
By Vishwamithra –
“A Boss in Heaven is the best excuse for a boss on earth, therefore If God did exist, he would have to be abolished.’’ ~ Mikhail Bakunin
Being born a Buddhist, educated at one of the leading Buddhist schools in Colombo and for that matter by one of the greatest erudite scholarly Monks at the time, I cannot help but feel very hurtful being witness to the total weaponizing of our great and sublime philosophy by those uneducated street thugs who roam about all corners of our land pretending as the exclusive custodians of the teachings. It is indeed a great misfortune befalling our nation; its multiple facets have enveloped the collective mindset of the Sinhalese Buddhist segment of our people like a python swallowing an unsuspecting prey. Gnanasara can now boast about fattening of his ranks, on one side by the Asgiriya Chapter of our organized religion and on the other, the other megaphone which has been drifting in search of an audience, Athuraliye Ratana.
Fundamentalism, as per Wikipedia, ‘usually has a religious connotation that indicates unwavering attachment to a set of irreducible beliefs. However, fundamentalism has come to be applied to a tendency among certain groups–mainly, although not exclusively, in religion–that is characterized by a markedly strict literalism as it is applied to certain specific scriptures, dogmas, or ideologies, and a strong sense of the importance of maintaining ingroup and outgroup distinctions leading to an emphasis on purity and the desire to return to a previous ideal from which advocates believe members have strayed. Rejection of diversity of opinion as applied to these established “fundamentals” and their accepted interpretation within the group often results from this tendency’.
Buddhist Fundamentalism can be taken in two contexts. Firstly, in a literal sense, those who believe in the religion and its fundamental teachings of Metta (loving kindness), Karuna (compassion), Muditha (sympathetic joy) and Upekkha (equanimity), the four sublime states of mind, and the rest of the original teachings of the Great Tathāgata can be called Buddhist Fundamentalism. In the other context, fundamentalism is as practiced by those extreme elements in the Christianity and Islam religion, and those who practice Buddhism, not believe, but only practice, in order to drive home their misplaced grievances in the name of Buddhism and resort to all extremities of violence, mayhem and vandalism. For our reference, I have chosen the second kind of believers and practitioners of ‘Buddhist Fundamentalism’. Gnanasara, Ratana and the Asgiriya Chapter belong in that ignoble segment of Fundamentalists. That is the group, if not checkmated now, who might become integral parts of a national crisis waiting to happen in the event of another suicide bomb blast as enacted on the last Easter Sunday, 2019.
The psyche of the average Sri Lankan Buddhists is much to be desired, especially when it comes to patience and endurance of attacks on innocent civil life in the country. Legal luminaries may argue that the arms of law and order should reach out and the rule of law must prevail in such an unbecoming state of civil strife. Such nuanced arguments and sophisticated defence of equality before the law and neutrality of dispensation of justice might not go down well with a crowd that has been angered and driven to frenzied extremities by political cohort-thugs in saffron robes. When religion, specifically a religion such as Buddhism whose fundamental foundation is Ahimsā (non-violence), is being portrayed as one in need of protection from other religions and at the same time proffered as a pretext for violent and unadulterated vandalism, it becomes quite hard to prevent an uprising of sorts from members of a segment of population which accounts for more than 70% of the total. If such an uprising were to occur in Sri Lanka, Rohingya in Myanmar would look like an afternoon picnic.
In Myanmar, the Muslims who were attacked by a so-called Buddhist majority, they, the Muslims had a land border to cross, to Bangladesh. Sri Lanka does not have land borders with other countries. She is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Muslim population in Sri Lanka is not as docile as the ones in Myanmar. The resulting clashes will be more akin to ethnic warfare than to minor clashes that would lead to rudimentary clashes between two ethnic groups ending up in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, the Muslim ethnic groups in Sri Lanka are known to be closely associated with the leading Muslim nations in the world, especially the Sunnis led by Saudi Arabia. The geopolitical ramifications would be uncontrollable in the event such clashes between Muslims and Sinhalese Buddhists should occur.
What options are available for the government of Sri Lanka? What would be India’s reaction? What would the advice of America be? Is Sri Lanka ready and equipped to sustain another ethnic war, this time with Muslims, that will claim hundreds of thousands of civil lives, both from amongst Sinhalese and Muslims? These are the issues that should be argued within the walls of the National Security Council located in the Presidential Secretariat.
There is a fundamental flaw in seeking political advice from religious leaders. Sri Lanka is a secular country whose secular Constitution is the very source of law. Nowhere is it mentioned in our Constitution that one segment of our population is more equal than the other. Provision of special status to Buddhism does not qualify as to treat our country as a Buddhist country or not. Our country is not a Buddhist country or a Hindu, Christian or a Muslim country. The people in the country could be called Buddhists, Christians, Muslims or Hindus. But not the country as a whole, nor its government.
Elections and pursuit of power, especially from the majority of Sinhalese Buddhists, has driven our politicians to pay pooja to the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters of ‘Sri Lankan Buddhism’. This exaggerated allegiance to Buddhism is being falsely portrayed as devotion on the part of our politicians to the uplifting principles of Buddhism.
It is in this broad context that one has to look at the current status of our country. The Easter Sunday Massacre has caused many a thinking Sri Lankan to rethink about his or her basic human principles and values. When it is of upmost significance and balanced disposition to respond to these attacks, especially Sinhalese Buddhists, the postures of Gnanasara and Ratan are being buttressed by a so-called leading Chapter of the organized part of Buddhism, the consequences could be out of this universe. It is no exaggeration to say that organized religion, be it Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or Hinduism is the very enemy of the inspiring principles of religion. When people begin to show more allegiance to shadowy men clad in religious cloaks than to the principles they pretend to preach, the foundations of societal development start to shake. The very reverberations these shakings produce would be sufficient to lead to an anarchical state in any society such as is evidenced in Somalia and Yemen.
