9 December, 2024

Blog

Covid Racism – Another Sri Lanka’s 1st

By Hilmy Ahamed

Hilmy Ahamed

“My heartfelt appreciation to everyone in Healthcare, Tri-forces, Police and essential services for risking their lives to save lives”.

My heart aches to realize that history will record racism in Sri Lanka as the first (and hopefully the last) for failing to treat even the dead with dignity due to a pandemic because of absolute racism of a few. The three Muslims cremated in Sri Lanka up to date have been denied their right to their religious last rite as prescribed by their religion.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and 182 countries around the world have accepted and approved burial or cremation as the means to dispose of the dead due to COVID-19. The specialists in Sri Lanka seem to have invented unique justifications to deny Muslims their burial rights. One of the main arguments against burial is the possible contamination of the water table. 

Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Deputy Director General of Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, overseeing all communicable disease control programmes in Sri Lanka, has gone on record confirming that the NOVEL CORONA Virus (COVID 19) cannot be transmitted through the contamination of water. Burial of the dead of more infectious diseases have taken place in the country for centuries in Muslim burial grounds all over the country.

The first Muslim to die of COVID 19 was on the 30th of March 2020. The circular or Standard Operational Procedure in force at the time of the death allowed burial or cremation of the deceased suspected or infected with Covid 19. The medical team in Negombo decided that no burial should be allowed, as the water table in Negombo was too high for burial. The Muslim community offered to dig 8ft graves in Maligawatte, which had already been prepared, or any other Muslim burial grounds as an alternate option, but it was disregarded. The excuse that they couldn’t transport the sealed coffin for 45 minutes on the Katunayake expressway is superfluous.  The authorities cremated the body against protests and wishes of the family. The family will probably seek legal redress. 

Italian tourists and those Sri Lankans returning from Italy, Iran and Korea were identified as those who brought COVID 19 into the country. A Chinese lady underwent successful treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) and was sent home after discharge with a hug from the Non. Minister of Health. 

The Government issued a circular through the Ministry of Health stating that passengers arriving in Sri Lanka from Iran, Italy and South Korea must undergo a 14-day period of isolation to prevent the spread of the disease in the country.

By the 11th of March, Shehan Sumanasekara, Director, Airport and Aviation Services Limited, confirmed that 622 Sri Lankan passengers who arrived from Iran, Italy and South Korea have been sent to quarantine centers at Kandakadu, Polonnaruwa and the Batticaloa Private University for a period of 14 days. Most Sri Lankans are aware of the protests and drama at the airport and the numbers assumed to have escaped without following Government instructions to go to specified Quarantine Centres.

Subsequently, quarantine procedures were introduced to all those arriving in the country. While the Government mechanism at ports of arrival and thereafter has been commendable, racist elements in different locations across the country have taken advantage and are spewing unprecedented racism targeting the Muslims. As an example the Indian racism against the Tableeq group in India by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extremists has been extended to include the Tableeq movement in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Thableeq Jamath instructed all those who were abroad to immediately return to the country and follow quarantine procedures as instructed by the airport authorities.  All those traveling within the country were asked to return to their homes and report to the area PHIs. A complete list of Muslims who were on tour both in Sri Lanka and abroad were handed to the authorities by the headquarters of the Thableeq movement – The Markaz. Despite all this, some in mainstream and social media are repeating the absolute racist rhetoric of India against Sri Lankan Muslims. Of course, there may have been a few individuals who may not have complied with the orders, but those numbers will have to be seen in comparison with all who returned to Sri Lanka from pilgrimages and other travel. 

Some media houses have been spewing hate against the Muslim community as if COVID-19 is a biological weapon used by Muslims against the majority. They fail to count the non-Muslim numbers of COVID 19 infected who have had parties and who have been roaming around the country enjoying their return from Italy and South Korea. There were no arrests of these merry making men or full shutdown or quarantining of their villages. 

Respected Government officials and media men have made racist comments that violate several of the country’s laws including section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act No 56 of 2007, Section 2(h) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No 48 of 1979, Section 120 of the Penal Code and other provisions. Legal action should be undertaken against them irrespective of their position, caste creed, religion, race or social status. (Video attached)

There is also the unique case of Muslims quarantined on false charges by a Buddhist monk in the MEE ELLA village in the Hakmana Police division in the Matara district. Two Muslims who arrived from Delhi on the 2nd of March 2020 were suddenly rounded up 37 days after their arrival and sent to the quarantine center in Polonnaruwa. The PHI, Police and other officials had charged that they had come from Indonesia and were absconding. They were shown the passports that had stamps of exit from Delhi (1/3/2020) and arrival in Sri Lanka on the 2nd of March 2020. The response officials had given was that they had orders from the top??? Who are these top people giving orders? How can they take someone who had returned to the country 37 days before? There was neither quarantine requirement at the time of their arrival in Sri Lanka nor the requirement to report to any authority? This is absolute racism at the behest of a particular Buddhist priest!. (Video attached) A clear case under ICCRP Act No 56 of 2007.

