19 March, 2024

Blog

Breaking News:Chief Sanghanayaka Thera Of Great Britain Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison For Child Abuse

By Colombo Telegraph

Chief Sanghanayaka Thera of Great Britain and chief incumbent of the Thames Buddhist Vihara, Parivenadhipathi of the Vidyaravinda Pirivena, Pahalagama, Gampaha and Chief Lekakhadhikari of the Sri Kalyani Samagi Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha has been convicted of four counts of indecent assault on a underage, sentenced to 7 years in prison a judge ruled today. He is also banned for working with children for life and his name is added to sex offenders register for life, a court spokesman told Colombo Telegraph.

The former “Venerable” Pahalegama Somaratana, The monk with Mahinda Rajapaksa and The Thames Buddhist Vihara

Monk Pahalagama Somaratana, 65, of Dulverton Road, Croydon was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court on 1,  May, of four counts of indecent assault on a female under 16 between January 01, 1977 and December 31,1978 at an address in Chiswick.

He was found not guilty of the rape of a female under 16 between January 1,1977 and December 31,1978 at an address in Chiswick and not guilty of indecent assault on a female under 14 between January 01,1985 and December 31, 1986 at an address in Croydon.

In May 2010 Child Abuse Investigation Command officers began an investigation into historical allegations of indecent assault and rape. On Tuesday, 14 September 2010 a (then) 64-year-old monk was arrested on suspicion of an historical indecent assault and rape. He was questioned at Heathrow police station and later bailed pending further enquiries

He was charged on 12 September 2011 and further charged on 11 November 2011.

On Friday, 23 September Pahalagama Somaratana,  chief incumbent of Thames Buddhist Vihara, of Dulverton Road, Croydon appeared on bail at Feltham Magistrates’ Court charged with rape of female under 16 between January 1, 1977 and December 31, 1978 at an address in Chiswick and indecent assault on a female under 16 between January 1, 1977 and December 31, 1978 at an address in Chiswick.

Pahalagama Somaratana , has been charged with another eight counts of sexual abuse on Friday, 11 November, the London Metropolitan police told Colombo Telegraph. According to the metropolitan police these eight indecent assaults on a female under 14 took place between January 01,1985 and December 31,1986 at an address in Croydon.The 65-year-old Pahalagama Somaratana thero appeared on bail at Feltham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 December and was bailed to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on December 20, 2011.

To read Pahalagama Sri Somaratana and religious child abuse  Stories click here

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 0
    0

    For goodness sake! This man has been abusing girls for so many years and all he gets is just 7 years? Come off it!. He should rot in hell for the rest of his life.

    • 0
      0

      A-Gowrie

      Do you think he deserved the same things that happened to your beloved LTTE terrorist leader VP?

  • 0
    0

    People; way back in 1969 when I was a student in London;a group of my fellow students (all Sinhala Bhuddists) took me to the Vihara in London City. All being very Young it was just an outing and had nothing to do with any religious worship.
    While in the Temple I noticed that there were a very large number of school children( all unaccompanied);and being taken around by the Bhuddist Priests. I wondered about this. At the time my impression was that these were children being taught the Bhuddist faith. The images of this are still fresh in my mind and, as the years have progressed and the plague of paedophilia has been revealed, (take note, this particular malady is not something new).! I wonder wether the rot in the UK Temple did start as far back as 1969.
    Most of those who went to the temple that day should remember the outing.

  • 0
    0

    In sri lanka most of the monk are raping innocent girls going to the temple for prayers. This is not a news. In Australia they are caught
    for shop lifting and child abuse.

    • 0
      0

      HEy Param

      Really………!!!!!. Those sorts of incidents you outlined above, are common practice in western world by s-ocalled SL tamil refugees (I called them LTTE terrorist supporters) those who go through back doors to get PR. Unlike you, some of the decent neutral tamils are reluctant to say they are tamils from SL as most westerns think all Sl tamils are LTTE terrorists.

  • 0
    0

    FYI
    Overwhelming evidence showed that a Roman Catholic Church official had shielded predatory priests, lied to parishioners and victims, and exposed innocent children to abuse.

    READ MORE
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/usa-child-abuse-case-a-roman-catholic-church-official-had-shielded-predatory-priests/

    • 0
      0

      Yes, here we go again, moral equivalence. The Buddhist monk did something bad, but the Catholics are really bad, right?
      Let’s not rent our robes and beat our chest and examine ourselves and clean our own house.
      Let’s point fingers and say the Catholics are worse than us. Pathetic!! Let keep throwing stones out of a glass house.

  • 0
    0

    This is all mahindas’ friend. British govt must hang this priest and chop his balls.

    • 0
      0

      Paramasivam

      Nice suggestion. What ypu suggested was happened to your own national terrorist leader VP from SL forces. Because he deserved it by killing so many buddihst monks in last 30 years.

    • 0
      0

      You are a such [Edited out] to expose how good you are ,and it seems to be on an aggression rather than argument .

  • 0
    0

    Please put this response unedited as an article in your newspaper or as a response !

    Response / ariticle !

    In My View Venerable Somaratana is Innocent !

