By BBC SINHALA –
Mahanayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu chapter Inamaluwe Sumangala thero
A senior Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka who led the protest in Dambulla against a mosque and a Hindu Kovil charged the video footage reporting the attack was fake.
Over a thousand people waving Buddhist flags forcibly stopped Friday prayers in the Masjidul Kairiya mosque in Dambulla and destroyed the contents of the mosque.
Peaceful and democratic
The Mahanayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu chapter Inamaluwe Sumangala thero told BBC Sandeshaya that he only led a ‘peaceful and democratic protest against illegal constructions’.
He maintained that no violence was used.
Media organisations denied doctoring footage of the attack on the Dambulla mosque last week.
Technically manipulated
The convenor of the Free Media Movement (FMM), Sunil Jayasekera said the claim by Ven. Sumangala is an attempt to cover up the violence unleashed against the minorities in the country.
“Videos that portrayed the protest as violent were technically manipulated,” said the Mahanayaka thero who also heads a media outlet.
“We saw the video footage on several television stations and have no reason to believe that the images were doctored.” said Jayasekera.
unprecedented behaviour by monks
Ada Derana TV which reported the attack on the mosque denied the allegation that the videos were technically manipulated.
“We have not carried any doctored footage of the Dambulla violence and we stand by the authenticity of the material sent by our local correspondents,” a spokesperson for Ada Derana told BBC Sandeshaya.
The raw footage had to be edited to maintain the dignity of the people who participated in the protest, added the spokesperson.
Journalists at the scene had reported unprecedented behaviour by demonstrators.
BBC’s Charles Haviland in Colombo says that a monk was seen exposing himself against the mosque as an insult.
UK / April 24, 2012
WOW now “musa vada”
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gamini / April 26, 2012
This Hinamaluwe Asubamangala is a damn LIAR and is a disgrace to the entire Sinhala Buddhists society in this country.
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Uvaizur Rahman / April 24, 2012
This what Damma taught them. Arab world should pass a resolution again Sri Lanka in this GENEVA by November.
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suz / April 24, 2012
the arab world destroyed by un now already.
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MAYA / April 24, 2012
No one in this world can destroy the Arab world or Islam.
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gamini / April 25, 2012
@ Maya you are wrong, The Muslims are very vulnerable as the entire male population congregates at the Mosques for Friday prayers. This is a dangerous situation under todays context, as these Zionists if they decide to anihilate the Muslims they could easily succeed in wiping out very good number, planning an attack to be carried simultaniously the world over on the Mosques. So do not be too sure as these animals have no hearts and are ruthless.
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SLMuslim / April 26, 2012
Im also a Muslim. Do not speak like that. It shows that its only a hooligan act of some Monks. It dznt mean anythg abt Budhdsm, they are acting totally against what Buddhism has taught them. Its shame.!
As Muslims we should act as the Noble teachings which Islam has ordered us to follow!
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JD / April 24, 2012
Hon. Thero! you don’t have to change your historic act of leadership fearing reprisal from terrorists like LTTE because they are no more!Besides all Sri Lankans- Buddists, Christians, Muslims & Hindus- know very well that lying & manipulating of truth is the inherent characteristic of Sri Lankan Buddhism since the days of Mahavamsa. My apologies if my remarks hurt you, but the whole community of Bikkus is losing respect from just because of the acts of individuals like you. I was born a Hindu but a keen learner of Buddhism. I usually pray Buddha but not ready to respect a bikku like you in my life.You don’t simply realize how you are taking the Sinhala community backward with your fanatical acts while all over the world people are moving forward with their acts of kindness and tolerance to each other.
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Kingsley / April 24, 2012
Historically our Muslim brotheren in Sri Lanka, most of them Tamil speaking, did not support the Tamil resistance against racial oppression by past Governments.
Almost all of the Muslim MPs were supporting the Governments, for obvious reasons, at the expense of Tamils.
Now they will realise their foly when they get their turn in being discriminated.
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suz / April 24, 2012
why did ltte killed your muslim brothers before.
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Rohan / April 25, 2012
They killed everyone – but, why does the government keeps Karuna Ammaan and Pillaiyaan in their side… should I remind you Kaththaankudi and Dalada Maligawa??