Amidst all this, the Medical, Tri forces, Police, and Essential services staff have performed remarkably well in ensuring that the best possible services were offered to all those who were sent to hospitals and the quarantine centers. 

The following is by a Muslim who is in a quarantine center as posted in social media by the Royal College Senior Games Master Mr Riyaz  Aluher. 

“Last night I had a conversation with one of my students mother who herself is a teacher in another school. Now their families are undergoing quarantine in POONANI Quarantine Centre, Batticaloa although they are from Colombo.

I inquired about how they are coping. With a heavy heart and very shaky voice she related the following and almost cried.

We thought of fasting Last Thursday although its not compulsory but to pray and get the blessings of the Almighty to get rid of the calamity which has struck the world and our mother land. She said that they had requested the Army officer in charge there to give them the dinner of Wednesday a bit late so that they can have it at dawn to fast.

The officer after inquiring about fasting  and how it is performed , from what time to what  time and left the place . As usual the officer and staff brought the dinner around 8.30 pm. and said you all need not to worry we will cook and provide you food at 3 am.

It was a big surprise for them and as promised the food was delivered at 3 am  by the army officers. The story does not end there. Knowing that these people have to break fast at 6.30pm the officers have made all the arrangements for them to break fast the following evening .

Dear all, there is lot to ponder. A big Salute to the real heroes of our mother land.”

The Corona virus has no race, religion, caste or social status. It does not discriminate. Let us come together as a nation to fight this pandemic and rise stronger and as one people of our beloved Sri Lanka. 

Latest comments

  • 21
    52

    In one week’s time, the country of Sri Lanka will be marking one year since the deadly Muslim attacks on Christians of the country.

    Expect a flurry of articles from the Muslim writers here to divert the attention.

    • 36
      12

      Nothing to divert attention. Muslim writers have EVERY RIGHT to write like their counterparts, on any subject. The Muslims in this country have acknowledged that terrible day, and CONDEMNED IT collectively,
      unlike the present regime, or their supporters that have not acknowledged, nor condemned, the anti Muslim campaign going on, or condemned the saffron robed terrorists waging racist attacks on the minority. So stop being a drama queen.

      • 8
        20

        Azhar,
        When did the Muslims condemn it? Or was it some crocodile tears when the Army was cleaning up their ghettos looking for suspects?

        • 3
          2

          Covid 19 virus is targeting Muslims and Christians – religious minorities in Sri Lanka. The case data and figures and models are all a scam. What matters is the ratio of mortality to morbidity.
          Globally. Covid 19 racist narrative is attacking Chinese and the BBC, CNN, AL Jazeera are filled with anti-Chinese RACISM. Locally it is attacking Muslims and Tamil Christians who were also targetted in the Easter attacks last year.

          The Corona virus NARRATIVE is an attack on China and Asian Economies -part of the Euro-American war to united the world against China and divide and destroy Asia to make American capitalists Great again after the dust settles.
          Covid 19 discriminates against religious minorities in South Asia and Chinese globally to divide and distract from the fact that the virus is NOT life threatening, but rather an Economic War agains and to divide Asian countries by the US deep State.

      • 3
        0

        Yes, Leelagemalli,
        .
        I was myself surprised to hear this Blangoda story.
        .
        We, in Bandarawela obviously buy half a kilo of vegetables at a time, but there also is a wholesale fair, where you have to purchase w whole gunny bag full of vegetables. A farmer who has produced a lot has obviously got to wholesale it, and this is the point at which the big dealers may exploit. Find me some other solution!
        .
        The last time the curfew was lifted, I went out twice on my motor bike on which I can carry a little – at 7.00 am. Again at 2.30 pm. Then I noticed, at a number of places on the Welimada Road (on which I had to traverse a mile) that there were sort of “mini wholesale markets”. The wholesalers were buying gunny-fulls (whcich farmers may have brought in a little later) and also they were mopping up what the retailers had been selling till it was close to curfew time. Wastage, exploitiation, there may be, but tell me how else this can be done.
        .
        People in the Western Province then get those vegetables. I’m sure that most lorries carrying vegetables are then given curfew passes to go all the way to Colombo.
        .
        This Mayor’s arrogant and callous action could take us to chaos – and starvation.

        • 4
          0

          Dear SM,

          Even if rapes would have been case – they dont stand against rapists

          Even if looters would do it on broad day light, they dont stand against them, since they are the voters of Rajapakhes

          Even if you would be attacked on the road – nothing will serve to protect your basic rights – all these were known to the many by 2015

          So please THE NAME of GOD, please take good care of you – BROTHER DUO and their kind of rule is only comparable to that of late Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

          Please dont unncessarily go out, take good care of you – i dont want to see, bastard police men beating you with batton polla.. please be at home.

    • 12
      3

      Shemale@

      If you are not born yesterday, you perfectly know that SAHARAN who is the mastermind of easter bombing 2019 was close men of BP Mahinda Rajapakshe.
      :
      I have no doubt, GOTA and his borther MAFIA BOSS were well aware fo the bombing. But these bps never wanted to save the lives of the innocient prayers.