I sincerely hope that neither our current President Maithripala Sirisena nor Prime Minster Ranil Wickremesinghe would wish to leave behind a legacy of anarchy. Such a legacy would eventually set a precedent in our post-Independent Sri Lanka depicting our people as an anarchical, lawless bunch of tribes whose paganistic beliefs are held in much higher esteem than basic human values and principles. Gnanasaras and Ratanas will come and go in hundreds; organized religions whether Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or Hinduism will thrive in the absence of rational philosophizing of human values and measures. But the nation of Sri Lankans has to move forward. Her position among other communities in the broader family of nations will be judged only in terms of extraordinary feats and unsurpassed human conditions that Sri Lanka as one nation would impose on herself. Such great feats may look like unachievable heights for the moment, but history of a nation should not begin or end with meaningless notions of self-aggrandizement.
The writer can be contacted at vishwamithra1984@gmail.com
Spring Koha / July 3, 2019
The deathly symbiotic relationship between the extreme elements of the Sangha (now including the Mahanayake’s) and our devious political leaders will ultimately be the downfall of our sovereign state as we know it. Both parties are in a toxic embrace and one will not let go the other. Easter Sunday was just a dress rehearsal. The next ethnic conflagration will make the 30-year-war look like a Sunday School picnic. Much has been written about what must be done. If we fail, the consequences will be unthinkable. We are drinking in the last chance saloon.
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D. P. / July 3, 2019
I think that Vishwamithra has step on to an excellent discussion but he has done so by getting down from the wrong side of the bed! I say so for two reasons: 1. Catholics who are not familiar with the legacy of Bakunin might get offended by the call to “abolish” the notion of a Creator in an essay that discusses Buddhist values. 2. The relevance the general meaning of Bakunin’s struggle to the today’s nature of institutionalized Buddhism is not established clearly. It is a well known fact that Marx’s famous “opium” statement and Bakunin’s quotation above are taken out of context and their struggle was not against religion itself but against oppressive nature of the institutionalized version of religion. From that context, I don’t think that Ganasara, Rathana and the prelate of Asgiriya represent a threat for independent thinking against religious orthodoxy in modern SL. Rather, what their ability to attract sufficient attention showed was the extent of the misconception of what Buddhism is. Also, we should not forget the fact that their success was not due to their own racist propaganda which was going on for more than a decade without much success but b’cos of the 21/4 bombing. In other words, my argument is that the challenge for Buddhist intellectuals in modern SL is not the institutionalization itself but the deviation from knowledge based religion towards a theistic form and that it is a sole property of Sinhalese. Therefore, despite the enormous value of Bakunin’s work, I think that he doesn’t represent the current crises of SL Buddhism.
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Old codger / July 3, 2019
The influence of the Buddhist clergy was at its nadir after Somarama & co. murdered SWRDB. But they have inveigled themselves back into being virtual kingmakers through politicians using them to garner votes. The education system is largely to blame, because it presents racists such as Dharmapala as “national heroes”. Naturally, the attitudes of such people pollute the minds of the population. I don’t know if school history texts even now mention who killed SWRDB . Probably not.
Buddhism, the most humane and rational philosophy in the world, has been turned in Sri Lanka into a racist parody with everything from tree worship to child abuse thrown in, by a venal and ignorant clergy.
Rajasingha I tried to murder all the Buddhist clergy. Was he on to something ?
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Native Vedda / July 3, 2019
Old Codger
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“Rajasingha I tried to murder all the Buddhist clergy. Was he on to something ?”
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On an auspicious day the Sangha plotted to kill the king. The plot was uncovered and you know what happened.
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“I don’t know if school history texts even now mention who killed SWRDB . “
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Please clarify, I was under the impression LTTE caused SWRD B’s death.
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K.A. Sumanasekera / July 5, 2019
Dear Native,
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This Old Codger still seem to believe poor Some killed Banda.
How pathetic..
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No wonder nothing has changed among the UNP members of Dr Ranil’s Elite , Anglican and Vellala Faction..
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Imagine if our kids were taught that Somarama from Kelani Maha Vihara Killed Bandaranayaka.
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Mangala Samare would have no problem annexing the whole SLFP Clan plus even My3 Sira to Mangale’s Kurundupolu Brigades in Matara .
And Keselwatta Kid would have romped in at the Election..
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BTW, Do you know where Ossie K is ?…
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Old codger / July 5, 2019
KAS,
So, apart from the story of Innocent Some, do you believe in tooth fairies too?
BTW, do you also believe that Buddharakkita was an arahat? And Vimala was a virgin of course.
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Native Vedda / July 6, 2019
Old codger
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KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera and his fellow saffron theocrats still believe and live in Flat Earth.
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Native Vedda / July 5, 2019
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
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Ossie Corea died in 1976 or 1978.
My Elders also heard the SLFP Sinhala/Buddhist establishment coming up with many conspiracy theories and spreading right across the island, hoping to save saffron necks and bums.
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Do you think the Anglican S. J. V. Chelvanayakam had had a hand in the assassination of S W R D Banda (another Christian)?
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Sinhala_Man / July 4, 2019
Dear D.P.,
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It’s I who gave you the lone approval, but I must warn you that you are displaying too much philosophy for the likes of the blind, like Eagle, Lanka Perera, and K A Sumanasekera who are politicians rather than honest men who seek the truth.
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There is a real danger that we will continue to talk about the quantum of money allocated to education, without bothering with what is taught using it. The balanced teaching of History (just a few hours in the curriculum for the average student’s lifetime, will get crowded out by our obsession with providing tablets to students.
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Within a couple of years, the tablets will be obsolete, those who “generously” handed them out would have built mansions for themselves and their families. The time to put politicians and their lackeys in place is NOW.
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D. P. / July 4, 2019
Dear S _ man,
Thanks for approving my comment but your response suggests that my replies to essays bothers you for an unknown reason. Out of three names you have mentioned, only K A S shows clear political agenda while the other two show extreme racist views without displaying clear political goals. Since extreme views can run across all party lines, I usually don’t pay attention to their political affiliations. However, I’m certain that there is nothing in my comments that satisfy any of the three you have mentioned.