    My wife and I knew Ven. Somaratana and all the other Buddhist monks at London Buddhist Vihara, Chiswisk very closely from 1977 when I was living in Chiswick so close to the temple. I am so confident Ven.Somaratana would never have done anything with this regard to this accusation. In my view it’s totally fabricated and malicious. At that time we went to the temple often and at times my wife waited at the temple for me to come from work. Giving a polo or sweets is nothing, what all priests did was anything remaining / excess from what they received from dayakas, they gave it to all of us (anyone who wanted). We were in London from 1977 to 1982 and now we live in Australia but I wish I was in London now to truly to come forward and defend Ven Somaratane, the Buddhists and Sri Lanka. The damage this false accusation (in my view and my wife’s view and I am sure shared by many others) has caused to Ven Somaratena, the Buddhists of the world and Sri Lanka as a whole is enormous. What I cannot understand is (1) Why was this allegation ever brought towards Ven. Somaratana (2) How come a lady (at that time 9 years old girl) bring this allegation after 35 years and (3) How come a jury found evidence beyond reasonable doubt of Ven.Somaratnas guit in Indecent Assault? (4) How can anyone ever imagine that a rape or indecent assault could have ever taken place at London Buddhist Vihara, Chiswick (at that time a very small building).
    If Ven.Somaratana would ever have even attempted to do anything like this he would have definitely be banished from the temple at that time. He was only a podi hamuduruwo at that time. Ven. Saddhatissa, Ven. Piyatisasa, Ven. Khemananda, etc., had so much power and influence. Further more if I ever got even a hint of this at that time I would never have even attempted to defend Ven. Somaratana. Why I am defending him is because I am so sure that he never even hinted of any such behaviour at that time (We were physically there and went to the temple at least twice a week. What he wanted at that stage was to get to know many people, develop positive realationships and learn English. All of which he has done so well for over 35 years. Yes ! he use to smile with us and joke and he treated us extremely well. He was an outgoing monk who had a lot of potential. Also originally being from Gampaha I know for sure that he did tremendously well for his Pahalagama temple. Our parents have been dayakas of Pahalagama temple for so many years. Now I am in Australia and I am sorry that I am not in London to be of assistance to Ven Somaratana at this time of need.
    Further more if anyone knows the then London Buddhist Vighara which had only 3 small rooms upstairs and one toilet kitchen and a shrine room cum hall down stairs no one could ever imagine that anyone could ever attempt to abuse a child or rape. It’s totally indecent for the lady (then a child) to have fabricated / or thought of how she (at age 9) has been at this small building all alone on Sunday. Obviously (if she ever went to the temple) she would have come to the temple with her father or mother or an adult Uncle or Aunty. Then where were these people when the said incidents happened? In London no child ever goes to Sunday school on her own. Also if it happened after Sunday school where were the other 20 or so children and their parents! Also Sundays were very busy days at the temple and in that temple on Sundays there was no privacy at all for anyone. What nonsense is to say that even an attempt of rape or child abuse could have ever happened in the Shrine room above all places.

    [EDITED OUT]

    However, I only hope the truth will come out sooner than later.
    It’s so wrong of all this malicious allegations to have come towards Ven. Pahalagama Somaratane and now even a mention of who this lady is?

    [EDITED OUT]

    I would also kindly request all who write responses to be more thoughtful and avoid writing specially about things they hardly know about. If anyone can write “I was there in 1977 or 1978 and try to substantiate his / her point of view” I would like to hear your views with an open mind.
    About the conviction (which is definitely not rape) but only child abuse (I cannot believe that it ever happened !). How come the jury think that the lady was not truthful about rape but she was truthful about making her sit on the hamuduruwos lap, etc. When one can say one lie telling so many other lies is simple. That’s why as a positive thinker I believe one should not lie even once. Where is the evidence that it ever happened? Has anyone given evidence that they ever saw the hamuduruwo being ever involved in this type of an offence? How can a jury find this hamuiduruwo guilty purely on the word of one lady (then a child aged 9). In my view the jury could have easily been swayed by the lady’s breaking down (which is said to have happened in court). But the jury in my view should have found Ven.Somaratana innocent ! From what I know of law an accused is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond reasonable doubt:
    “ The presumption of innocence, sometimes referred to by the Latin expression Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat, is the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. Application of this principle is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial, recognised in many nations. The burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which has to collect and present enough compelling evidence to convince the trier of fact, who is restrained and ordered by law to consider only actual evidence and testimony that is legally admissible, and in most cases lawfully obtained, that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If reasonable doubt remains, the accused is to be acquitted”. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presumption_of_innocence)
    In this case where is the evidence ? Has anyone given any evidence apart from the lady (then a child aged 9?). What is the credibility of this lady? Where is legally admissible evidence which can find the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt?
    I respect anybody’s views provided they are backed up with substantial evidence !
    I sincerely hope and wish for the sake of Ven. Pahalabama Somaratna, Buddhism as a whole and Sri Lanka as nation the real truth will come out soon.
    Yours Truly,

    Kushan Dharmawardena

    • 0
      0

      Dear Kushan,

      What nonsense are you talking?Are you not aware that over 25 people gave evidence over video link from Sri Lanka and if you were that much concerned about this convicted peado you could have arranged it too.I too have been here for 4 decades!I have heard with my own ears how he is with some women and girls.
      Listen to this incident;
      A young Sinhalese mother brought her new born baby to the temple.Soma has commented the baby is very dark and when the mother replied “yes I will be happy if he was a bit fairer but what to do at least the baby is healthy.
      Soma replied “Anith para mehata enda sudu lamyek onenan”(come to me if you want a fair child)
      And you and your wife still think he is innocent.There are a few more families who do not want to expose their skeletons in the cupboard relating to Soma,and that is one hundred percent the truth.