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Gowrie / April 24, 2012
Lies, blatant lies. just like their masters who run this country. just the way they deny that Channel4 videos are fake. When they get caught red-handed do they have a choice other than tell lies after lie? Pathetic bunch of thugs in yellow robes. This is not what Buddha stood for- for goodness sake.
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gamini / April 24, 2012
Definitely the videos are fakes. it was not this priest who led the protest, it was his shadow and all those demonstrators were Tamils just to discredit the Peaceful Sinhalese. This is just like the CH4 videos where these patriots claimed were fakes. Now the sensible readers can understand the veracity of the denials. What Humbugs are these?
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Ruwan / April 24, 2012
Where on earth our lord Buddha told to go against a religion or a religious place and even if you wanted to go against the building of the mosque why didn’t you do it early and why at this time while the UN is accusing the Government. Are you in favor of the government or the terrorists.
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Vasu / April 24, 2012
What is illegal and legal in terms of building a mosque?
This mosque was built before 50 years
A muslim minister was sent to muslim countries to vote against Tamils in UN Human Rights Commission last month.
Soon after the muslim community faces the arrogance of the buddhist chauvinism.
And the chief buddhist monk who organized this riots says this video is fake, the same story after publishing the Channel4 video
Hopefully not a discussion about “wearing some undershirts under the safran cloths which is not usual in sri Lanka” and nominationg a local expert commission
How many hindu temples were destroyed in north and east to build buddhist temples?
All the security zones will be converted to buddhist sacred zones in next years in north and east.
We are not matured enough to run a multiethnic multireligious state.
Our tendency is to create always disharmony among different grouphs
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MAYA / April 24, 2012
I might have agreed with Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero’s statement, if I was a kid. :P
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Asif / April 26, 2012
I think he must be talking the truth.The Monk would have a couple of free Kasippu before he started his nonsence.Thus he probably couldnt remember.
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Bodinayaka / April 24, 2012
I think God Al Mighty will be very unhappy for this and punish all of them to hell for eternity for this horrible crime. We need more of these religious places to talk with God. We have tsunami, malaria , Polio , heart attacks, Diabetes, Earthquakes all because we don’t speak with him. Why demolish such a communication center for the Mighty ? This is not good.
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Vasu / April 24, 2012
Why don´t you, the buddhist majority, open your mouth to tell your opinion to the buddhist clergy?
Do you believe to go to hell like catholics if you critizise Pope?
Pirit, Holly, no critics?
We live in 21st century. We need harmony among different communities.
Open you mouth, do not tolerate intolerance!
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Vanga Rajagurunathan / April 30, 2012
Hey Vasu
Good to see that you have tolerable mind in this forum,
In the last forum, you have a go at me asking me to shut up about your flamboyant language that you used.
Your promotion on ethnic harmony is highly appreciated if you could adhere yourself to what you preach for the others.
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Raja / April 25, 2012
Yes its a fake as fake as the Buddhism they practice. what could have been done in a proper way has now escalated .
Start a religious war then thousands of young mens blood will flow .
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Observer / April 25, 2012
BBC’s Charles Haviland in Colombo says that a monk was seen exposing himself against the mosque as an insult.
Now we know the true meaning of “Mahinda Chinthanaya!”
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gamini / April 25, 2012
It is not only this monk who has exposed his posterior to Allah, even K Gunaratnam before he emplaned, has shown his exposed posterior to the security of Gota as good as for Gota himself. Ha! Ha!
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The last dinasaur / April 25, 2012
I am extremely sorry for you Lord Bhudda for the things these bikkus doing in the name of yours..
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Rohan / April 25, 2012
“Ada Derana TV which reported the attack on the mosque denied the allegation that the videos were technically manipulated.
‘We have not carried any doctored footage of the Dambulla violence and we stand by the authenticity of the material sent by our local correspondents,’ a spokesperson for Ada Derana told BBC Sandeshaya.”
No no no… we should be shown the Nirvana status of the Bhikkus. I can’t belive the way the Maroon Robe bhikku behaved, and hardly anyone said anything about it….