I’m somewhat confused with the relevance of the second point to this subject. All technologies, not just tablets, becoming obsolete over time is a fact. Is it a good reason not to use existing tools? But, if you fear that the new technology will pose a threat to the way teaching curriculum is set, then, I think you are mistaken. Rather, it will improve both teaching & learning b’cos having a tablet is like having a moving library. I personally don’t see anything wrong with new knowledge/ideas challenging existing perception planted in our heads since the childhood. You have to realize the obvious fact that only those who challenged existing knowledge changed the world for better. We see things better today thanks to courageous men like Newton, Darwin, Einstein, etc. This must continue.
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K.A. Sumanasekera / July 5, 2019
Sinha Man & Dee Peee,
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What Tablets are you talking about?..Only Tablet which our inhabitants are aware of at the moment is the Wanda Tablets , which Dr Rajitha says is all Bull….
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This brilliant Health Minister of Dr Ranil always tell the Truth . Doesn’t he?.
How lucky are you Lot, to have such Educated People to look after you and yourr future generations.
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I know my mates grand children in Primary School even use Lap Tops now.
If that is what your other Educated Minister of Education is promising , I would say God help our treasury.
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I just checked some stats,
70 percent of our inhabitants Children go to Village Schools where there are no proper Urinals even . lat alone Power Points.
The same kids have no proper Lighting to read what ever they learn at School, let alone power up their Lap Tops.
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I know over 100 Students who are receiving ” Samurdhi ” from Private Charity.
Those kids range from Primary to University.
I don’t think most of them would know how to Turn on a Lap Top let alone use it.
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If this is another one of those Dr Ranil’s Porkies like VW Jobs, and Fee Wi Fi , which Akila Boy has copied . I have no problem with it.
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But if they are really going to buy , I can imagine how big those UNP Commission Kattas will rake in…
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Emil van der Poorten / July 6, 2019
Spring Koha;
Truer words than yours have not been spoken but I’m afraid that what seems like the collective idiocy of Sri Lanka can’t see what is staring them in the face.
I am resentful, though, that those of us with basic commonsense are going to be victims of the stupidity of the chavinist, racist, communalistic horde.
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K A Sumanasekera / July 3, 2019
Although one of the longest continuously surviving major Ethnic Community in the World , the Sinhala Buddhist have the lowest per capita income among all Buddha followers in the World..
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This is because our Sinhala Buddhists from the time of Indian Invader Kings up until the late 1900s hade been told that their Fate is determined by Karma .
In other words, if you are poor it is your Karume and nothing you can do about it.
Get some Samurdhi and be Happy..
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It suited to a hilt to all those Invaders, not only from India but also from Portugal, Holland , England and even the Elite and the Anglicans, and the Vellalas whom the English were kind enough to give us as their preferred lo,t to take care of us after their Departure..
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Although an Elite himself, Old Banda change it.
Since then our Sinhala Buddhists Brothers and Sisters from the Village slowly but gradually started getting a foot hold in their own country and get ahead a bit in Social and Economic Terms.
After the elimination 30 year Tamil Terrorism and the death ,destruction and hardships that the Terrorists created, our great majority thought they can speed up their Social and Economic Progress at a reasonable rate finally, to catch up what they have not been able to for 2500 years.
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Elite Anglican , Vellala , Diaspora and the West Conspiracy changed all that in January 2015.
They started the degrading of Buddhism , castrating the Sinhala Buddhist Influence and to put the final nail in the Coffin , that is the Partition of the Country which has been in One Piece for over 2500 years.
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Now the Sinhala Buddhists have come out to protect their Land and have a fare share of it .
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D. P. / July 3, 2019
Sumane’
How many of the S/B themselves have become Diaspora and making more than their fair share abroad? If deported Vijaya could build a kingdom and make the indigenous a second or third class citizens in their own home land, why not S/b diaspora could do the same somewhere else? Why you think that your own heroes GoRa/BaRa need extra Viagra doses in the US?
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K.A. Sumanasekera / July 5, 2019
Dee Pee,-
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Good to hear you and your mates are doing well specially in Trump Land.
If S/B Dalits in the Village can come over to join you and make a fair share in the Diaspora it is fantastic.
Does it happen?..
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When Pira was calling the Shots with Dr Ranil and the TNA on side. even Sumane would have gone to the USA, if I could win one of those Green Cards..
No way I could have bought one.. I mean afforded one.
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Good Luck to GoRa & BaRa.
Even better luck for our great inhabitant population who are S/,B Dalits.
Because GoRa and BaRa came back and rescued them from Pira with the help of MaRa…
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I don’t think you have come to see them even after they got liberated.
Otherwise you would not be arguing with Sinhala Man, who seems to know at least a bit about our School Kids, who are more Malnourished than Computer Literate..
Please read the recent UN Report on Lankawe.s Poor under Yahapalanaya..
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Native Vedda / July 3, 2019
KASmaalam
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“Although one of the longest continuously surviving major Ethnic Community in the World , the Sinhala Buddhist have the lowest per capita income among all Buddha followers in the World..”
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The rebranding of the Sinhala speaking Buddhists as Sinhala/Buddhist was single handedly achieved by the card carrying Public Racist Aryan Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala about 100 or so years ago. A few years ago Sinha Le campaign failed to rebrand it again.
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The Sinhala/Buddhist have been trying to reinvent and rebrand their fascist ideology. Please leave the Sinhalese, Buddhists, Muslims, Tamils, Hindus, Christians, .. alone.
I am sorry you cannot package 21 Million people of diverse identity by your Sinhala/Buddhist fascist branding.
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Emil van der Poorten / July 6, 2019
Sumaney:
Where the hell did you get the justification to say “Although one of the longest continuously surviving major Ethnic Community in the World?”