      • 0
        0

        I get your point. But, my take on this is, How can these buddhist mnnks sermonize to others in public about marriage issues, children issues, sorting out husband wife related issues, without either setting an example by leading a married life themselves, or through personal experience combined with religious training. Lord Buddha got married at age sixteen to Yasodhara who bore a son by name Rahula, at age 29 suddenly abandoned home to devote himself to spiritual pursuits and Yogic practices. How do our Buddhist monks reconcile this issue, on how should we follow his teachings and actions. I still have not found the answer. In my opinion, they (our clergy) are imcompetent and not morally fit to talk on such matters, and these are some of the major social problems we have today. Habitually drinking husband, wife beating, child neglect causing poor grades, drug menace, lack of basic etiquettes, etc. Guide me.

      • 0
        0

        Lakshmi,”mehata enda” is not exactly “come to me”.It can also be translated as “come here FOR BLESSING”.Don’t you think?Well this
        doesn’t free him from the image he has built up over the yrs among people.

        • 0
          0

          dear WHYWHY,

          The woman was extremely embarrassed by the comment and there are so many other incidents similar to this,he has a roaming eye and in many instances have commented about female figures.
          He has even touched a woman’s gold necklace to admire it and coincidently brushed her bosom with his hands!!
          He has special bondage with a few women who get overly excited!
          Funny thing is all these women are married and have daughters too! and love to boast that Soma has a special relationship with them!
          One has been visited at home by him the other gets telephone calls when he goes to Sri Lanka.The sad thing is the whole committee behaves like they have special powers !!high time all these disgusting individuals leave it and we don’t need bumsuckers like what we have now.

    • 0
      0

      MR KUSHAN
      MAY BE YOUR WIFE DID NOT TELL U THE WHOLE STORY ABOUT THE POLO SWEETS THAT SHE RECEIVED WHILE YIU WERE AT WORK. DONT TAKE SIDES OF THE PEDO MAY BE YOU ARE ONE TOO.
      GET A LIFE

    • 0
      0

      they are now collecting funds for an APPEAL FUND (NEARLY 65000)
      MAY BE YOU AND YOUR WIFE WHO ENJOYED THE POLOS AND any other sweets from the PEDO this is a chance to show your loyalty!!

  • 0
    0

    Sri Lankans, firstly can you please learn to write correct grammatical English..If you cant write or spell English correctly, please dont expose yourself on this a public forum – its a disgrace & self embarrasment to do so.The poor standard of English you read above is the legacy & fallout from the “Sinhala only” policy of that Goon, Mr SWRD.

    Secondly, in the UK, a Criminal Offence has no statutory limitations in respect of time. Thats the Law.
    The charges against these human beings with animal instincts (in Religious Guises) was brought about by two intelligent and extremely courageous females who have been robbed of their innocence, degraded and mentally scared for life.
    I have read all the questions asked on this forum pundits ie Why did it take so long, why did the parents do nothing about it etc etc etc..Let me tell all you idiots (who think they know it all) that all your questions have been asked and answered in the Court by the learned Defence Attorney who was, by the way, ably assisted by Sinhalese Buddhist Lawyers. To those ignorant bafoons (Pundits & Doctors in SL, Aussie & abroad) who are seeking to protect convicts, I sincererly hope that this does not happen to someone close to you…

    This Priest has let the rest of the Sanga down “It was not me but could have been another priest & its a case of mistaken identity” -Yet again, Isnt this a self admission by the priest that there are other phedophiles and sex offenders in the same Temple.

    Next, Why did the Defence Counsel NOT cross examine any of the Prosecution Witness ???.. Can anyone guess why that was..??? Let me tell you. Any questioning by the Defense Counsel of Witnesses would have given the Jury greater insight to what happened & provided greater credibility to the Prosecution. So he rather not take that gamble.

    PS: In December the Priest still ate Polo… So ??

    • 0
      0

      Dear friend.

      If poor english writers prevent from making comments,it might be harm for others too by unpresenting balanced views. Not familirising of lusid english was neighter of our problem no effect of SINHALA ONLY POLICY. It mainly due to preventing from studying in english language. You may know there are more than 124 languages in India but their higher education language is ENGLISH. That’s why more or less all indians are fluent with english and ther are english writers too.

