Watareka Vijitha thera, whom the Police recently claimed to have confessed to self-inflicting the wounds on his body and fabricating his abduction, has condemned the police and media accusations leveled at him during a brief interview last night given just minutes before his arrest.
Watareka Vijitha Thero
Speaking to the Ceylon Today – a mainstream English newspaper in Sri Lanka, Vijitha thera has refuted the statements publicized by the Police, as confessions made by the monk.
“I don’t have any wish to perform a blood sacrifice like the ascetics in India during the olden days,” Vijitha thera says.
He adds that even under extremely restricted conditions, he decided to give the comment upon listening to the media reportage on him and the claims that have been propagated by the Police as his confessions.
Even while he was taking, it was clear to see he was tense as he keeps looking away from the interviewer furtively from time to time.
“All that I have to say at present is that everything will be clear in the next couple of days. The whole world will know the truth about what really happened,” he has stated.
He has also expressed regret about the present situation in the country.
“But, just like in the Thelapatte jataka story I will not abandon my campaign until peace and reconciliation among all communities in this country – the Sinhalese, tamils and Muslims, are ensured,” he adds.
Vijitha thera has further spoken very emotionally on the rumours that have been spread about him. “The outrageous, racist elements of this country have continued to assassinate my character, without stopping at shedding my blood. They have already succeeded in killing me,” he has stated.
In his final few words during the interview before closing up the curtain partitioning the hospital bed he was in, Vijitha thero has stated, “Gnanasara who damaged the properties and murdered people in Aluthgama remains scot-free today while I, who has always promoted peace and reconciliation, will be taken into custody in a few more minutes.”
Vijitha thera was arrested this afternoon by the Colombo Crimes Division and has been remanded until July 2 upon being produced before the Panadura Magistrate Courts. Earlier this week the Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana stated at a media briefing that Wijitha thera confessed to self-inflicting the wounds on his body using a set of keys and blades.
Peace Lover / June 26, 2014
A great priest who practices Buddhism and a real example to all Sri Lankans unlike the BBS monks who are full of violence and racism and a real disgrace to any society,I can even call them as Meeharakas as then the Buffalos will get offended to be branded with the BBS monks.
Now over to the apologists and paid coolies such as K A Sumanasekera (LEELA),Fathima (Lorenso),Thondamannar,Jim Softly and Ella Kolla to write their stupid comments!
/
AVB / June 26, 2014
Could anybody deny the last statement of Vijitha Sadu? Gnanasara, arrogant murderer, is a national hero and this man who oppose Ganansara is going to jail. Who should be blamed… I believe blame should go to the whole nation of Guppies… Guppies who just follow other masses of Guppies which swim ahead of them and see all others fishes going on different directions are fools and wrong, and keep following the masses and doing the same until their death…
If you don’t believe Gnanasara is a national hero, check Sinhalese websites like LankaCNews to see average Sinhalese comments on any news against Gnanasara.
/
gamini / June 26, 2014
In hind sight I am beginning to wonder whether the assault on Wataraka Vijitha is a Police Job, to put it so bluntly without much investigation, that it was a self job?
/
Sumith / June 26, 2014
What is happening to this monk is terrible !!
What Mangala saying is true.
Gota is behind BBS and all the racial violence. They are not worried about that this is going to be another 1983 july, becasue they are the one inciting these racial violence and they know they are in control and that they will not get it out of hand, by their definition.
Karma is a bitch. even if you are a king karma will come after you oneday.!
/
Dodo / June 26, 2014
Fair is foul and foul is fair – Gota the goon in Macbeth – in the Land of Sinhala Modayas.
The people have lost all faith in the Judiciary: Rauf Hakeem the scum of the earth Muslim who is tangoing with with Rajapakse is so called Minister of Justice. He very likely will be assassinated by a Muslim some day soon.
Meanwhile Mangala Samaraweera who is the only so called member of the CORRUPT UNP opposition to speak out against and name the Buddhist Terrorist outfit that is run by Gota’s DEEP STATE to DIVIDE, DISTRACT and RULE Sinhala Modayas is to be questioned by the TID.