If confirmation be needed of stupidity being exemplified by the likes of you, seldom do you seem to let an opportunity pass to do so!
Have to admit that you seem to be succeeding in becoming to CT what the Rabbit was to Alice in Wonderland. That said, beware of myxamatosis which took such a toll of those Australian inhabitants at one time!
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Native Vedda / July 7, 2019
Emil van der Poorten
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“Where the hell did you get the justification to say “Although one of the longest continuously surviving major Ethnic Community in the World?”
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Although KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera does not consider Patali Champika Ranawaka as being Sinhala/Buddhist now KASmaalam was educated by Patali while he was canoodling with Mahinda.
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K.A. Sumanasekera / July 7, 2019
Mr Poorten,
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Myxamotosis must must have got into your Buddy Dr Ranil’s UNP for sure..
I am on the re wind button every time Galleon comes on on our Social Media.
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Daddy sent Keselwatta Kid to London to do AL, not Colombo London College where your mates send their kids to learn English.
My Elders tell me the Kid was enrolled in a course at the London School of Economics as well.
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I know Galleon Ravi went to Royal. Did he get through his OL.?.
I know the old Royal Boys in the UNP are good at fixing Government Bonds and raking in big Bux through Insider Trading.
At least Keselwatta Kid din’t do that sort of dodgy deals.
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No wonder the Kid said he will make Lankawe Corruption free Santhosam free, Clean State where therewon’t be any poor people..
I love it.
Mr Poorten you better start paying your Staff well, Otherwise you will have to import Malayali workers from Hindia.
That is if Keselwatta Kid signs off on Dr Rani’s FTA with India.
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Rajan Hoole / July 3, 2019
A refreshingly frank piece to come from one whom I trust is a Sinhalese Buddhist. By now everyone who cares to know, knows that the Muslims were in no way to blame for the Easter attacks. Yet, almost everyone in authority has remained tight-lipped as Muslims were attacked and maligned. In the case of the Tamils in 1977 and 1983 there was the excuse that many of them in despair voted for a separate state. The severity with which the Government dealt with it has destroyed the law and the unitary state has become a fiction. Whether in the universities or in the provinces no one thinks there is a system of laws that one could appeal to. Governance is through agents who can be quite arbitrary.
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K.A. Sumanasekera / July 4, 2019
Mr Hoole says” The Muslims were in no way to blame for the Easter Attacks”.
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I know Hemasiri and Pujitha are Sinhala Buddhists, Pujitha in fact is a Meditating Sinhala Buddhist ..
But both are UNP and or Yahapalananistas .Not the poor Sinhala Buddhist Fascists.
Otherwise they wouldn’t have got those “Gigs”..
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Looks to me the Thamil Diaspora and it Buddies are not happy at all.
Sinhala Buddhist Fascists didn’t come out in hordes with Machettis & Fire Torches , slashing and burning everything with Sign Boards in Thamil….
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Native Vedda / July 5, 2019
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
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“Sinhala Buddhist Fascists didn’t come out in hordes with Machettis & Fire Torches , slashing and burning everything with Sign Boards in Thamil….”
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Of course not, however the Sinhala/Buddhist fascists were too busy fire bombing, houses, people, properties motor vehicles, libraries, books, … bombing from the sky, dropping shit bombs, shelling, ….. killing, white vanning, forcing people to disappear, raping, ………………… collecting kapang from Tamil/Muslim mudalalies, and kidnapped victims, looting, ……………enacting crease yakka ordeal, destroying, temples, churches, …. …… When did the fascists those who are in uniform as well as civil ever respected people?
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You have a problem. You do not seem to know what is right and what is wrong, what is human dignity and human decency, ……………….
You are a pathetic lot who never learn, never think, never stop digging your own grave, ….. then keep blaming the victims because you have no idea/sense of what is right and what is wrong, …
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nalmen / July 3, 2019
i think it was hegel who said time brings forth the man
lets hope it is none of the old codgers who are oblivious to the danger
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Saman Abayarathna / July 3, 2019
These monks are the results of Muslim extremists in the country. Once the extremists are gone they don’t have a cause to exist.
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Salim / July 3, 2019
Saman
Except for the few involved in the Easter Sunday tragedy whom the rest of the Muslims condemned, who are the Muslim extremists you are talking of?
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Lanka Perera / July 3, 2019
Salim this is the propaganda of the government to protect Muslim politicians and businessmen who are involved in Islamic terrorism who had also funded Sinhala politicians of both sides. You are parroting out the statement that only a few Muslims were involved put out by the government to cover up the atrocities. When except a few Muslim politicians in main stream parties who condemned it, the rest in fringe Muslim parties have not uttered a word about it. Can you forward the statement by SLMC the major Muslim party condemning it. You are confusing extremism with terrorism. Many Muslims may have not committed or supported acts of terror, but there are several Muslim extremists who are committing acts which brings racial disharmony especially in the east. Arabisation of parts of the country, wearing of Arab dress by women and men and growing beards are signs of Islamic extremism, which these Muslims are resisting to get rid of. It is coming to light that these extremists have received funds from abroad for their activity. Hisbullah told lies about foreign funding and has been caught. Now Bathurdeen’s wife is being quizzed by police for unexplained wealth. The list goes on. Do you expect us to believe that the crime of this magnitude, which requires meticulous planning and rigorous training could be done only by a handful of Muslims.
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Salim / July 4, 2019
Lanka,
Your argument is as confusing and without factual basis.
Firstly you say that the Government is protecting Muslim politicians and businessmen involved in terrorism. So the Government indirectly also supports terrorism.
Then you say that what you are not talking about terrorism but extremism reflected by the dress and beards of some Muslims. So long as these do not infringe on the rights of the other communities, why should anybody be worried.
I now see half naked women walking the streets reflecting Western cultural influence over the last decade. Shouldn’t you be worried about that also.