      What my humble sujession is please be pation to read and undastand our non lusid english.

      samarasekara

      • 0
        0

        Try and learn some spellings -don’t try to run before you can walk.lucid and not lusid you ignorant ,,,,,

      • 0
        0

        Samarasekera…Sadly, I have difficulty understanding your opinion as its not very clear. You have now accepted that your generation was prevented from studying English -English was removed from the main stream education system by SWRD as he wanted uneducated masses – educated masses will be danger to his political career. The last two generations are now paying for English Private Tution while we studied English in School.. SWRD introducted the “Sinhala ONLY” paranoia which caused SL to migrate and take their expertise & knowledge (Its called” BRAIN DRAIN”)to other countries. Pl ask your Parents & Grand Parents this bit of 1950’s SL political History. SWRD was also the Goon who introduced the Bhikkus to political meetings to harness the “Gamayas” vote. Bhikkuks should be preaching the Dharma & “Lord Buddhas” way of life instead opf collecting wealth.Let me educate you as well – SL standard of education in 1950’s – 1970’s was well above the Indian Standard. Medical Students who failed the SL Medical College Entrance Exam in Colombo went to Madras Medical College as the standards were lower. Doc who passed out in Madras were considered to be of lower standard.The SL Rupee was then 1Indian Rupee= 0.75 Cents – Our Currency was stronger… So I hope u can get your elders to give you a brief history

      • 0
        0

        Mr Samarasekara, ignore those arrogant and conceited “masters of english”. You are doing your best to communicate and get your point across in someone else’s mother tongue. Hats off for you, well done and no need to apologise to the humbugs.

    • 0
      0

      To Dickson joseph .
      What do you have with Mr . sWRD ,is it because of he made the singhala language as national language ? Or do you think he would have made English as national language ?
      I have no issue with these monks as I am an Athiest and always believed that these religions should have renounced by people . We do need the laws to rule world not religion ,obviously the religion is a business and a racket .

    • 0
      0

      To. Dickson Joseph

      You may need to know one more thing , when I read your comment that i felt that you have tried to be a English teacher too, is that right ? Are you British or come from English speaking country ? Or an asylum seeker of an English country ?
      [Edited out]

  • 0
    0

    Very Good Punishment. I am myself is a Buddhist.

  • 0
    0

    Moota dekata nawala arinnai thiyenne.

  • 0
    0

    This man’s great friend “Mahinda”, The [Edited out]of Sri Lanka raped a girl in Madamulan and when she was pregnent he threw her alive with the baby inside the stomack into a lime kiln. She turned into ashes instantly.

    • 0
      0

      Dilshan

      Have you seen that in your own eyes? Do not spread Garbage Mr. Rubbish

      • 0
        0

        Gongwassa,you got no idea how Anura machang and Mahinda machang gave teaching jobs to girls in seventies under our “handen rice”!
        Why do we call one of them “gona”?

        • 0
          0

          Hey Whywhy

          Man -Do not express yourself like a wee-wee.

          Firstly it looks alike it happened to your mum in 70s and you are the result of that action. DO not blame your own dads. It is very sinful.

          Secondly I doubt both machangs do not have real taste on [Edited out] like your mum.

      • 0
        0

        Gonwassa,my mum is coming from your mums.Sounds amazing?

        • 0
          0

          Mr. Wee-Wee

          My mum does not have daughters. But we had a female toilet cleaner. You get it?

      • 0
        0

        Gonwassa,it just struck me why you look subramani,the exact copy
        of that toilet cleaner’s man!Oh no no shit!

        • 0
          0

          Wee-Wee

          It appears that who looked at my backside [Edited out] My backside is almost like Subramani (your own brother)man.

        • 0
          0

          It’s worth man, you took some time to find the genes of subramani in your back which is your face though stinking!Well done.Thanks for the confirmation.

  • 0
    0

    Thanks God to send this Casanova to the correct place

  • 0
    0

    What has our Chief’s in Malwatte and Asgiriya has to say about this Matter, They always have comments for unwanted things, why don’t they have the power to Disrobe this man and protect the sasanaya, with out prasing Dirty Politico’s for few Luxury benifits that Lord Buddha never approved.

    • 0
      0

      Dear friebd,

      Chief’s in Malwatte and Asgiriya has no relation with this Matter,
      It is the responcibility to SRI KALYANEE SAMAGRI DHARMA MAHA SANGHA SABHAWA. THEY SHOULD ACT ACCORDINGLY. If my memory is correct it is in KOTTE CHAPTER.

      The chief incumbance of Malwatte chapter venarauble nayake thero recently suspended the nayaka posts in MIHINTHALE RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA’S monk who alliged on sexsual charge and appointed another monk to look after the temple .The court proceeding is still progressing.

      As a buddhist I know how diffecult that monks are face to solving their day to day matters. But it is not an excuce to having sex alligation.

      samarasekara

  • 0
    0

    THE HEAD VENOURABLE BUDDHIST MONK OF SRI KALYANEE SAMAGRI DHARMA MAHA SANGHA SABHAWA SHOULD ACT AGAINST THIS MONK.

    It is no doubt the venarouble thero, Pahalagama Somaratana was subject in question about his monk career. According to the blorg the venaroubal thero is holding the post of LEKAKADIRI in SRI KALYANEE SAMAGRI DHARMA MAHA SANGHA SABHAWA. It is a serious thing.

    According to Vinaya(what lord buddha told) there are 4 incedences what a monk automatically lost his state of monk.

    Capital offences Parajika

    There are four parajikas or rules of defeat. Any monk or nun who breaks any one of the rules is automatically “defeated”. He/she falls from monkhood/nunhood even if he or she wears the yellow robe. Also he/she is not allowed to enter the Sangha in this life-time. The first parajika forbids sexual intercourse. Therefore in Buddhism, a monk could never have a wife. The second rule forbids stealing any object of value over Rs. 1500. The third rule forbids killing a human being. The fourth forbids making false claims to supernatural psychotic attainments i.e. jhana or even Arahantship. Wilful intention is necessary for these acts to constitute an offence.