Meanwhile the real terrorists – Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Buddhist terrorist puppet GAG are running the Buddhist Terrorism show!
/
Tuan / June 26, 2014
wel brother most of our sinhalese brothers and sisters dont support who are educated and have good repo with other communities. Be patience and solve all parameters in our mother land. I have seen and listern to some Buddhist monks sermons and very patience and peaceful talking. But when i watch video of respected buddhist monk gnanasara, quiet unpleasant but one day respected monk may change. May God forgive his sins.
We are all human beings, we do mistakes after mistakes one day we will realise that. This is human nature. Most of my friends are from sinhalese buddhists overseas and in sri lanka.
/
Don Stanely / June 26, 2014
And the Daily Mirror which is a govt. rag that is only good to wipe Mahinda Jarapassa’s ass, publishes Gota the terrorist’s paranoid SPIN about LTTE in Canada as HEADLINES no less!
Champika after being threatened by Goon Gota seems to be in LOVE with him – an S & M relationship!?
What a land of Modayas let by the terrorist Rajapaksa brothers who are intent of turning Lanka into Iraq which is being quartered at this time!
For there are TWO ways to quarter a country:
1. With a weak security apparatus
2. A corrupt and criminal military dictatorship with a hyper-security DEEP STATE that keeps a multi-ethnic and multicultural polity boiling and divided – in order to rule.
/
Sumith / June 26, 2014
“Mangala faces arrest “
Whoever talks against Gota, BBS would end up like this.
/
sama / June 26, 2014
Even if Govt and many others insist that Wijitha thero worked for the funds offered by Muslims, I REALLY dont think that is it the truth. It is the media made it to be apppeared in that way so that BBS and some fractions among rulers painted the picture in favour of them. This has been a continous task subtly planned by Rajapakshe regime. They are world champions to abuse the pepole by every means.. I mean everymeans sometimes even not respecting the harm being made for the human life.
This is a tragic situation that we the people of this country never experienced in the past. CBK, RW or about others there are thousands of lies have been spread and being spread.. all because of the brutal deviousness of Rajapakshe rule.
/
Sirimal / June 26, 2014
Who would have this kind of guts to go against cold blooded brutal rulers than Wijitha thero. His fearlessness – should be highly respected, while all the vociferous politicians stay as if they are akin to crocodiles fed with kirimati (CLAY).
Wake up sinhalayani, muslims and tamils… we all should equally fight against the terror being made by THE STATE today.
He speaks to the nation lovely.. in a most palatable way while making every effort undergound continuing the other way around. Such devious leaders are of rarity in today^s world. Anyway, the days ahead of us will reveal more… that is for sure.
/
ela kolla / June 26, 2014
best actor in the whole world…M. Vijitha is tipped to be nominated for a Oscar
/
Anuruddha / June 26, 2014
Meeharaka, if you are a true Buddhist in your concious at least respect the Robe donned by this framed innocent.
/
ela kolla / June 27, 2014
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seniya s / June 26, 2014
BOOOOOOOOORUWA
/
ela kolla / June 27, 2014
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/
Sengodan. M / June 26, 2014
What a dangerous situation is developing in the country! It is going to be real anarchy before long!
Sengodan. M
/
Kevin / June 26, 2014
This reverand can perform miracles or Houdini type magic. He even managed to tie his own hands behind his own back. Wow! He should be made the President of our Bananastan.
/
Rigabaldi / June 26, 2014
I hope if it does, hecould wipe you ass and prick the rest.
/
Thrishantha / June 26, 2014
I make one request from all reasonable people. That is to start a daily satyakriya firmly resolving that the truth should win soon, that those who promote ethnic unity should be protected, and that peace should prevail. That is more powerful than asking for the bad people to perish. Google for Satyakriya if you are not sure of the practice. Buddha demonstrated its power in Visala city when the citizens were faced with a plague.