We know all politicians are rogues whether they are Muslims, Buddhists, Christians or Hindus. I saw a list of the richest people in Sri Lanka all of whom are politicians and Buddhists.
My problem is that my life and that of my family has become very tense not knowing what tomorrow will bring. I hear that Sunday will bring thousands of saffron clad ruffians to Kandy to tell Muslims to give up their religion. Is this the situation you want?
Please watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shhiYMibHjo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3SguUZ4K0fR_SfcFOvepPEh0yV_KawCsBbBLl2i75fpQZv7dNa8dsCnbQ
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Lanka Perera / July 4, 2019
Salim, don’t be hasty to condemn others when Muslims are doing worse things. In Puttalam 50 Sinhala families were converted to Islam by the local mosque giving a free house to each and an organisation giving money. In Bandaragama a Sinhala man married to a Muslim woman was forced to convert to Islam and when he refused was driven out of the village. Local mosque people visited the house forcing his wife to obey mosque law and covert the children to Islam and when she refused was assaulted by the villagers. So what is wrong for Buddhist priests to demand that Muslims convert to Buddhism, when forced conversions of non Muslims to Islam is rampant in Muslim countries. There will be a better world if Muslims abandon their barbaric and backward religion.
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Salim / July 4, 2019
Lanka
Please tell me where you are getting these ‘fairy tales’?
Give me a reference I can check on independently.
Otherwise please refrain from telling all these lies.
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Old codger / July 5, 2019
Salim,
Lanka Perera gets these stories from the same place that Soma hamuduruwo got his stories of Christians converting people- his imagination
All you have to do is plant a story in the media and then quote it
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Emil van der Poorten / July 6, 2019
Saman Abayarathna:
Are you trying to describe which came first: the chicken or the egg?
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Nathan / July 3, 2019
Whatever we say that end has already come. Country is in the hands of evil politicians and utterly stupid and ignorant Buddhist clergy. It has reached a point of no return. These theros are worst than the thugs or the goons or even the GMOA morons. Do these guys really know what Buddha really preached. Are they practising religion or running a trade union organisation? It is becoming patently clear that these guys have no knowledge or basic education to understand what is happening around and I am sure they are given a hand book of some sort of Buddhist Extremism to memorise and pretend as Monks. But it is clear that they have taken control of the whole set up and dirty politicians are using them for their nefarious activities. First someone must investigate individually who these guys are, what their knowledge about Buddhism, their criminal background etc. They are just like stray dogs and when someone just lifts a stone they will start howling. Disgusting and disgraceful.
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MrRetort / July 3, 2019
It’s not only Gnanasara, Rathana and the Asgiriya Chapter, there is another very powerful component in this game is Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith trying to hang Roman Catholic Church as the fourth Nikaya in the Activity. All the backing is forthcoming from bankrupt power hungry politicians trying to control the country, not to develop it but to move from number one rich position in the land to number one in Asia.
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Serendib honey / July 3, 2019
I fully agree with the writer, but wonder if the most gullible citizens of our mother land would pay attention to this. Better to have this translated into Sinhala and Tamil as well.
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / July 3, 2019
The root cause are the politicians who are instrumental for this complicated issue. They should not have used religion for their benefits. Religion should not be given unwanted importance in politics. Had there been a small cabinet consisting of 15 ministers such a plight would not have occurred. What is the need to have separate Ministries of each and every religious affairs in addition to the Deputy & State Ministers. Everything should have been under one Ministry of Education & Cultural Affairs. Such a distribution of Ministries eventually resulted in having links with extremists in foreign countries. The presence of Wahabbism in the 1970s was a case in point. There were differences of ideologies among the organized religions. Fortunately Hinduism is not a organized religion. I do not know how the Central authority of every religion have directed the leaders of every religions in Sri Lanka. However, we cannot blame the Buddhist priests in its entirety. I have observed that there is a change in the trend of the extreme Buddhist priests of whom Gnanasara Thero has addressed the other communities to understand the Buddhists who comprise almost 65% of the population. For instance, when Rishard Badurden sought permission for a copper factory owned by a Muslim, no one knew that the factory turned out to be terror factory. The links he and Hisbullah had with NTJ demonstrated that these politicians established a section of the Eastern Province as Terror breeding ground which was proved when the Military Forces confronted the Muslim extremists at Sainthamaruthu subsequent to the Easter Sunday carnage. If this is the situation people will look for religious leaders at a time the politicians attempt to protect the Muslim politicians. My view is that we should win the confidence of the Sinhala people and allay their fears from their mind. But now it is difficult whether any one will purchase goods from Muslim shops. This is not hate propaganda but fear for their life which is at the heart of the Buddhist priests.
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Salim / July 3, 2019
Ayathurai,
In this country, one can tell any lie and get away with it. Politicians and the saffron clad thugs do it all the time. The more it is repeated, it becomes the truth and our simple minded buffoons are at the mercy of these liars and they dance to the tune of these rascals.
Now Ayathurai, tell me what evidence you have to say “Rishard Badurden sought permission for a copper factory owned by a Muslim” or to say “The links he and Hisbullah had with NTJ”.
Your remarks are indeed mischievous to say the least.
By the way, using a Tamil name does not hide who you really are!
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / July 3, 2019
Salim,
Can you please as to how Rishard Badurdeen’s wife’s account exceeded 500 Million. This was a news item. Being a Director how did she earn this money?
Seeking permission by Rishard Badurdeen who had not disclosed the motive of the factory. Moreover, there were photos Hisbullah and Rishard Badurdeen separately with NTJ’s Zaharan discussing and can you account how those official vehicles were seen at Zaharan’s residence. Finally can you touch your conscience and deny that Rishard Badurdeen and Hisbullah were not involved in the murder of Tamils who were in the custody of the Military Forces. You are aware that Hisbullah mentioned that stream of blood will be running should there be an amalgamation of North-East Province. Mentioning of the phrase ‘stream of blood will be running’ has raised number of doubts. This is not only against the Tamils but against India as wwell. Finally how is it that about 55 Sinhalese families been converted to Islam in Puttalam where Rishard Badurdeen has moved. This is not hate propaganda but a national crisis which affects every one. I do not think there is any fault on the Buddhist priests. God is monitoring everything.