    I think normal people other than chief venourable head of SRI KALYANEE SAMAGRI DHARMA MAHA SANGHA SABHAWA should be hurrry to inquire this mattes as soon as possible and should be take concequence act accordingly.

    samarasekara

  • 0
    0

    I born to buddhist family, and practicing the Buddhism. I do not know much about buddhism, but eager to learn it. However, this monk was convicted of criminal activity by the court of rule. The court decide the verdict according to the evidence suggested by the prosecution who convinced the judge. This does not mean that he committed or not committed the crime. It is totally depending on how the prosecution present the case on the court. If this monk does not have a competent lawyer, then his case would not accepted as successful case. There are so many criminals in this world, and they get away with their crimes. These buddhist monks also need to be adopted to British culture too. They are eager to take all the essence of Buddhist Philosophy, and kick them out when they do not need them. They do not warn the unusual behaviour of monks, and they want to see them in jail. Values of Buddhism are not cared by the present society in Europe and North America.

    • 0
      0

      Palitha,you are not alone, nobody in Srilanka knows buddhism.Not only it is not a religion,but also it is not a way of life.Running away from
      life leaving loved ones behind,can not be a way of life.

      • 0
        0

        Mr. Wee-Wee

        You sound like you know Buddhism well.

        By the way what do you know about Buddhism? It is a bit harder than funding a terrorist organisation like LTTE man.

        • 0
          0

          Gonwassa,I know that there’s no such thing as BUDDHISM founded by
          LORD BUDDHA.He didn’t want temples!No flowers!No worship!No Vesak
          No Stupa!Why do you want to worship in his name which he never asked for?

        • 0
          0

          Gonwassa,it’s a bit easier than buiding up hatred Gonmachang!

  • 0
    0

    While there are few very good monks in Sri Lanka, the majority of Buddhist monks corrupt. First of all the Buddhist has to realize that Buddhism is not a religion but a way of life.

    Even lord Buddha escaped to the forest without living his people, so what can we expect from the modern day Buddhist monks.

    I know most of the Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka are in to sexuality or politics. They cheat the poor citizen’s with their dress and preaching philosophy

    God save Sri Lanka and Sri Lanans.

    • 0
      0

      To ranasingha

      Where is the god , as far as I concern that there are no gods in this planet , can you say in christianity ?do you know how many fathers and priests in England involved in child molesting and sex ,which revealed and punished for them . I am an Athiest ,my family is inherited to Buddhist , but I hate religions . If you want to find out in Europe 60% people do not believe religion , it is only where bloody ignorance are living ,like south Asia . These people are living 200 years behind to Europeans that’s why we need scientifically knoledge to understand those ,not bloody religions in the world . Can you tell me which religion is the best , you can’t .

      • 0
        0

        I’ll tell you, but first tell me what factors would you use to define ‘best religion’? Will it depend on originality, religious practices, religious outlook, beliefs, genuineness or any other influence not spelt out? Science alone is insufficient to control your destiny (where are you heading in your journey through life on earth), or to understand where you came from, (I mean spiritually, not physically), why are we here in the first place? Is it by design or accident? Raising many questions, which require detail answers to satisfy the curious mind. We might as well have been born an animal, with only 5 senses, instead, we were born human, and endowed with a sixth sense. Smell, taste, hearing, seeing and touch being the basic five senses, and sixth being intelligence to judge right from wrong, recognize true and false and decide and behave accordingly. If this was taken away, we would all be zombies, or more like animals. To take it a step further, science cannot prove a multitude of things which religion can, through a process called divine intervention. Science is man-made laws, whilst religion is God-created Laws. Religion does not need science to prove a thing, but science needs religion to confirm certain facts, such as theory of evolution. Darwin’s theory of evolution will always remain a theory, and can never be proved to be factual, due to missing links. But there are many scientists who are proponents of this theory. But religion says man was made from clay (soil of the earth), to which he shall be returned someday. He shall procreate and fill the earth with people of all hues, features, colors, languages, having multitude of cultures. Why? So that they may recognize each other through these differences. Fact, not fiction nor theory. We see a Chinese, recognize him instantly by features, we see an Arab, recognize him through language, features may be like us, etc., etc. Religion is beautiful, but you need to have strength in conviction to benefit by it. Useless talking for sake of talking, arguing for sake of arguing, but arguing (more likely questioning) for sake of understanding is healthy for mind to digest.

        • 0
          0

          To Ilthizam .