Sadhu sadhu sadhu….
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Bodinayaka / April 25, 2012
I think SLG should make prayer halls in every city close to bus stations, railway stations so that everybody can quickly go there and speak to Lord Al Mighty whenever they want. But not close to public toilets. They can make three rooms with the sign boards . The Government is not doing enough to establish our relation with God like other nations. And we should encourage all cow’s should be “Halal” so that other religious people also automatically get the God’s approved services. I don’t know why this people are making such a issue on this simple things. End of the day everybody want to speak with God. End of the day Buddda worshiping people, Alla worshiping people, Jesus worshiping people , Shiva Lingam worshiping people will all go to hell or heaven. This hell under the ground is not comfortable. The clouds above is so nice and comfy. Why still you guys don’t understand this things?
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Nsiri / April 25, 2012
Learned from Rambukwella and Rajiva.To tell video is fake. Well done. Sadu sadu.
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Kolomba Kaka / April 25, 2012
The numerous videos are clear as crystal and this Thero is talking through his hat (sorry he doesn’t wear one). The majority of the Sinhala people are totally against such atrocities against a peace loving and friendly community who has lived with them for centuries in harmony.
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Tony / April 25, 2012
If lord Buddha was there he will kick these bikkus ass .and it is a shame for Buddhism .and I am a Muslim but I myself fellow Buddhism.
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Hade Sheriff / April 25, 2012
OMG What a Liar, now Monks begin to lie like politicians.
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Citizen / April 25, 2012
Did not the the fanatic monk DESECRATE the so-called “Sacred Zone” by exposing his private parts? And they speak of sacredness of the place, my foot! Those who preach should practise what they preach! MUSA VADA!!
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Asif / April 26, 2012
I am not sure whether that Monk wored an underpant,the way his TOLLA was tangling it seems an heavy user.
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gamini / April 25, 2012
Violent acts commited by the Buddhist Priests in a sacred area? Even if it was to relocate should have been in a peaceful manner after due Inquiry. Now what sacred area after these very own custodians desecrating the sacred area. Now he is violating a precept of even telling lies after exposing his behaviour for the whole world to see. Despicable Liar.
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Bodinayaka / April 25, 2012
I think this Buddhist monks ( People who are wearing orange saree ) Or the Muslim people ( The people with long beard and that white small cap ) they are all people. I mean they all are humans just like us. correct me if I’m wrong? Why they cant be just normal? See when Geetha Kumarasingha wear a school uniform and go to school in that movie ” Welabak Natie” people all thought she was not matching for her uniform because he boobies are too big to act that scean. But some thought it’s natural. Some girls in fact mature younger. Like Ayshia the 12th wife of Prophet Mohammed ( PBUH ) who was a six year old. I mean people get everything wrong. Misunderstanding.
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James / April 26, 2012
WTF r u trying to SAY ?
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Bodinayaka / April 27, 2012
Please read it twice. I hardly read or write. I watch this movie our great actress Geetha Kumarasingha dancing wearing a ” Gawumak” actually it was a school uniform. She looks beautiful from my point of view. I like . But my girlfriend told me that she not suitable for that they should have use a teenage. I told her it docent matter we can learn till we dye. that’s it.
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The last dinasaur / April 26, 2012
This monk should have been under the influence of liquor at that time… that’s why he doesn’t remember any thing…
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Asif / April 26, 2012
Absolutely.May be he had a free Kasippu before he started his nonsense.
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TB Kamiss / April 26, 2012
Some people who want to insult great religions like Islam and Buddhism have commented with insults traded at each other, the actual issue is thereby ignored. The Hon’ble Minister of Lands says the mosque in question is located just outside the area declared as Sacred for Buddhists. On the strength of this statement, let us all forgot what happened as a bad dream and look forward to re-build relations between the two communities. It is easy to break but too difficult to make. Let us not forget Muslims and Sinhalese have lived side by side for centuries and apart from a few personal disputes, there has never been any differences between them at national level and we should not fall prey to interested elements out to divide this country on ethnic and religious lines. We look forward to our President to take concrete steps in this regard.