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ajith / June 26, 2014
We know how good are Srilankan police and security forces in fabricating stories in order to hide the truth. LIES are fundamental to Sinhala Buddhist extremism and terrorism. In this background who is going to believe that Sri Lanka is capable of investigating the crimes committed by this regime and its armed forces?
/
Lion / June 26, 2014
Ajith what are you talking Lies are not only fundamental to sinhalise its fundamental to every extrimist orgenisation be it sinhala,tamil or muslim.Talk sence man look at Rajapksha regime how it pumps lies in tons from morning to evening through radio and all its TV channels in addtions its daily noise.
/
Tamodaya / June 26, 2014
[Edited out]
/
BBS Rep / June 26, 2014
Those who choose to fight for justice have always got to pay a price. Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for decades under very trying conditions, while the world continued to do business with the racist regime of South Africa. The government of Sri Lankan has been travelling the same racist course as apartheid South Africa for a long time now. And like with apartheid South Africa there are many countries still doing business with Sri Lanka and not bringing any pressure on the Rajapaksa Cabal to correct their bad ways.
I hope one day Watareka Vijitha Thero will be recognised for what he has stood for and suffered – his conviction that all humans are equal. I for one will raise my hat to this brave soul who is trying to reconvert a country of beasts run by beasts back to the country of humans that once it was.
/
Amarasiri / June 26, 2014
A True Buddist, among the Para-Sinhala Maras.
“He has also expressed regret about the present situation in the country.”
“But, just like in the Thelapatte jataka story I will not abandon my campaign until peace and reconciliation among all communities in this country – the Sinhalese, tamils and Muslims, are ensured,” he adds.
“Vijitha thera has further spoken very emotionally on the rumours that have been spread about him. “The outrageous, racist elements of this country have continued to assassinate my character, without stopping at shedding my blood. They have already succeeded in killing me,” he has stated.”
“In his final few words during the interview before closing up the curtain partitioning the hospital bed he was in, Vijitha thero has stated, “Gnanasara who damaged the properties and murdered people in Aluthgama remains scot-free today while I, who has always promoted peace and reconciliation, will be taken into custody in a few more minutes.”
/
Abhaya / June 26, 2014
The poor man is dead scared . WTF is wrong with these fucking rulers . This is probably the begginning of the end of the Rajapakse’s . If this is how the country is run I dont think any body will care .
Abhaya
/
Samson S / June 26, 2014
How come this man to see the things finally right ? unbiased ?
What encouraged you to do so Mr Abhaya ? Today is not late than tomorrow.
If people could see it right, we would not have ended up this much critical as it is sensed today.
This is said to be the highest literate nation in South asia ( perhaps the figures are comparable to those of developed countries) to fall that deep PARTICULARLY in terms of HUMAN RIGHT PROTECTION- tragic
/
Man_Sur / June 26, 2014
Abhaya! Aiy bhaya welaade? What happened to you today? Where is all that hate that you espouse on Muslims, whilst wrapped up in a Muslim ladies dress, for which you are now infamous? It is now probably time for you to wear the Niqab as well and hide your face in shame, when these two monks go at each other’s throats, one standing for what is good and correct, and one for the scum and dirt.
/
Native Vedda / June 26, 2014
Abhaya
What has happened to you chap?
Have you had an accident recently?
You are not being yourself.
You sound new and improved.
Now I am able to retire from this forum.
“If this is how the country is run I dont think any body will care .”
We do care.
/
Kap De Silva / June 26, 2014
Friendship is the purest love. It is the highest form of Love where nothing is asked for, no condition, where one simply enjoys giving.