          I know what you try to tell me . You try to tell me what religion has taught you ,the creation by god . I’m not wonder or upset with your comment , but I will tell you one small thing to keep in mind boss . Darwin’ s theory of evolution by natural selection is a very good answer and there are many more to study yet to prove it .but scientists will prove all in near future, do not forget that all these discovered by scientists only last 2 , 3 , centuries , especially Internet came only last 40 year . So we are in this world approximately few million years and universe about 13 billion years , therefore , can’t you just imagine what we will not find in another 500 years time if human being alive . ( without fighting on myths ) . You have said that god has created people in different feature to recognise them easy. , as Chinese ,Africans . It is a ludicrous theory . We all know now all humans evolved from Africa and they moved from their and why we different each other is because they grow up in different weather conditions in many years . Why Europeans are white ? Why Africans are black .i tell you if you have a fair skin please go and work in a warm or hot place for few years , you will be very dark guarantee . Nevertheless , I watched a documentary when I was in England about the different features of humans ,which also said that they are working hard to find out why & how we are different from the features ,especially Chinese , but we will get there soon . It will take time boss .why there are no animals in europe similar to Africa or Sri Lanka or India ? Why tea is not grow in Europe ? Why our planet splted from its original status to what we are now to develope to 75% oceans and 25% land even this 25% is decrease slowly . Is it doing by god ? If you say yes? Which you make me a big laugh ? .

        • 0
          0

          To. Iithizam .

          I missed a bit because I’m writing to you amid my work . I’m not upset about your description over the different between human and animals , yes , these all are we know more than we need ,but my query is ,how far the religion can travel to resolve the burning problems of us ? As far as we know the main religions are not more than 2500 years old , but our civilisation is run back to million years . Dinosaurs lived 250 million years ago, how do we know that ? Isnt it true ? We found it after found skeletons of such huge animals , scientists guessed and put a name as dianosaurs , and they say probably they have lived 250 million tears ago according to the carbon dates .so, the things are happening as such .
          But since last 2000 years the humans were segregated to few religions , even before there were lot of faith believers ,but officially people were push into to a chaos by very few people . I believe those people ,Jesus,mohomad , Buddha, and Jews one all who were people who saw things intelligently than others at that period ,not as gods . They put this gods theory to frighten people in order to keep them in their line . This is my strong belief ,and I’m still collecting lots of articals about religion and humans .i tell you boss , you said about life after life, where we are heading to . Ok , do you know ,this life is hell for how many people? We have 7 billion now , out of 7 billion that how many are living as humans ? How many people have minimum facilities as humans ? Arent majority people not humans ?

  • 0
    0

    There are some very good questions asked and also some good answers. However when one discusses an issue of such a srious nature, it is better to be polite and respect each other’s opinion. It will be good to know the facts of how the case was fought by asking for details from the courts in England while not violating confidentiality. In other words we could ask for the generic details and legalities on which the case was fought and learn something.

  • 0
    0

    Not good

  • 0
    0

    It is too late to punish him. Anyhow UK made it! Great Job!
    Will UK take similar action against the UK troops in Afghan and other several asian countries who have been more enthusiastic to do so than this clergy… :P

  • 0
    0

    What a weak argument to suggest poor representation, when all the evidence submitted is considered, before judgment is passed. In Sri Lanka, this monk would have got away, and even the Judge sitting in judgment would have stooped to bow down and worship him. This is how much these Senior monks wield political power. For a moment, did you think that the British system of justice operates like the ‘Kangaroo Courts’ practiced by LTTE? Far from it. Every opportunity is offered for convict to clear his name, and remains to stay innocent, until proven guilty. The evidence against the convict must be overwhelming, or else in could turn out to be travesty of justice. No man will ever admit his folly, specially when he has so much to lose, and a let down to his entire tribe. It is quite understandable to expect close associates and followers self-denial and disturbed emotions, since religion is so close to their hearts. Some people just live and die for it. But they must wake up sooner to face reality, with courage and determination to do something to change repeats or re-occurrences.

  • 0
    0

    All those misguided Buddhists who are blinded by devotion to their faith, and those who are looking for a conspiracy theory in order to bury their heads in the sand, please note one fundamental cornerstones of Buddhist teaching, KARMA and its reaction. Bad karma will follow you just like the cart that follows the bullock. There is no escape, and that is what this monk has been teaching others in all his life in the robe.

    If Lord Buddha has been alive, he would have seen to the past lives of these principals and most likely have declared that they have been playing these respective roles in past lives too. That is from classical Buddhist teachings and beliefs. If the pattern follows, as they tend to be in nature, what appeared to have taken place in this present life is just the repetition of this pattern. So, may I just ask those looking for a set up or a fit up, please reflect upon your own knowledge of Buddhist teaching. Do reconcile with it, and it would help your own souls as well. There is no point of repenting or vascillating, just make sure that you mind what karma that you might be committing on the side out of others perception.

    As to Kushan, I have already responded to your observations before. But for other’s information (as you have repeated your past input here) I have resubmitted my earlier blog, as below:

    Kushan, for your information, be aware that this monk has been given a 7-year prison sentence by the Isleworth Crown Court on the 1st June 2012. Check it out on the internet.

    It is not up to us to give you evidence to change your mind about the monk. That is all irrelevant. The issue was has there been sufficient evidence to convince the British Court. It seems that there has been. The monk too had able lawyers to defend his position, but they failed to change of the natural course of justice.

    As to your general observations about monks, and Chiswick temple in the 70s, those do not hold out the possibility that a sordid activity has taken place there out of sight of unsuspecting devotees. We too go to temples and talk to sweet speaking monks, but we have no idea what is going on behind the doors and what is deep in the minds of sweet talkers. Just think about it. This is a salutory lesson for the Sri Lankan monks and their devotees in the UK, and for that matter everywhere in the world and of every religion.