      Let Muslim academics to educate our BPs… no matter what origin they may have, … at least now, RAJAPKSHE BPs should be educated for the sake of better srilanka for our youth.
      :
      Bunjappu from London

    • 10
      2

      Rajapakshes at its again.

      Ranjan is arrested but the man who put kerosine oil on farmers vegetables is still roaming in the city.

      Mayor of the Balangoda Urban Council (UNP) Chamika Wewagedara has destroyed a stock of vegetables set for sale, by pouring kerosene over them, vendors said.

      One vendor said that they had transported a stock of vegetables from Bandarawela adding that they were unaware of the fact that the Ratnapura area was still under curfew.

      “As we had no way to go back to Bandarawela along with the vegetables, we prepared them for sale for people at very reasonable prices. However, the Balangoda Mayor who rushed to the location, poured kerosene over the vegetables,” he said. It was absolutely unfair to act in such a ruthless manner,” the vendor added.

      The vendors urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to look into the incident and take action against the Mayor.

      Meanwhile, the Balangoda Mayor said the Municipal Council officers had informed the concerned vendors several times, requesting them not to sell vegetables in the area. “However, they did not heed our officers and continued to sell the vegetables,” the Mayor said.

      “It is my duty and responsibility to act in accordance with the orders of the Governor and to see everything is in place in the municipality” the Mayor added

    • 4
      0

      Fare to the Foe

      I am being very fare.
      =======/=//====/======

      @RTD

      WE The unbiased readers and regular patron columnists of CT Journal hereby declare Rtd as Retarded columnist along with his beloved Eagle eyes whose has been through mutation and ended up with narrow angle Gloucoma and the heart mutated with a wicked vultures .

      Now that is what you call natural high breed no ?

    • 0
      0

      When the Methodist Church was under attack 1 week before the attack in Anuradhpuara by led by a local councilor which is now governing, fellows like you were silent and clapping hands. Don’t cry crocodile tears.

  • 31
    0

    Let us all agree that Racism is there in every community in Sri Lanka. I am in my sixties and my Dad when I was young would always tell me “in our days we all were in the same class in school and we did not see any difference”. My generation may be divided 60-40 on who contributes to racism (60% being those who are against racism). But today the younger generation its 75-25 where 75% are racists (in all races). First of all we see this due to dirty politics where Politicians use race and religion to gain votes. I have also noticed that under Rajapakses this has achieved the pinnacle. The other reason is our education system – sobasha.

    Its time we all Sri Lankans rise up against race related politics and also language based division of education/children in class rooms.

    • 13
      2

      Dear BUDDHIST,

      Rajapakshe CHINTHANAYA was highly instrumental on increase number of racists in this country.

      Just imagine shortly after EASTER sunday bombing April 2019, rajaakshes and their supporters hunted those poor innocient muslim famlies in Kurunagaala or suburban areas in colombo.
      :
      And at the time, RAJATHUMA was the president, his brother GOTABAYA WITH HIS direct mediation, they attacked muslims by sending that GHANSARA led groups to Aluthgama. remember ?:
      :
      Masses in the country,including our so called high CHAPTER monks stayed mum as if they commended such calculated riots on the musliims.
      :
      I think our SINHALAYA would never learn it – even if they bear the banner on their forheads ” as they are SINHALA BUDDHISTS” wherever they move in and out of the country.

      I am telling you Mr Buddhist, what is being practised in SRILANKA today under the name of ” BUDDHAGAMA” is far from the true teachings of our lord buddha. Where do you find them being non-violence promoters ?: I become allergic whenever I listen to so called BANA being preached by SIRUVU wearing pseudo monks being close to our maharajara… but people as if they are no different to the LAB rats, just tolerate anything coming from Rajapakshe mantra.

      I think i tis high time GODs and all divine forces to START punishing RAJAPPAKSHE BRUTAL politics. If not today when ?

    • 5
      2

      Buddhist

      “in our days we all were in the same class in school and we did not see any difference”

      That is because in your dad’s days we were under ‘colonial rule’ when they considered all as Ceylonese. They did not know and was not interested to find who is Sinhala and who is Tamil. All were simply ‘Ceylonese’ and all were equally treated.

      After the so-called ‘independence’ we got divided into ‘Majority’ and ‘Majority’ and ‘Minorities’ became second class citizens, which was not so under ‘colonial rule’.
      Ali Jinnah of Pakistan was sharp enough to see through these, whereas here in Sri Lanka minorities were so foolish to think all will have equal status, after ‘independence’.

    • 1
      9

      Buddhist: Those days, when Ranil and the Yahapalana gang was locking up Bhikkus just for opening mouths, you guys were silent instead were praying for the one and only true almighty lived in the Desert not Jerusalem. Not Almighty Buddha though.

      • 3
        0

        JD,
        please clear your eyes.