/
Snowden Edward Asange / June 26, 2014
How sad is this? A Peacemaker Monk is taken into custody by the POLICE while a monk who ignited violence and seen on youtube videos is still roaming free,making plans to incite more violence of small magnitude. He does not want BIG flare ups, He is planning to torch up Muslim village by village, town by town so that International Intervention wont happen..and the POLICE and the Government would say..oh that’s a minor hartaal which our POLICE tried to stop and the Muslims SET fire to their own selves and properties…
What does the POLICE spokesman think of the citizenry? Are we all FOOLS to believe his nonsense ? He and his ilk should be taken into custody for misleading the public, the courts and the world at large.. By what the Police spokesman has told about this Respected Rev is a laughing matter to the International Community.. Now comes the question of CREDIBILITY OF THE POLICE FORCE AND THE GOVT…OH YES NOT FORGETTING THE LADY WHO LIED TO THE UN ABOUT THE ALUTHGAMA INCIDENT..
BTW I wonder what happened to teh tweet of the President about taking into custody of the people involved in the carnage at Aluthgama… ? hasn’t he YET seen teh speech by Gandassara inciting violence and then going on a procession assisted by the Police and STF by torching and destroying Muslim s and their properties?
/
Marwan / June 26, 2014
Baduth haamuduruwange, naduth haamaduruwange. What more can you expect? Fair judgment in this country called Silly Lanka?
Oya rate minissu, kelinney pissu. Not heard the song yet?
/
Sisira Weragoda Korala Thune Gamarala (KUHAKAYEK) / June 26, 2014
“Even while he was taking, it was clear to see he was tense as he keeps looking away from the interviewer furtively from time to time.”
Good report, hope it, and more news in future will clear the falsehood and we get the truth. (which we have to ascertain)
However I wish to ask Ceylon Today reporter who interviewed the Thera,
Did he have any consideration to the trauma the monk was going through, when thrusting more questions to the monk towards the end of the interview?
It appears to me as if the reporter was ONLY concerned ‘hot news’ for his report , no human respect to the mental state of the monk. (or his welfare)
The reporter sounded like a media vulture.
/
Ingulhitiyawe Mendis / June 26, 2014
It is what sung about by the all time Frivolous Sinhala Heroes _ “[Edited out]
/
s.sundaram / June 26, 2014
i request some sociologists to do a study why our country and the law enforce. authorities have come down to this low level to fabricate a story as to the confession of a respected rev.prof. hettige, you can try or give a response to this knotty problem.
s.sundaram
/
rahula / June 26, 2014
it GOTA wants to become president or like prabakaran. he is a physcho.
/
sunil Dahanayake / June 26, 2014
I suggest that this alleged bogus Buddhist priest is a paid coolly who has been contracted to destroy the image of Buddhism and Buddhist Priests in Sri Lanka.
I also suggest that this alleged bogus Buddhist priest and his organisation (Jathika Bala Senawa) was created and supported by some Muslim Politicians in Sri Lanka (one alleged criminal from Mannar and one Muslim politician from Colombo). No sooner this Vijitha staged his drama and admitted to the Hospital one of these Muslim Politicians visited this bogus thero. This entire drama shows that some of the Muslim politicians and their backers are not real genuine politicians and peace loving citizens and they are bunch of crafty alleged criminals.
These alleged criminals have carefully crafted a ‘Cold War’ to convert Sri Lanka into a Muslim country within about another 400 years. But their strategies have been continually exposed to the general public by the Bodu Bala Sena and Jathika Hela Urumaya. Therefore these two parties (Bodu Bala Senawa and Jathika Hela Urumaya) have become a real headache for some of these alleged Taliban politicians.
I totally condemn the violence against the innocent Muslims in Sri Lanka. They should have a basic human right of living and carrying out their day to day activities peacefully in Sri Lanka.
Having mentioned the need for protecting the basic human rights of Muslim population in Sri Lanka, I suggest that the Sri Lankan government must introduce the following important policies and legal measures to prevent “arabization” of Sri Lanka.
1. There should be a legally imposed family planning system of Sri Lanka and number of children for one family unit should be restricted to 3 or 4. The government need to conduct population census every 5 years and population increase should be carefully monitored.
2. Polygamy should be completely banned in Sri Lanka like other western countries.
3. Sectarian laws such as “Muslim Law”, “theswalame” and “Buddhist Law” should be removed from the legal system and one unified legal system should be implemented such as “Dutch Roman law” or “British Law”.