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Salim / July 4, 2019
Ayathurai,
You have still not answered my comment. Factual evidence is necessary. You are still talking of the lies now being propagated.
Also you should not confuse religion with criminal activity. If somebody has illegal money he is a criminal and should be charged. How do you account for billions reported in the name of Ranil and Mahinda? We do have a national crisis with 225 in Parliament and a rogue President sitting on top.
It has nothing to do with Islam and Muslims.
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / July 5, 2019
Salim,
Islam and criminal activity is blended together when there is absence of forgiveness. How do you account for cruel punishment that is given to women. If a Muslim embraces another faith of his or her choice in compliance with the UN Declaration of Human Rights, that person is given a punishment. Moreover, there was an incident that a young Muslim girl was beaten to death in Sri Lanka for having an affair with a boy of another faith. I have given the date and place in one of my articles in the Colombo Telegraph. The national crisis I am talking about is the threat to the security of Sri Lanka and to other Democratic countries where Sri Lanka is unnecessarily dragged. What more do want more than the Easter Sunday carnage which provides answer for utilization of all unlawful money resulting in the destruction of lives & properties.
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Salim / July 6, 2019
Ayathuray,
Why are you changing the subject? I am asking you for factual evidence of a multitude of allegations you and your friends make against Islam and Muslims. You have not answered any. Now you are talking of a Muslim girl being beaten to death. That is murder and is not Islam. If so, the law of the land will prevail. If you open the newspapers today. There are many murders. Mostly by Buddhists. That does not make Buddhism bad. The whole country is suffering because of people like you who keep telling lies and keep repeating them.
A few days ago, the Island reported one of your Theros saying in Nugegoda, that Muslims have killed about 20 people under the Shariah law and he says that he has all the evidence. There is no Shariah law in this country permitting murder. There is only one law in this country for criminal activity. If this has happened, then criminal law will prevail. And if your Thero knows the details, he should be charged for hiding evidence. Has he even been questioned by the authorities. What action against the Island for reporting a blatant lie.
If the Theros, politicians, the media and people like you stop telling lies, then this country will be a paradise. All of you together have lost all ethical and moral values and are a bloody disgrace!
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Eagle Eye / July 3, 2019
Throughout history, whenever the country or Sinhalayo faced threats Buddhist Monks placed country and Sinhalayo first and religion second. When ‘Para Demalu’ from Hindusthan invaded Sinhale, some Monks went to the battle field because they knew if the country fell to the hands of ‘Para Demalu’, there will be no place for Buddhism.
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During colonial rule Monks took a leading role against Portuguese, Dutch and British. Several monks went in front of the firing squad of British bastards.
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Right now, Sri Lanka and Native Sinhalayo are facing threats from two groups. First group consist of the descendants of slaves brought to this country illegally from Malabar by Portuguese, Dutch and British ‘Parayas’. They are all out to grab a part of the country for themselves.
Second group consist of descendants of Muslims who were given refuge by Sinhalayo when they faced slaughter by Portuguese. They want to change this country to a Muslim country. So Buddhist Monks coming forward to protect the country and Native Sinhalayo when their very existence is threatened by ‘Para Demalu’ and ‘Para Muslims’ is not surprising.
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Guys who are getting paid to tarnish the image of Buddhist Monks and Sinhala Buddhists will use such involvements to achieve their objectives and will write such things as ‘Para Sinhala Buddhist Fascists’, ‘Yellow clad thugs’, ‘Sinhala Buddhist bigots’. Who Cares!
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Samuel / July 3, 2019
Eagle Eye
“So Buddhist Monks coming forward to protect the country and Native Sinhalayo when their very existence is threatened by ‘Para Demalu’ and ‘Para Muslims’ is not surprising.”
What is the protection that they are doing. Resorting to thuggery is protection?
Politicians and manipulators are exploiting these simpletons such as “Eagle Eye” to achieve their ends and in the process ruining the economy and the country.
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Suranga Gunasekera / July 3, 2019
A religion is a way of life, which has a philosophy based on morality and equipped with beliefs.
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Though we say science is based on evidence, it’s also a platform for many beliefs.
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Theories without facts and assumptions without evidence are the building blocks of science.
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To practice these beliefs, we need humans. And if the habitat of these humans are in threat, so will be the religious and scientific platforms.
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The issue is sovereignty of our nation is under threat.
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We need to realize the religious leaders are constantly dealing with issues of our country in the grass roots level.
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Intuitively they will come forward to represent their communities.
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Rather than finding them as the problem, we need to consider the issues they are raising on behalf of the public they are representing.
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Seyed Niyaz Abdeen / July 3, 2019
Unity is strength. Thanks to GG Ponnampalam for advising SWRB on Politics with the Sinhala only banner which won him the 1956 election. Today, that rule of the Sinhala only language has created a Sinhala fluent class of non-Sinhalese who can debate Sinhala Sinhalese on equal terms on any platform which raises the question of who is a Sinhalese? The Sinhala language is widely spoken by at least ninety percent of the Sri Lankans of which at least seventy percent are fluent in speaking and writing the language.
Meanwhile, Buddhism is not ONLY for the Sinhalese. Buddhism is a philosophy delivered to mankind by Gautama Buddha at a time when religions were unheard of except beliefs like in Hinduism. Buddhism, knowingly or unknowingly, is followed by all mankind because it is a philosophy which is based on practicalityre whereas in religion there is a creator in God. However, the religion and philosophy have the same values only they are in different languages. I hope the Sinhalese of Sri Lanka will understand this or are made to understand that though we are divided by faith, beliefs or philosophy, we are all Sri Lankans and we all must stand united for the progress of the nation. All government salaried personnel must realize that at the end of the month their salaries are paid by the government and not by their faiths.
therefore they are expected to do their services without bias and with a clear conscience that they are serving another fellow human being and not a Sinhalese, Hindu , Christian, Muslim or of any other faith but also a Sri Lankan
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anonymous / July 3, 2019
A ‘failed pariah’ state in it’s final stage of making ?.