        If Yahapalanya was unable to get rid of bps by 2015, today you guys would have been no longer there.
        Just imagine bps how they act today ! Had election commission been not in place, trust me, the situaton would have been with COVID 19 better today ? Why not you the buggers see it right ? Is that because you guys are born sick ?
        :
        Now holding elections over deadbodies of COVID 19 patients is hung on the pending decision of the EC. No matter, even hundreds would have been dead by COVID19, ballige puthas would never utter a drop of shed, as we know from their brutal past.
        :
        Even this time, these duo, could well contain the diseses from being spread, if they did what they have been doing now, long before. Vietnam with 100 mios and Nepal with 29 mio of populations have been able to control it, but BROTHER DUO failed how come ?
        :
        Now the great work ismainly being done by MILLITORY is scored as govt s achievement bla bla. are srilanken people that stupid as appeared to be ?

        When looking at your co,mment, other way around would not be the feeling.

      • 1
        0

        JD
        What about Gota now releasing cold blooded murderer and locking up opposition MPs who are distributing food?

    • 3
      0

      Hilmy Ahamed –

      “My heartfelt appreciation to everyone in Healthcare, Tri-forces, Police and essential services for risking their lives to save lives”.

      Yes. They should be thanked for trying to contain the spread of the Wuhan China -19 virus, renamed COVID -19 virus.
      //
      It is the duty of every citizen a) not to get infected b) not to infect others c) if infected get isolated and contact the authorities for proper treatment, as still 97 percent comes out alive and d) cooperate with authorities to contain the Wuhan China-9 virus.

      “My heart aches to realize that history will record racism in Sri Lanka as the first (and hopefully the last) for failing to treat even the dead with dignity due to a pandemic because of absolute racism of a few. “

      UNFORTUNATELY, a fraction of the RACIST Para-Sinhala Para-“Buddhists”, who are distorting Buddhism and insulting the Buddha, have , without consultation and empathy with the Muslims, taken a unilateral decision, to cremate. Has the authoritarians discussed the cremation issue with the Muslims and Christians, first, and given the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, those Muslims and Christians who can think and reason would have understood.

      Well, when the mean measured IQ of the imbeciles is 79, these things happen.

      By the way is there any evidence for the existence of the Soul, Nirvana, Nibbana, Heaven. Hell etc. If there is no evidence, burial or cremation, becomes a safety and environment issue only. The Govt. has given priority t the safety issue. It is the duty of the Govt. ti safeguard the living, when more than 100,000 have died globally, by te Wuhan China-19 virus, renamed COVID-19 virus.

    • 6
      0

      Mr Buddhist,
      .
      they many use the term ” thambiya” very often today than no times in the past. Can you imagine ?
      .
      Y day I happened to make a call to my sister, who is a retired person – she went on saying ” these thambios dont let any control – but is the main reason the disease be super-spread. “

      In Europe, to attack BLACK people by the terms neger or the like is still seen as an punishable act.

      Now that BP -Ultra Racist octagenarian from DOWN under would use the term ” demallu” once again shooting the messengers.This they have in their blood. I noticed it very earlier and left the country for europe for my future…. here i feel much better because I dont like my sinhala circles in SRILANKA.

    • 1
      0

      Buddhist ,

      Thumb up ! Reasonable analysis . Politics , Castes , Culture , Religions
      Media and the Education . Each of these goes hand in hand or
      exploited by a small crooked group of individuals who are now a united
      mafia that controls public life in the country ! Genuine voice against this
      mafia is helpless because they are powerless and at the end succumb to
      the mafia and becomes part of it . All the above stated vital areas of our
      lives are misused and abused by a selfish egoist few . Do you ever
      imagine what is being created by these evil elements can be undone so
      easily ? THERE’S NO DOUBT IN REASONABLE MINDS OF ALL
      COMMUNITIES THAT RACISM IS NOW AT ITS PEAK AND LIFE FROM
      DECENCY TO THUGGERY IS THERE TO STAY UNTIL FIRE BREAKS OUT
      LIKE THE COVID-19 !

  • 12
    29

    This website is being funded to undermine the great service done by Gotabhaya to our country!
    These biased individuals don’t complain how so called western democracies treat Muslims in their countries!
    Enjoying all freedom in our country they always accuse Sinhala people.
    In france or Italy or USA are religious rituals observed when Muslim corona victims cremated or buried?
    Nonsense! You people didn’t accuse USA for butchering 1400000 ( fourteen hundred thousand civilians) in Iraq! Instead you all are barking at Sri Lanka like rabid dogs!

    • 3
      0

      An ex Muslim

      “Enjoying all freedom in our country they always accuse Sinhala people.”

      It is evidence-based. Ask any Tamil. It is called Para-Sinhala Para-“Buddhism”, that is an insult to the Buddha.

      “Nonsense! You people didn’t accuse USA for butchering 1400000 ( fourteen hundred thousand civilians) in Iraq! Instead you all are barking at Sri Lanka like rabid dogs!”

      Who accused? Many others.

