ahimsa, upekha, all gone to the dogs of this country.
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Nasar / July 16, 2013
[Edited out]
We are sorry, the comment language is English – CT
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Jim softy / July 16, 2013
These kind of things would not have happened if True buddhists were the Sinhala LEaders. Colombo -elite and even the modern ones former Christians and they did not put enough check and balances to safeguard buddhist – anka. Because of that It became the easy play ground for Christians and muslims.
both those religions build churches every where from foreign money and continue conversions in various forms and Leaders are silent and even the ones ones who are in waiting have the same links.
See how the system is working in the so called Democratic countries of the west. In those countries people can not do anything at will. but, Sri Lanka is not the same. Politicians bend to money and money can do anything.
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Park / July 17, 2013
Which side are you on Jim Softy? Are you changing your colours?
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Peace Lover / July 16, 2013
Look at the monk in the picture who looks more like a street boy in safron robe these monks seem hell bent on doing the opposite of true Buddhist principles!
Over to Leela ( K A Sumansekera),Hela,Asanka and the other jokers to justify it…….. and call it the Buddhist way of life!
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Carpathian Gemba / July 17, 2013
he had come after getting his [Edited out] punctured 100 times that night
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mahela / July 19, 2013
Ninety percent (90%) of these yellow robe monks come from Lower middle class families, who are finding difficult to raise them.
Most of them Join at age of seven years (7) on economic reasons. Getting free board and lodging, health care, free travel both local and abroad, free scholarships, and free education are few of the perks.
According to Higher education Minister S.B.Dissanayake Eighty Percent (80%) of these monks leave their robes once they graduate from a university.
The ones who are left overs are the BBS,Rawaya and Rawana Balaya now acquiring mega land, building 300 million rupee buildings, free Buffet and liquor and driving BMW SUV’s.
What else one could expect from being a monk.
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Fair N Square / July 16, 2013
Shame, not one in the audience had the guts to pull the saffron robed goon by his robe and uncoil it, so he had to run out in his underwear… never to return….
YOU CUT A DIAMOND WITH A DIAMOND…
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Pedidurage / July 16, 2013
Mr Amarasiri please read about what happened in NALANDA University and Makularamaya.
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Lanka Muslim, UK / July 16, 2013
What a slur on the good teachings of the Buddha that those, the Monks, who are expected to propagage the teachings are now incresingly being called ‘Thugs’, ‘Perpetrators of Violence’, ‘Criminals’ and so on?
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Benadict / July 17, 2013
Most of the Buddhists are start to reading Islamic books , because the Monks are telling lot of lies about Islam . this is the way Islam spreding all over the world.
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Kalu Malli / July 17, 2013
Serves these fake baldies right !!!
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Horagediya_CH / July 17, 2013
Particular segment is born to sabotage any kind of activities. This almost everyone sane is grasping. Sad reality no ?
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Abdullah / July 17, 2013
First they massacred the youth unrest than the Tamils now the Muslims later will be up country Sinhalese ultimately there won’t be any srilankans left in this country, our neighbours will cross over will gladly take over the country ….They have a greater a plan while our leaders busy setting up one community against another….our people are proving that Srilankans cannot manage their own affairs need an occupying force(Portugese,Dutch,British…..now India)
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Chinaman / July 17, 2013
what is wrong with china? we have leased sri lanka to china. haven’t we?
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Fair N Square / July 18, 2013
CHINA? CHINA = Come Honey I Need Action… in a lighter vein….
(^-^)
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Abdullah / July 19, 2013
I think China will bargain with India against border concession and settlement and will ultimately hand over the reins to India,It is matter of time they get kachachativu and access control north n east bases.Already they have commercial nterest in Trinco
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mahela / July 19, 2013
Did anybody see today’s world news. Read the following web.
edition.cnn.com/2013/07/18/world/thailand-corrupt-jet-set-monk/index.html?hpt=hp_mid
lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=13768
It’s time to take these BBS, Rawaya and Rawana Balakaya to international criminal court and get them banned as a Terrorist organization with arrest warrents. Also get them ban from travelling abroad.
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Nuwan C P Mahatelge / July 22, 2013
This is soo pity. I know some of the people in this vedio in person. I started my human rights work in the age of 16 with the help of my uncle. In Most of the meetings I have met them. This people have sacrificed lists of this for the development of human rights knowledge within the grass root level. Labelling them as terrorists is a sin. More over I have doughts about this monk as well. Is he a goverment agent covered as a religious leader. This is not the Buddhist way to deal with things. Now the government use informal groups to get their dirty works done. But the shameful thing is the religious groups are been used as a prostitute. When connection dose the religion and the government has??? As far as my concern NONE. Religion is based on spiritual aspects. There for when religion try to build a relationship between then and politics its like prostitution.
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Arshad / July 27, 2013
Another mad dog (in robe) in action ……
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