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K. C. John / April 26, 2012
Dream on, brother. When did the president take any action to correct a situation that has gone bad? He only adds fuel to the flames by remaining conspicuously silent! It is you & I, the common people of this beautiful country, who have to come together and solve these issues.
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / April 26, 2012
DAMBULLA: HISTORICAL FACTS OR FICTION?
The average Sri Lankan, hearing various versions through the media that serves as propagandist, and being ill-equipped to challenge the vilifying assumptions against an enemy of choice, will be inclined to embrace or tolerate a rationale for unfair decisions. Fear and ignorance, not countered by a rational presentation of historical fact, become the basis of any future attitude.
Disinformation and deception can be cleverly used to frame the public’s attitudes. These sorts of claims, even if later disproved, can effectively set up targets for attack.
Take the following facts for example. Many Sri Lankans are ignorant of the fact that Hezbollah, which represents the Shia in Lebanon, is a popular political party (with no record of “terrorism”, by the way). It is highly valued for its efficient dispensing of myriad social services to all Lebanese. As a resistance movement it was instrumental in evicting the Israelis from the south, more than once.
The international media has conditioned us to perceive Muslim hostility towards Israel as religious animosity, anti-Semitism and intolerance rather than justifiable anger at the occupation, annexation, abuse, displacement and oppression of Palestinians. Atrocities are committed against Palestinians in order to provoke revenge attacks termed as “suicide terror”, which ostensibly justifies perpetuation of coercion and lack of diplomacy.
Hamas, widely acknowledged as pious, capable and honest in contrast to the corrupt, inefficient but secular Palestinian Authority is portrayed as “terrorist” although it won a democratic election conducted fairly and reflecting the aspirations of the Palestinian people. Do we question the refusal by Western governments, to recognise a democratically elected party while preaching about democracy?
Similarly, one must become cognizant of facts before allowing oneself to be influenced by innuendo, deception or campaigns for vilification. Popular sentiment against a minority can be instigated at the will of a party with a variety of political interests. As in the case of geopolitical manipulation of sectarian differences and the fomenting of violence in order to cause instability within an otherwise independent nation, forces within a community can also act with similar motivations in order to use the ensuing mayhem to their own nefarious advantage.
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Anu / April 26, 2012
Must be channel 4 stuff
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Lahiru / April 27, 2012
It is indeed shameful the way this so called Sumangala’a action. Is he a monk? The way he spoke is not suitable for a monk as well as the way he acted. I too a Buddhist. We are thought to be kind others and to be generous. These people create unnecessary problems and make try to tarnish the image of this country internationally. This Sumangala must be arrested and should be punished according to prevailing Law. Mosque should be kept in the current location without any shifting. Sumangala should compensate for the damages made by him.
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sameer / April 28, 2012
HI TO ALL
CLOSELY READING ALL OF URS COMMENTS ,IT SHOWS MAJORITY OF SINHALEES ARE NOT FUNDEMENTALIST, THERE ARE PEACE LOVING PEOPLE BY NATURE .I AM A FOLLOWER OF ISLAM, SINCE I KNOW MOST OF THE SINHALA PEOPLE OPPOSE THE ACT OF THAT RESPECTED MONK, AND IN MY OWN VIEW HE HAS BEEN TRAPED TO A POLITICAL WING(HELA URUMAYA),FOR THE OWN BENIFIT THEY SELL THE WHOLE NATION,THE WAY THEY ACT IT SEEMS THE WHOLE NATION LEADS TOWARDS TO A ETHNIC WAR,WHICH IS A BAD OPCTION FOR MUSLIMS AND SINHALEES
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pittakotte / April 29, 2012
Every day we read about these buddhist monks of SL EITHER IN SRILANKA or in other parts of the world .They are becoming so famous to be in the news .Child molestation rape of under age, exposing themselves in front of worshipful places,found with pork and alcohol the lists goes on and on. What’s happening to them? Has the money and power gone into their heads? Are they going to be extinguished eventually? Only the real god can answer that or we the ardent worshippers need to put a stop for this. Enough is enough. The maha sangha need to wake up and stop all these behaviours before the country is taken to ransome by these few bad apples. Religion of buddhism will become a laughing joke if not nipped in the bud.
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