      What about Yemen, butchering done by the Saudis. Saudis even dissolved Kamal Kassagogi, after chain sawing him, and then dissolved him in acid. What happened Kamal’s soul?

      Is the soul a human construct, like Nirvana, Nibbana, Heaven , Hell etc?

      • 7
        2

        Yes Jamal Khashoggi and his killing squad are no different to these brother duo – if i may say so. Entire world is against misterious killers of JK, but the very same people say nothing to Rajapakshe brothers that deliberately killed own people.. i mean after the war is no longer there. Alone those prisoners, journos, rugby players.. and all .. are considered as no human losses why ?

      • 0
        0

        A
        Do you consider the Saudi monarchy to be Muslim?
        They drink, gamble and womanize, but people do not talk about it. They may even be consuming pork!

    • 6
      1

      Oh man, you are such stupid moron. First I live in uk. We have all the rights here regarding how to dispose a dead even it is not an argument
      Second, just because USA killing Iraqis we, Srilankan muslims should take all the discrimination in Srilanka? Why can not you see and accept us a Srilankan citizens with different faith? Why do you always relate us to world politics?
      Third, what do you mean enjoying all the freedom in our country?
      It is not only yours,it is everyone’s. We pay tax and contribute to the countries development. So, we have all the rights. We all came to this Island. You were kicked out from India and we came to business. You came little earlier than us.
      So,shut your stupid mouth and use your dead brain.

      • 0
        0

        S
        One will need lessons on how to use a dead brain?
        Any experience?
        It seems that life in the UK has not taught polite language.

    • 0
      1

      An ex Muslim ,

      Hi once upon a time Muslim ! Be on alert all the time ! During the 83
      riot against Tamils , they were told by the thugs to say ” Baldhi”
      meaning , water bucket . Tamils pronounce it ” Valdi.” That ‘s it , end
      of the story ! So , I advise you because of my love for another human
      life , get back to the man who removed one part of your precious
      jewellery and get it glued back ! It would be helpful when asked to
      prove you are no more a Muslim .

  • 20
    13

    Lankan muslims proving once again that their religion comes first before anything else.
    All that ‘patriotism’ they flaunted during the civil war era with the LTTE was just a show to fool sinhalese.
    Lankan muslims will often say ‘Sri Lanka is not saudi arabia’ when the double standard is pointed out. How no infidel will be tolerated in arab nations making religious demands. But these same lankan muslims are taking arab money and acting on their orders to turn Sri Lanka into an islamic country. Uncontrolled reproduction and rise of arab dress code and culture. In the east even arabic sign posts are appearing on the roads.
    Most of us can see the agenda clearly except some brain dead liberals.

    • 6
      3

      Even Saudi Arabia hires those “infidels” who flock there by the millions to earn their money, send it home to buy homes for their parents, and give their sisters in marriage. Perhaps India and Sri Lanka should stop sending their people to those “horrible” Muslim nations. Islamaphobes will often say Islam is evil, and the Muslims are all terrorists, but they LOVE to send their people to earn money in Muslim countries. Not Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian nations. Why? Because theses countries don’t hire them, so they love Muslim money.

      • 6
        4

        Ashan
        You are drawing a false comparison. Non-muslims go to arab nations to work. They dont go there to spread like a virus and take over those nations. They are kept on a tight leash at all times.
        Its time that infidel nations stop the endless pandering to muslims and treat them the same way.
        That arab money is due to arabs sitting on huge oil reserves and nothing else.

    • 6
      3

      Now you suspecting our support to defeat LTTE. Can we think same way? You were nice to us during LLTE war to beg help from muslim countries, now you are showing your cunning racist face? Just like your great father Vijaya who cheated and raped indigenous Kuveni? With name of love? And to bring outcasted your ancestors from India? To breed uncivilised moron like you?
      It is in your blood from india you can not tolerate others. While there nothing you have your own. Your language, your dress all borrowed.

      • 3
        1

        This is stupid provocation, and is as bad as the racist comment that provoked it.

    • 1
      1

      Now you suspecting our support to defeat LTTE. Can we think same way? You were nice to us during LLTE war to beg help from muslim countries, now you are showing your cunning racist face? Just like your great father Vijaya who cheated and raped indigenous Kuveni? With name of love? And to bring outcasted your ancestors from India? To breed uncivilised moron like you?
      It is in your blood from india you can not tolerate others. While there nothing you have your own. Your language, your dress all borrowed.

  • 11
    3

    Thank you for the heads up Rtd Lout Shamal..

  • 1
    7

    Let them write and bark. Who cares except native vedda from tamilnadu and company.

  • 4
    11

    Gazette notification has come stating that dead bodies of corona victims should be cremated. President and Prime Minister, that is the way to go. No more ‘Tail Wagging the Dog’. Let this be a message to the ‘Other Tail’ as well.

    • 5
      0

      Beagle Eye,

      Is it a rabid dog with multiple tails?
      Careful, too many tails may prove hard to handle for a rabid dog!