If the Sri Lankan government can implement the above policy matters, the threat of “arabisation of Sri Lanka” can be eliminated from Sri Lanka in a civilised manner.
/
shankar / June 27, 2014
Sunil,i do not agree with you about what you say about vijitha thero,but i do agree with you about the restrictions of no of children in a family.Ideally it should be 2 children per family,otherwise one day srilanka may face famine.Our arable land is only 12000 sq.km while the population is 21 million a ratio of nearly one is to 2.Even though people talk of india’s huge population and our population as comparatively tiny,india has arable land of 1.4 million sq.km for a population of 1.25 million a ratio of about 1 is to 1.One day india will stop exporting food and we will have to starve as like now whenever there is shortages we can’t get down from india.Even if we import food is going to become more and more expensive in the future when the worlds population hits 8 billion from the current 7 and then hits nine and ten.I’am indeed surprised that srilanka is not planning its population for the future with so little arable land.
I agree with you that restrictions on the population will ameliorate the concerns of the sinhalese that the muslim community will become a larger and larger percentage,but it has to be done as you suggested in a non discriminatory way with the arable land as the main reason.
/
shankar / June 27, 2014
I made a mistake.India’s population is 1250 million.So for every million there is 1400 million sq.km arable land divided by 1250=1.12 million sq.km. arable land.
Srilanka’s population is 20 million.So for every million there is 12000sq.km arable land divided by 20=600000sq.km arable land.
So we can see that india with its huge population has nearly double the amount of arable land for every million of its population compared to us.
/
Sisira Weragoda Korala Thune Gamarala / June 26, 2014
Let me recite over and over
A WARNING FOR OUR TIMES
The famous words of Pastor Niemoller, who was arrested by the German Gestapo in 1938 ring loud and clear.
“
• In Germany, the Nazis came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a communist!
• Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Jew!
• Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Trade Unionist!
• Then they came for the Catholics, I was a Protestant and so I didn’t speak up!
• Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak for me!!”
Note: Niemoller survived in a prison in north Italy and liberated by the allied forces in May 1945
Otto Rene Castillo
To Apolitical Intellectuals
One day
the apolitical
intellectuals
of my country
will be interrogated
by the simplest
of our people.
They will be asked
what they did
when their nation died out
slowly,
like a sweet fire
small and alone.
No one will ask them
about their dress,
their long siestas
after lunch,
no one will want to know
about their sterile combats
with “the idea
of the nothing”
no one will care about
their higher financial learning.
They won’t be questioned
on Greek mythology,
or regarding their self-disgust
when someone within them
begins to die
the coward’s death.
They’ll be asked nothing
about their absurd
justifications,
born in the shadow
of the total lie.
On that day
the simple men will come.
Those who had no place
in the books and poems
of the apolitical intellectuals,
but daily delivered
their bread and milk,
their tortillas and eggs,
those who drove their cars,
who cared for their dogs and gardens
and worked for them,
and they’ll ask:
“What did you do when the poor
suffered, when tenderness
and life
burned out of them?”
Apolitical intellectuals
of my sweet country,
you will not be able to answer.
A vulture of silence
will eat your gut.
Your own misery
will pick at your soul.
And you will be mute in your shame.
/
Sisira Weragoda Korala Thune Gamarala / June 26, 2014
A WARNING FOR OUR TIMES
The famous words of Pastor Niemoller, who was arrested by the German Gestapo in 1938 ring loud and clear.
“
• In Germany, the Nazis came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a communist!
• Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Jew!
• Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Trade Unionist!
• Then they came for the Catholics, I was a Protestant and so I didn’t speak up!
• Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak for me!!”
Note: Niemoller survived in a prison in north Italy and liberated by the allied forces in May 1945
Otto Rene Castillo
To Apolitical Intellectuals
One day
the apolitical
intellectuals
of my country
will be interrogated
by the simplest
of our people.
They will be asked
what they did
when their nation died out
slowly,
like a sweet fire
small and alone.