  • 0
    0

    Hey gongwassa,
    What’s as simple as A B C D is,Gong wassa is a product of Gona.Your behaviour fits you.

  • 0
    0

    We cannot say if one monk, priest or other “religious” personality is guilty or not. However, it is not uncommon for priests of major denominations to be either gay or to have had a history of sexual abuse of choir boys and the like. In fact in the US it was a major issue some years ago.

    Yes, we can say that justice might have been done in the case of the Sri Lankan monk. However, it is also quite common for English judges and juries (and indeed their kind in far flung colonies like Canada, Australia and NZ)to treat former ‘natives’ (ie Africans, Asians, Indians)with contempt and far more harshly than their own pale-skinned kin when crimes are perpetrated against one of their kind.

    The law does not treat everyone equally in those cases. Similarly, vast amounts of injustices are perpetrated en masse in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan for example, by these same Anglo types (ie Americans and British)that defy the imagination. A wholesale massacre of about two million innocent Iraqis has gone unpunished.

    No international court has the capacity to arraign the culprits (from presidents and prime ministers to military commanders and soldiers) and bring these heinous criminals to book. Rape, sodomy, torture and murder are commonplace, always committed by the powerful US/UK representatives on innocent darker-skinned citizens of those benighted countries.

    Therefore, one could conclude that in the absence of justice for crimes against humanity, singling out nationals of third world countries living in these countries for punishment is characteristic of their double standards and blatant hypocrisy.

    • 0
      0

      Lasantha Pethiyagoda and his ilk are colossal gems of prejudice and ignorance. Only an ignoramus would excuse bad behavior like this and advocate for the miscreants hiding behind the color of their skin and their 3rd world colonial heritage which is now almost 4 generations removed from us.

      Mr. Pethiyagod should have stopped his comments with “Yes, we can say that justice might have been done in the case of the Sri Lankan monk.” But he continued alluding that the very act of just punishment was racist at its core.

      Yes Mr. Pethiyagoda, keep assuming that the law is not color blind in Europe and the USA and in the developed world in general. Keep assuming that the pale white skinned people are evil and racist and assume that immigrants are less than human and not their kind. The fastest growing ethnic segment in the UK now is mixed race. White live births are less than 50% in the USA. So I guess a lot of white people don’t fit your dated stereotype.

      As a law enforcement officer for 6 years, I saw my fair share of immigrant law breakers that always conveniently hid behind the color of their skin when punished by the law. As a soldier who spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan, I challenge you to come the places I went and fought and show me the graves and massacre sites of these 2 million Iraqis you seem to carry on about. Contrary to your opinion I had soldiers die, “white” soldiers, who would not engage insurgents in populated areas because of innocent collateral damage and needless civilian causalities. A lot of them died to protect Afghan and Iraqi innocents. The criminals and mass murderers were the people we saw on a daily basis. Those were the people that beheaded 6 year old girls, and cut off the noses and ears of women.
      Guess that does not fit your template of heinous criminal soldiers.
      I presume you want a Pass for all 3rd world law breakers and criminals in Europe and America because even if a crime has been committed, punishment would be racist.
      If anyone is advocating a double standard it would be people like Mr. Pethiyagoda. Pathetic, specially in 2012.

    • 0
      0

      shame on you !!! How racist are you?

  • 0
    0

    There are unruly elements such as Murderers,Thugs, Pedophiles Sex maniacs, womanizers, Drug traffickers, Gunrunners, Money launderers, Hooligans etc. in any society. They always try to find a safe heaven to take cover and hoodwink the society and the law enforcement authorities. POLITICS is the first among those safe heavens, and next comes the RELIGIONS. It is bit difficult in some of the organized religions to take cover in, but it is not that difficult in “Buddhism” in Sri Lankan context. The reason is that the high prelates, unfortunately, are divided in to many sects, highly disorganized, and act irresponsibly and relaxed manner when it comes to discipline among their fellow members. This leaves a very good opportunity for the unruly elements to hide behind saffron robes and play havoc. So call Sanga Nayaka of GB is only one example who had no escape from UK authorities. There hundreds of such cases in Sri Lanka where Sri Lankan authorities and the relevant prelates should take stern action responsibly.

    Any buddhist, who observe at least the five precepts (Pancha seela) will never see the inside of the walls of a prison.

    A D Wicks

  • 0
    0

    THIS IS THE POINT WHERE THE DISCUSSION CHANGED DIRECTION AND IT IS MY CONSIDERED OPINION THAT IT WAS DONE PURPOSELY.
    PLEASE GET BACK TO THE TOPIC
    THANKS N RGDS
    PIRIMIYEK——–
    I CHANGED INTO CAPS SO THAT YOU CAN TRACE THE POINT
    SUNDAY, JUNE 03, 2012———-6/3/2012 9:19:32 PM-SL TIME
    SRI LANKANS, FIRSTLY CAN YOU PLEASE LEARN TO WRITE CORRECT GRAMMATICAL ENGLISH..IF YOU CANT WRITE OR SPELL ENGLISH CORRECTLY, PLEASE DONT EXPOSE YOURSELF ON THIS A PUBLIC FORUM – ITS A DISGRACE & SELF EMBARRASMENT TO DO SO.THE POOR STANDARD OF ENGLISH YOU READ ABOVE IS THE LEGACY & FALLOUT FROM THE “SINHALA ONLY” POLICY OF THAT GOON, MR SWRD.
    SECONDLY, IN THE UK, A CRIMINAL OFFENCE HAS NO STATUTORY LIMITATIONS IN RESPECT OF TIME. THATS THE LAW.