  • 5
    2

    Muslims seem to be at the forefront of many controversies in Sri Lanka. Most such controversies are bad for the community. Yet again, one can see that Muslims seem to have created some problems in hindering the process of making the country safe from covid-19. This is not to undermine the fact that Sinhala and Tamil people have also contributed to the community spread of the deadly disease, but given that the Easter Sunday attackers had publicly stated that they would be received with great admiration in a heavenly realm if they managed to kill as many non-believers as possible, it seems natural that the majority community will become suspicious of the intentions of the antisocial Muslims who broke curfew laws and infected many people, including fellow Muslims. One is reminded of suicide bombers in Iraq etc who killed many fellow Muslims when exacting revenge from the US/UK invaders. Accordingly, attitudes seem to have hardened. One outcome is the seemingly unfair decision to burn all dead Muslims who contracted covid-19.

    • 3
      0

      Dear Hilmy Ahamed,
      .
      There are many Sri Lankans like me who are not happy with the racism that far too many Sinhalese display. I believe that Lasantha Pethiyagoda is actually a Professor. He has had the courage to explain to you why the Muslim community faces so many problems.
      .
      The Muslims want special provision for far too many things! For years now, whenever the subject of MMDA comes up, I have always been advocating amending it for one purpose mainly. To prevent child marriages. I believe there are other aspects of it, which I don’t usually touch on. I feel that the Sinhalese exaggerate your population increase data – it is not all that significant. But I know that that also counts.
      .
      Then there is dress. Now there, you’re setting a good example, but that may be mostly in keeping with your background. I have the vague memorty of your saying something about having studied at Trinity. Good, but not all Muslims, or even Sri Lankans can get in there. So, it’s mostly Tamil medium education; why have schools different from those educating mainly Hindus?
      .
      Please think on those lines, and try everywhere to bring the community more in line with what may loosely be termed “Sri Lankan culture”. I don’t want to get any further involved in this argument, and I haven’t even studied your article as I should have, But I certainly see racism and prejudice as needing to be actively countered by us.

  • 1
    1

    There is a Media release, from more than 20 Organizations, unions & NGOs, about the media suppression and control on the mass’s right to protest and express, that is being implemented by Aanduwa on the name of cure for Corona.

    Cuomo has become a celebrity by Covid-19 to be appearing in a world known art magazine. Governor Cuomo’s Photo is appearing in Rolling Stone magazine front cover, recognizing his management of the virus. NY is the hardest hit state in US, with 195,000 cases and death of 10,000. New York still not named as out of it. Governor is an advocate of freedom and liberty of the state’s population. He fights with Federal government for stateless immigrants and all people’s health care. He did not do any damage to Democracy using this opportunity.
    Here are few words appearing American Media.
    “You can appear confident, but you’re not going to fool New Yorkers, right? They’re going to hear what you’re saying and watch what you’re doing. They’ll make their own decision whether or not it makes sense. They’ve been watching what I’m doing for five, six weeks. So far, I think people think the actions we’ve taken make sense and are logical. I don’t care how many times you go out and brief. If what you’re doing doesn’t make sense to them, they will lose confidence very quickly. Tell people the truth. They will respond to the truth, and logic, even if they don’t like it. The trust between an elected official and the people they serve is everything. Trust and respect is everything. If you have to make a tough decision and you believe it’s right, make it, and if people resent you for it, so be it, because you have to act in a way that fits your conscience and your hear. Yeah, that’s my entire father. That’s everything I’m doing.”

    Where are those who advocate they have to do genocides of Tamils because US is doing it in Middle East.

    • 0
      1

      Mallaiyuran ,

      Governor Cuomo’ is a big time con artist. The world media is centered in New York and is promoting him as a New Yorker. It got nothing to do with his ” Handing ” of the Crisis. Few hours ago I cycled on the upper east side of New York. Which is one the richest areas in the world. 50% of the people including myself weren’t wearing masks. 99 % people wearing Masks were not wearing gloves.

      Cuomo needs close the airports and incoming traffic to New York and to send people living in the city to back work.

  • 2
    1

    Ahamed Saheb,

    What is the need to bring in India in this article? Tablighis have been blamed in Pakistan as well.

    Why do you need to show your anti Hindu bias by blaming BJP here?

    FYKI, BJP is much more tolerant than you all. You are inseparable from your hate for ‘others’. Sometimes the others are your own co religionists but belonging to other sects – Shias curse Sunnis, Sunnis curse Qadhianis, Qadhianis curse Wahhabis, Wahhabis curse Shias but most of the time all of you collectively curse us – kafirs. You can’t separate your religion from hate as it is part and parcel of your religion.

    When you assemble and pray to God, you also spew venom against Hindus, Jews, Christians and Buddhists (in short ‘Kafirs’). No Hindu does that in his/her place of worship.

    India is a tolerant could try, much more than any other Muslim, Christian or Buddhist country. So, stop your hate campaign against us. Imagine an India where all Hindus give the same rights and privileges accorded to Hindus in neighboring Islamic countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh. With your hate speech, you will only push India to that level.