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Nathan / July 3, 2019
Paraya as usual talking of paras. This para paraya blaming suddhas but living at suddhas charity in Australia. If not this fellow must be in slave island slum selling Ganja. Only this moron knows about some guys coming from India. Is it Buddha, vijaya, mahinda, sangamitta, or Pali, Sanskrit, Tamil or reddhe and hatte or Silva, fernando, perera, livera, almeida and Aponso. If not for Mahanamas imagination and fear of Tamil Hindus you wouldn’t even had Mahavamsa aka mahavambu. He gave a clout to Vijayan by saying he landed on the day Buddha attained nirvana. Para can you say where to find Vijayan. Revival of Hinduism only made the modayas to even say that only Sinhalas of Dukka deepa can protect Theravada Buddhism and certainly not by Para Buddha. At the time of Buddha Sinhala race was not invented or even imagined of. Mahavamsa is a copycat of Hindu Puranas by a monk with the usual distortion that still continues. If you don’t have a history then create a history. Moda Para, monks advised kings in India when Buddhism was flourishing and even scholars were Buddhists and Jains. But who expected that in this island will evolve a national curse called Sinhala Buddhist clergy that will mislead the gullible, encourage hatred, encourage killing and encourage thuggery and finally ruin Buddhism. These guys are still worshipping Hindu gods while claiming as Buddhists, what a bunch of blind goons. Blind Eagle aka HLD, why don’t you read something new instead of the same bull shit you vomit.
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Eagle Eye / July 4, 2019
Nathan,
“If you don’t have a history then create a history.”
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Sinhalayo do not have to create history. According to findings of Prof. Raj Somadeva, Sinhalayo have a history that goes beyond Mahawamsa. According to his findings that have been confirmed scientifically, Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo have evolved from Homo Sapiens that lived in this country 125,000 years ago. Evidence for this was found in Pathirajawela in Hambantota District.
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Demalu have to create history because there are no evidences to support Demalu lived in this country. Presence of Demalu in this country is a result of invasions from Hindusthan and slaves brought by colonial rulers. ‘Traditional Homeland’ is a concept floating in the air. Not a realistic one.
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Old codger / July 5, 2019
Eagle,
Raj Somadeva also said that Buddhist monks have destroyed evidence in the caves that they used. Listen properly to his lecture.
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Viraj / July 3, 2019
There is absolutely no crisis being created by these parties. They speak for the rights of the Sinhalese in this country which no politician is bothered about. Colombo Telegraph sees it as a crisis as its very clear where its loyalties lie. If there is nobody to speak on behalf of the Sinhala people then we have no option but to seek the leadership of the Buddhist/Christian Clergy who are taking the lead to protect the Sinhala people and the future generations of Sri Lanka. If somebody has a problem with that please go to Hell.
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Native Vedda / July 3, 2019
Viraj
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I am sorry could you remind me the name of the country you are discussing about.
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“If there is nobody to speak on behalf of the Sinhala people then we have no option but to seek the leadership of the Buddhist/Christian Clergy who are taking the lead to protect the Sinhala people and the future generations of Sri Lanka.”
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We are speaking against the saffron clad theocratic thugs in order to protect the Sinhalese and Buddhists from them and liberate them from Sinhala/Buddhist fascists.
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” If somebody has a problem with that please go to Hell.”
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Hopefully CT is in the process of stopping you from going to hell.
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Rabok / July 3, 2019
Okay Religious Leaders trying to do politics cannot be accepted – no arguments about that – however the religious leaders are not doing politics — they are talking about National Security – they are talking about the careless attitude of the politicians in power about the security of the country – they are against political leaders who are more worried about their voter base than the security of the country – they are calling people to rally round them to chase those political parties from power – Vishwa when a group of rascals chasing behind you with a 2’x2′ pole to hammer you what would you do ?? Try to sit and teach them about Ahimsa ?? first you have to overpower them – then make them immobile and then you can talk about Ahimsa provided they are willing to listen –
when there is nobody to ensure the rights of Sinhalese at least religious leaders should come forward and educate the public the dangers they are facing –
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Samuel / July 3, 2019
Rabok
The problem is that everybody is imagining that there is a group chasing them with a 2’x2′ pole.
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concerned citizen / July 3, 2019
In school, some students can be corrected by giving a stern warning, but some incorrigible ones requires tough disciplining like a good beating by which they feel the pain to fall in line such as corporal punishment. in most cases, when these student grow up, they thank the tough disciplining which helped them to get better .
Some of the Sri Lankan majority is like these incorrigible lot, they don’t listen to reasoning, they are just taking things for granted, the only language that will make them listen is a good beating which they will be thankful for in the future.
If they can see clearly the action that they are doing is going to harm them more than benefit them, then they will stop, other than this nothing else will work.
If the state doesn’t take any action to control the current situation of unabated riots and violence against the minorities, a global campaign similar to boycott Israel products will be a good deterrent, of course it will take some time to gain traction but in the long run it will get the necessary attention and required results consequently
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jehan / July 3, 2019
Buddhism will be destroyed by gnansaraya and asgiriya like in Thailand/Myanmar where monks are pimps. Prostitution is the highest in these countries with monks getting girls as young as 5years for sex for customers. all in the temples.Next end game of Buddhism.
Thailand has a HIV positive population of 29%. Myanmar at presents no statistics. but should be 30-40%.