No one will ask them
about their dress,
their long siestas
after lunch,
no one will want to know
about their sterile combats
with “the idea
of the nothing”
no one will care about
their higher financial learning.
They won’t be questioned
on Greek mythology,
or regarding their self-disgust
when someone within them
begins to die
the coward’s death.
They’ll be asked nothing
about their absurd
justifications,
born in the shadow
of the total lie.
On that day
the simple men will come.
Those who had no place
in the books and poems
of the apolitical intellectuals,
but daily delivered
their bread and milk,
their tortillas and eggs,
those who drove their cars,
who cared for their dogs and gardens
and worked for them,
and they’ll ask:
“What did you do when the poor
suffered, when tenderness
and life
burned out of them?”
Apolitical intellectuals
of my sweet country,
you will not be able to answer.
A vulture of silence
will eat your gut.
Your own misery
will pick at your soul.
And you will be mute in your shame.
/
Spring Koha / June 26, 2014
Dear wide-eyed readers, this amazing event that we see coming to pass is on par with the PS employee who tied himself to the tree to impress shit-mouth Mervyn at Kelaniya. Live long in sunny Sri Lanka and see the impossible happen before your very eyes. What next? The IGP arresting himself for dereliction of duty?
/
Native Vedda / June 27, 2014
Spring Koha
Where can I find Banda, Mechanic, Thondamanaru, sach, Navin, Ravi Perera Ramu, wathie, thrishu, Nuisanse,I am no human, ………. ? They have completely vanished from this forum.
Are they busy planning the next riot just after this weekend, storing petrol, marking the houses and properties, … ?
/
Raizuh Langai / June 26, 2014
All peace loving people of Sri Lanka should get together to protect this Reverend priest. If we fail in this we all will suffer. At the end of the episode lots of heads will roll. And the political masters of these heads will stoop to any level to protect their filthy souls. Hope the judiciary will rise up to protect this priest and the dignity of our beloved country.
/
Govinda Govinda / June 26, 2014
There are many good monks like Vijitha Thero.
Mahinda is in a crab basket. He cannot escape from his messy UPF crabs.
His worst enemy is the military intelligence service. If he does not toe their line mama mia he will be finished.
I am waiting to see the day this government will have its clean exist and put to the dust bin forever.
Mahinda has no other work. He is only a patron of the state attending opening ceremonies including oiling the wheals of the gallows in the Bogambara prison.
Gnanasara Thero is doing all the dirty work for Gota who has tasted the power to do anything at his will. Only thing left for Gota is his ultimate status of becoming the head of Sri Lanka.
The way things are progressing Holliwood drama is in the making. Pistols are ready for the Russian Roulette game. Any time the shots will be fired.
Gowinda! Gowinda!!
/
Amarasiri / June 26, 2014
Govinda Govinda
“Gnanasara Thero is doing all the dirty work for Gota who has tasted the power to do anything at his will. Only thing left for Gota is his ultimate status of becoming the head of Sri Lanka.”
So, what is the solution?
/
Govinda Govinda / June 26, 2014
Gowinda! Gowinda!!
/
Sunila / June 26, 2014
Is there anything more ridiculous than this? Mervin Silva escaped from tying a public servant by getting the person to declare that he on his own tied himself. So many innocent lives have been taken by the blood thirsty Police. Fabricating stories is nothing new to the Rajapakses. Sinhala Police and Sinhala Army are massacring the people irrespective of Religion or ethnicity. Let us all curse the BBS and their god fathers. Young adults, children women and men get up from your deep slumber. Give courage to this brave priest. Join hands with him. Lawyers, professionals, teachers, university dons in all universities ,Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil brothers and sisters ,sons and daughters ,times are dangerous for all of us. No one can fight your own battle .by trying to do so you fall into a trap like Rev Vijitha. Join hands and chase the rogue government. Then things will fall into places. Jayawewa.
/
Mudianse / June 26, 2014
We dont need to even raise this question.