    And what is the big deal about burning a few corona infected dead bodies? Can a Hindu perform the Hindu rites while disposing a dead body in Saudi Arabia or for that matter under any Islamic country following Shariah?

    Be a good Srilankan, in your acts, deeds and thoughts. Don’t spread hate.

    • 0
      0

      India is not a country and is an aberration in the history fabricated by the Anglo Saxon bastards. Same is so called Sinhala Sri Lanka.

      Sooner the so called artificial structure currently called India is dismantled, and Ariyan Bramins & Hindi bastards are put in their place, the region will have peace and security.

      The history of Asia taking its right place will sort this out and return their lands and resources that are being plundered by Ariyan Bramins including Namboothiris, Nairs to the rightful owners of Davidians.

  • 2
    1

    LANCET is a Very respectable Medical Journal. Web says, every where Racism is working very high. but, the most important thing is there is heavy racism against CHINESE. I am living in the west. I know it.
    [ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30792-3/fulltext%5D
    READ THIS:
    Throughout history, infectious diseases have been associated with othering.1 Following the spread of COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, discrimination towards Chinese people has increased. This includes individual acts of microaggression or violence, to collective forms, for example Chinese people being barred from establishments.2 Rather than being an equaliser, given its ability to affect anyone, COVID-19 policy responses have disproportionately affected people of colour and migrants—people who are over-represented in lower socioeconomic groups, have limited health-care access, or work in precarious jobs. This is especially so in resource-poor settings that lack forms of social protection. Self-isolation is often not possible, leading to higher risk of viral spread. Ethnic minority groups are also at greater risk because of comorbidities—for example, high rates of hypertension in Black populations3 and diabetes in south Asians.4 Furthermore, migrants, particularly those without documents, avoid hospitals for fear of identification and reporting, ultimately presenting late with potentially more advanced disease.

    • 4
      1

      JD,
      The world after corona criiss would not be the same as before. Chinese will have to pay a high price to win the hearts and minds of europeans. The hate against Chinese are on a rise in europe and america today. That comes with evidence coming to surface that the virus to be modified in a lab being based on the sequences they already had in their labs. And the suspision arises how could they be able to sequence the viral genome within that sort of time, as of 26 Jan… even if some of the chinese experts question that they were not even known about the virus towards the end of January… … so there are growing agony among the peoples today. They may have been playing with human beings for their future gains.

  • 7
    6

    Sri Lanka is a small Island with land scarcity. Burying dead bodies and erecting tombstones reduce the land available for more important things. Therefore, cremation should be made compulsory unless facilities are not available. Putting up tombstones should be completely banned. Some idiots bury the ashes and erect tombstones. Erecting tombstones was introduced by colonial rulers. Demolish all tombstones in cemeteries and use that land for productive purposes as they did in China.
    Think of the living, not dead.

    • 6
      1

      Evil BP, just get it right, the problem is not that they will stand against CREMATION, they just dont want to be attacked by sinhala racists. Even if one or few single muslims would stand against cremation, they will have to let cremation since it is common to all, but RACIST brother duo should stop using hate speech.. through their two orifices – most known derana and hiru TV channels-

  • 5
    0

    The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 210 countries and territories around the world and 2 international conveyances.

    Out of these 210, in 129 countries number of deaths is less than 7 .

  • 8
    3

    The problem of racism can be traced to Buddhism. Rogue priests encourage it, and Buddhist politicians weaponize it.

  • 5
    1

    You are an ignorant Islamophobic racist, When Islamic Terrorists killed 400 odd people and injured or maimed another 500 odd people for life and brought misery to families and friends on April 2019 Easter in Srilanka – the only sin they committed was to go to the Church to pray.
    Didn’t your heart filled with Islamic hatred ached that time? of course not, because you would not criticize your own terrorists Islamic brothers. You did not voice or said anything to comfort or solace to those victims. Did you at least feel sorry for those victims ? I guess your religion says that was to keep your god happy.
    Wake up my friend, the Islamic terrorists strapped bombs and blasted themselves to kill others, these terrorists did not go to heaven to get 72 virgins promised – they got burned in real fire.
    Don’t make any more stupid comments, the Christians or Catholics too don’t cremate their dead, the Buddhist too has their final rights given by Monks. None of these groups make any issues as they are intelligent enough to understand the Covid-19 implications.
    Sri Lanka is too good to go after those infected and give them quarantine at state expenses. Your Islamic brothers all over in the western world are treated differently and you need not go far look at India. You should be thankful Sri Lanka is not like those countries and show your gratitude at least by not inciting communal hatred.

  • 0
    1

    Now you suspecting our support to defeat LTTE. Can we think same way? You were nice to us during LLTE war to beg help from muslim countries, now you are showing your cunning racist face? Just like your great father Vijaya who cheated and raped indigenous Kuveni? With name of love? And to bring outcasted your ancestors from India? To breed uncivilised moron like you?
    It is in your blood from india you can not tolerate others. While there nothing you have your own. Your language, your dress all borrowed.