  • 0
    0

    I agree with MP Rajapakse’s private member bill that monks should stay out of politics

    • 0
      0

      Monks should keep away not only from politics but also from teenagers and women of any age. A castration through surgery must be implemented for this kind of monks. Sorry for the harsh words.

  • 0
    0

    Lasantha Pethiyagoda and his ilk are colossal gems of prejudice and ignorance. Only an ignoramus would excuse bad behavior like this and advocate for the miscreants hiding behind the color of their skin and their 3rd world colonial heritage which is now almost 4 generations removed from us.

    Mr. Pethiyagod should have stopped his comments with “Yes, we can say that justice might have been done in the case of the Sri Lankan monk.” But he continued alluding that the very act of just punishment was racist at its core.

    Yes Mr. Pethiyagoda, keep assuming that the law is not color blind in Europe and the USA and in the developed world in general. Keep assuming that the pale white skinned people are evil and racist and assume that immigrants are less than human and not their kind. The fastest growing ethnic segment in the UK now is mixed race. White live births are less than 50% in the USA. So I guess a lot of white people don’t fit your dated stereotype.

    As a law enforcement officer for 6 years, I saw my fair share of immigrant law breakers that always conveniently hid behind the color of their skin when punished by the law. As a soldier who spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan, I challenge you to come the places I went and fought and show me the graves and massacre sites of these 2 million Iraqis you seem to carry on about. Contrary to your opinion I had soldiers die, “white” soldiers, who would not engage insurgents in populated areas because of innocent collateral damage and needless civilian causalities. A lot of them died to protect Afghan and Iraqi innocents. The criminals and mass murderers were the people we saw on a daily basis. Those were the people that beheaded 6 year old girls, and cut off the noses and ears of women.
    Guess that does not fit your template of heinous criminal soldiers.
    I resume you want a Pass for all 3rd world law breakers and criminals in Europe and America because even if a crime has been committed, punishment would be racist.
    If anyone is advocating a double standard it would be people like Mr. Pethiyagoda. Pathetic, specially in 2012.

    • 0
      0

      Articulate explanation.Excellent!!

  • 0
    0

    GUESS do you want to the latest hot news re SOMA from London ?

    The clan of disgusting bum sucking doctors and professionals who gave evidence and wonderful character references for SOMA the Pedo is now collecting money towards an APPEAl!!
    They estimate a sum of £65000 towards the appeal fund and if anyone is willing to burn your money please contact the KOTA doctor president URGENTLY!!!

    this s a opportunity to all you supporters like KUSHAN from Australia to come up with the dough!!

    • 0
      0

      Don’t worry. Soma is a very close friend of Mahinda Rajapakse. Luckily he is the President of SL and can release any amount of money from President’s fund.

      A daughter of a famous SL journalist also got an huge amount of money from MR to come to London to do highest studies but after becoming an unsuccessful candidate at examinations, people say that she has joined the oldest female job in London.

      No wonder why MR supports only this kind of people.

  • 0
    0

    Instead of using venerable we should use vulnerable so and so. This will be the correct term in future. Vul. Childabuser. Raper…… Thero
    sounds perfect
    Do you know at least one priest who never put his finger in a boys shorts?
    I think the protestants have found a moderate way, not the best, their priests can lead a sexual life, of course with women

  • 0
    0

    It is believed that other Sri Lankan Buddhist monks resident and serving the communities in the UK have much tried to defend pahalagama somaratne by providing excellent character references.
    Having followed Abhidamma classes in one such institute in chiswick london where I learnt of the 17 plains of thought and 31 plains of existence I cannot quite fathom where and how these character references have evolved.
    I would have thought, if my understanding, of any religion for that matter is correct, a criminal act should not be sheilded.

  • 0
    0

    The commentator called “Dasha Somaratna” and appendage “Lakshmi Devi” seem to take exception to the claim of US/UK atrocities in third world countries. (see June 4th comment)

    A cursory glance at the histories of Iraq and Afghanistan between 2002 and 2012 on the Web would reveal the truth.

    His hollow suggestion below, while being impractical and highly improbable, seems to infer that the “missions” of the US and UK were “humanitarian”….He says:

    “As a soldier who spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan, I challenge you to come the places I went and fought and show me the graves and massacre sites of these 2 million Iraqis you seem to carry on about.”

    What a joke! Who is he/she hoping to fool?

    • 0
      0

      “the implementation of an order for “360 rotational fire” in 2007 by a battalion commander was a new “SOP” (standard operating procedure). Ethan McCord said in an April 2010 interview: “We had a pretty gung-ho commander, who decided that because we were getting hit by IEDs a lot, there would be a new battalion SOP. He goes, ‘If someone in your line gets hit with an IED, 360 rotational fire. You kill every mother****** on the street.’

      Humanitarian missions? Oh you betcha!

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.