We are on a most bruta state run by Rajapakshe today… it is only second to North korea. Ahead of us are the days where we will face all the rest unexpected incidents. Please tight your belts …. specailly the ones who always hoodwinked these bambozlers.
/
Gamini / June 26, 2014
Ganasara & goons go to Holy Dalada after violating pancha seelaya, How can he face Lord Buddha, Is he really believe in budhudahama, he is a paid cheap commodity and low class thug.
Why the government is supporting him, Gota has a different agenda, he wants to adopt Prabakarans model, Buddhist terror leader. No religion or ethics. We know their end. it is soon
wish Ven. Vataraka, life long life and success in his mission.
/
Ven_der_hoot / June 26, 2014
These most unpopular (so called) leaders of this country, who bring disgrace and shame on themselves, are now dragging this beautiful country into a sink hole of no return. That man Gota, who is an ex army man, has spilled Sinhalese blood during his hey days, and probably got hooked and relished it, and is now at it again. This time around though, his sadistic impulses urges him on to spill Muslim blood and take in all that he surveys, the murder, the mayhem and the orgy of violence to bring ‘bliss’ to him again. Probably this must be some kind of ‘let-off’ for him to release and ease himself, to satiate his megalomaniac cravings. He must also love to flex his muscles and show off that he is in full control of the situation. All of those fools and circus clowns in the gallery, serving as his minions must even be agreement and clap their hands and beat their chests in unison. Well, all there is to say is that as the dawn approaches, more and more of the lies and myths will get torn apart and exposed, and eventually, this murderer will be brought to face justice. It is only then that this country will be saved.
/
Karigalan / June 26, 2014
Thanks priest
we are with u
people like u always reminde us there are good no of sinhalese still existing in SL
thanks again
/
Lanka / June 26, 2014
Ots pity as the priest said, culprits not cgarged yet.
But the priest who campaign for the peace remanded. How sad for us to be citizen of this country.
/
chandra / June 26, 2014
CT should be careful in publishing this type of articles. While BBS is igniting this country by inciting communal violence, this Watareka Vijitha Thero is also doing all kinds of nonsense for personal gains. Going by type of incidents took place in last few months, no sensible person will consider him as a credible person. While condemning Galagoaatte Gnasara as a racist,we should equally expose Watareka Vijitha as a liar and hypocrite.
/
Marwan / June 26, 2014
I think the most likely explanation to this priest’s predicament, is that he can be afforded the best police protection whilst in their custody. He needs to be protected from harm that could be inflicted on him again by his enemies. To this effect, a bogus allegation was put in motion to take him in, and thus the fabricated story of ‘self inflicted wounds’ was born. They couldn’t think of anything better. However, hope everything turns out well for him and to his favor, simply because of his noble intention of uniting all people of all religions to live together as one nation.
/
gamini / June 26, 2014
Chandra,
Do you have anyother evidence other than the Police statement that Wataraka Wijitha had self inflicted the wounds and tied his hands at the back? We know how foul the local Police is of so many suspects (only suspects)that succumbed either trying to fight or throw bombs at the Police while their hands were tied, so they were killed. This is the same Police you are believing. This way this Rajapaksa Regime can fix anyone, if this priest is crucified in this manner. I find all Sri Lankans including the best of Professionals and the Academics are possessing below mediocre IQ, including many who post comments in this blog. This priest was an ardent supporter of MR like those at Rathupaswela who learned the hard way.
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Peace Lover / June 26, 2014
Compassion and the Individual
Tenzin Gyatso; The Fourteenth Dalai Lama
The purpose of life
ONE GREAT QUESTION underlies our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not: What is the purpose of life? I have considered this question and would like to share my thoughts in the hope that they may be of direct, practical benefit to those who read them.
I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. I don’t know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.
How to achieve happiness
For a start, it is possible to divide every kind of happiness and suffering into two main categories: mental and physical. Of the two, it is the mind that exerts the greatest influence on most of us. Unless we are either gravely ill or deprived of basic necessities, our physical condition plays a secondary role in life. If the body is content, we virtually ignore it. The mind, however, registers every event, no matter how small. Hence we should devote our most serious efforts to bringing about mental peace.