  • 1
    0

    I spoke to a friend in Iran, she says , the sensations did one good thing.
    It made them self sufficient especially in food, they have excess bastmathi rice of high quality.

    They may even be asked to be the.main rice supplier as they have surplus..
    I won’t forget the day after Trump won , my Salon owner said watch and wait he will make us a pauper nation at the end off the term and not great .

    Let’s make it

    https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiHrrmEhOboAhWFlI8KHVXmDz0YABADGgJzYg&sig=AOD64_0aKkf0xfJSWAMYj2XX6d43I2YnUw&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjFxrCEhOboAhVl73MBHYhmCqkQ0Qx6BAgPEAE

    • 0
      1

      Beg your pardon.
      Meant to say sanctions against Iran

  • 3
    2

    The virus originated in China by chance but was not properly dealt with, and spread worldwide.
    Thousands are dead and thousands still sickened and are dying & the pandemic will terminate very slowly.
    Viruses in a dead body, die quickly.
    All who studied microbiology know this.
    Hence burial and/or cremation are to get rid of the body.
    Rituals will vary in societies.
    If Muslims wish burial, it should be allowed.

  • 9
    0

    I am simply bewildered now with what I am reading frequently in local newspapers about the situation in some areas. I vividly remember my school days in a Sinhala school, at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya in Weligama, where I was the only Muslim student and I was not treated differently for being so. On the other hand, I got the best of attention from my fellow students and as well as the teachers. My best of friends still are those who grew up with me in school. Then, I remember my working life in Colombo, where the communal identity was never an issue at any time and we enjoyed being together to the maximum.

    I urge the leaders of both communities to study in depth what really has gone wrong. I also urge the government to help the two communities restore their good relations.

    I am yearning to see the Sinhala and Muslim communities, I knew, during my school days, during my working life and most importantly the years I spent at Nagahawatta Road in Maharagama.

    May sanity prevail, for our children, grandchildren and generations to come, to enjoy the same friendly relations we enjoyed! Long live Sri Lanka!

    • 1
      1

      “I vividly remember my school days in a Sinhala school, at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya in Weligama, where I was the only Muslim student and I was not treated differently for being so”

      Even now Sinhalese don’t treat like that. On the other hand, I have had experience that Muslims treating me differently when I newly joined a place, and then the other Muslim guys were already there.

      For example, there is a teacher name mentioned in the article, Riyas Aluer? This teacher’s mother, Kanima Aluer was also a teacher in a poor school in Colombo. What this lady used to do was, never teach properly to all students, and then teach everything to her sons (one of them is this guy). Now these people are for Muslims?

      • 0
        0

        Ruzmina and S . H . Moulana ,

        What you both are saying here has no any exceptional value to
        how Muslims are being targeted by a determined group of evil
        politics in the country ! The issue is not about how good or bad
        the majority of Sinhalese with Muslims . Without doubt
        generally the Sinhalese community and Muslim community
        lived together in full harmony . In your area , it was the son of
        Mr Hussain that was the Chairman of the Urban Council for a
        good amount of years ! In Galle , Muslim schools were almost
        empty as majority of the community went to Sinhala schools.
        It was the same in Kandy ! The issue right now is the
        survival of some elements in politics requires easy access to
        power ! The taste of war victory didn’t last long . Another
        trouble was needed because they have no plans for economy !
        So the Muslims ! ! ! This can also serve their false and
        misleading racist slogan ” Buddhist Country”. More than
        Muslims , Sinhalese are the real target of this slogan but they
        don’t understand it.

  • 4
    1

    When elections comes Goni billas come. Before the LTTE defeat it was the demala and the war now it’s the moslem thambi way to go SL. Soon will see who will be fooled.

    As long as there are slaves there will be a slave master!

  • 0
    1

    I have been talking to some doctors I know from SL. There is certainly a Mulim factor involved in the spread of COVID-19 according to them. Therefore suggest these buggers to look inwards and promote appropriate actions within their community to rein in the virus spread rather than continue to wail based on a bogus racism bogey.

    • 0
      0

      One of the Doctors could be Athuraliye and the rest Wimalo and
      Game Pillai ! We talk here about Srilanka and not Hela !

    • 2
      0

      Helass

      You are back.
      Good.

      “I have been talking to some doctors I know from SL. There is certainly a Mulim factor involved in the spread of COVID-19 according to them. “

      Obviously you must be talking to Dr Channa Jayasumana MBBS, PhD, FRCP Edin.
      He would have said this even before the creation of COVID-19. Perhaps you are talking to Dr Gota (DSc), Dr Mahinda (LLD), Dr Mervyn Silva (PhD), Dr Nalin de Silva, …

      I saw your spiritual guru the saffron clad thug on Apuru Gossip, brilliant. He is talking about COVID-19, philosophy, anthropology, psychology economics, Kumaratunga Munidasa, ……. problems, …………… finding fault on the state, the world, … one nation,

      Were you talking to him?

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