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Asoka / July 3, 2019
Vishwamithra, just as the concept of God has to be abolished, to be rational minded we also need to banish stupid concepts such as karma, rebirth and nirvana! Asoka
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Goraka / July 3, 2019
Buddhism has failed Sri Lanka. It has created politicians who take bribery, spreading racism, drunkeness, drug-dealing, violence, etc. and they are conniving with Buddhist monks who will do or say anything to please these politicians. If Buddhism is a rational philosophy, why are Sri Lankans so corrupt? Sri Lankan can do without Buddhism and they will be a beautiful nation.
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Eagle Eye / July 4, 2019
Goraka,
With Buddhism, Sinhale was a beautiful country until 1505. This country got corruption from Portuguese, Dutch and British Christians.
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Rajash / July 4, 2019
The Sri Lankan Sinhala Buddhist want to destroy themselves …..and take the country down with them….and they are in a hurry.
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Shrikharan / July 4, 2019
I can see in the photo, all those misguided people are praying for the devil!
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Eddie wijesuriya / July 4, 2019
The clergy should stay out of politics and confine themselves to religious affairs.
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Nathan / July 4, 2019
Blind Eagle, who s this Somadeva, a great grand son of Mahanama. Do you know Blind, how you guys have cooked up a Sinhala non existent history while hiding the truth of other natives. Somadeva need not say that humans existed in Ilankai for at least half a million years. No one contests that Blind. Balangoda man is only 35000 years. Anacottai man much earlier than that and had clear Hindu Dravidian edicts that were also found in other parts of Ilankai and even in hambanthottai. Thondeswaram at present day dondara existed prior to Buddhism. Only Para porthukesu karaya distroyed that and later encroached as usual by Sinhala Buddhist invaders who now made it into Vishnu devalaya. But whom do they worship there. Shiva, murugan, pillaiyar, kali, come on blind moron. So blind the natives are of course vedas, nagas, yakka s all basically a Dravidian stock with part Hindu faiths. How many words from Vedda language crept into Sinhala besides other languages. So blind, for heaven sake never say you are sone one else. You evolved from Vedda, naga, yakka all Dravidian base. Do you blind remember how your natives running from one place to another escaping from your same back stabbers until the arrival of Portuguese . Even there your guys betrayed the locals at Kotte. Then came the entire Sinhala culture of dress, names, language, music, even the kakkoosi. If not for them the southern guys would have been still going around in amudey and topless women eating wild animals. Blind Eagle, don’t you think it is better for you to keep quite about your history that is nothing other than a total fabrication. When you guys claim Dutte Gamini as a Sinhala or mythical Vijayan as Sinhala or Ravana as Sinhala, what more one can say. Even that racist liar Anaakarika ( in Tamil-uncivilised) Dharmapalan had to run away to India to escape you guys.
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concerned citizen / July 4, 2019
Nathan
please check this on Google — this is based on DNA evidence, if people don’t believe in scientific evidence, no point talking any further, according to this, everyone is para to this land except the veddas, only timing difference
Yes, the Sinhalese have their origins in Bengal, Odisha | Research …https://indianexpress.com › Research
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Nathan / July 4, 2019
Citizen, it is pouring water on ducks back. They only believe lies and that is how brought up.
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K.Pillai / July 6, 2019
Lankans have noticed the ‘Seeds Of A National Crisis In The Making’ but they are among ‘the silent majority’. The sprout may smother the fabric of our society already struggling to breath.
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Vishwamitra is the first writer of note to identify, albeit potential, three of the ‘National Crisis Makers’.
We appreciate your courage Vishwa particularly naming Gnanasara, Ratana & Asgiriya Chapter.
Asgiriya seems to be frozen in time when demanders of impendence, thought that Hitler was a hero because he stood against imperialism.
UNP List MP Ratana Thera has experienced the pangs of hunger. We may see a Mr Ratana soon.
Gnanasara Thera, the founder/Leader of Bodu Bala Sena is rightwing, extreme nationalist and is all out to create a Buddhist Sinhala Only SL. The deeds/misdeeds of Gnanasara will not promote reconciliation. SLPP is fully behind Gnanasara. Should Gnanasara be reined in?
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Yogeswaran Thuraisingham / July 6, 2019
When you have such idiots praying and listening to these scumbags, say bye bye to Sri-lanka’s freedom. It is really very unfortunate that most villagers do not have a good education hence, can be easily duped. MR knows it and all his talks are when he visits temples. There must be some educated youngsters among these villagers who could play a very efficient role in educating their parents, uncles and aunties and relations as to what is happening in Sri lanka. Another unfortunate thing is that Sri Lankans have a Hobson’s choice. I just can’t see the light at the other end of the tunnel. Even if Lord Buddha was to make an appearance in Sri lanka, and finding out the sorry mess these so called Buddhist monks have done, he would prefer to go back to his grave.
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Bambbara / July 6, 2019
You All are subjective idiots as to what you say, how you say it, and where your brain power ( or lack of it ) resides!
Does, or should your thoughts be concentrated on 2,500 years ago?
Talking amongst yourself as History! Give me a break. Cast your little mind to today, tomorrow. HISTORY IS WHAT IT IS, WILL ALWAYS BE, AND IN THE PAST.
We, the people are for today! And the future.
Have you any idea the situation you are in? With your alleged Leaders committing crime after crime and siphoning ALL THE PEOPLES ( as Sovereign) inherent wealth !
For their benefit! What has been the Sovereign People’s reward?
Religion is a belief. For those whom support it – from whatever FAITH. BLESS YOU.
RELIGION, TO BE USED AS A TOOL FOR PROFIT, TO INSTIGATE VIOLENCE AND HATRED IS INCONCEIVABLE, AND UNDERMINES ALL YOU AND I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT -I hope.
You should, in my opinion, assess where you are, where you want to be as a Nation, and take remedial steps to ensure this happens.
Those choices are for the YOU AND THE THE PEOPLE.
Give you can write ( somewhat? ) help your colleagues to UNDERSTAND WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON IN YOUR COUNTRY.
How is it possible for a Religious/ LEADER / S
Leader
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