From my own limited experience I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion.
The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes. Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. This helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the ultimate source of success in life.
As long as we live in this world we are bound to encounter problems. If, at such times, we lose hope and become discouraged, we diminish our ability to face difficulties. If, on the other hand, we remember that it is not just ourselves but every one who has to undergo suffering, this more realistic perspective will increase our determination and capacity to overcome troubles. Indeed, with this attitude, each new obstacle can be seen as yet another valuable opportunity to improve our mind!
Thus we can strive gradually to become more compassionate, that is we can develop both genuine sympathy for others’ suffering and the will to help remove their pain. As a result, our own serenity and inner strength will increase.
Our need for love
Ultimately, the reason why love and compassion bring the greatest happiness is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else. The need for love lies at the very foundation of human existence. It results from the profound interdependence we all share with one another. However capable and skillful an individual may be, left alone, he or she will not survive. However vigorous and independent one may feel during the most prosperous periods of life, when one is sick or very young or very old, one must depend on the support of others.
Inter-dependence, of course, is a fundamental law of nature. Not only higher forms of life but also many of the smallest insects are social beings who, without any religion, law or education, survive by mutual cooperation based on an innate recognition of their interconnectedness. The most subtle level of material phenomena is also governed by interdependence. All phenomena from the planet we inhabit to the oceans, clouds, forests and flowers that surround us, arise in dependence upon subtle patterns of energy. Without their proper interaction, they dissolve and decay.
It is because our own human existence is so dependent on the help of others that our need for love lies at the very foundation of our existence. Therefore we need a genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others.
We have to consider what we human beings really are. We are not like machine-made objects. If we are merely mechanical entities, then machines themselves could alleviate all of our sufferings and fulfill our needs.
However, since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. Instead, we should consider our origins and nature to discover what we require.
Leaving aside the complex question of the creation and evolution of our universe, we can at least agree that each of us is the product of our own parents. In general, our conception took place not just in the context of sexual desire but from our parents’ decision to have a child. Such decisions are founded on responsibility and altruism – the parents compassionate commitment to care of their child until it is able to take care of itself. Thus, from the very moment of our conception, our parents’ love is directly in our creation.
Moreover, we are completely dependent upon our mothers’ care from the earliest stages of our growth. According to some scientists, a pregnant woman’s mental state, be it calm or agitated, has a direct physical effect on her unborn child.
The expression of love is also very important at the time of birth. Since the very first thing we do is suck milk from our mothers’ breast, we naturally feel close to her, and she must feel love for us in order to feed us properly; if she feels anger or resentment her milk may not flow freely.
Then there is the critical period of brain development from the time of birth up to at least the age of three or four, during which time loving physical contact is the single most important factor for the normal growth of the child. If the child is not held, hugged, cuddled, or loved, its development will be impaired and its brain will not mature properly.
Since a child cannot survive without the care of others, love is its most important nourishment. The happiness of childhood, the allaying of the child’s many fears and the healthy development of its self-confidence all depend directly upon love.
Nowadays, many children grow up in unhappy homes. If they do not receive proper affection, in later life they will rarely love their parents and, not infrequently, will find it hard to love others. This is very sad.
As children grow older and enter school, their need for support must be met by their teachers. If a teacher not only imparts academic education but also assumes responsibility for preparing students for life, his or her pupils will feel trust and respect and what has been taught will leave an indelible impression on their minds. On the other hand, subjects taught by a teacher who does not show true concern for his or her students’ overall well-being will be regarded as temporary and not retained for long.
Similarly, if one is sick and being treated in hospital by a doctor who evinces a warm human feeling, one feels at ease and the doctors’ desire to give the best possible care is itself curative, irrespective of the degree of his or her technical skill. On the other hand, if one’s doctor lacks human feeling and displays an unfriendly expression, impatience or casual disregard, one will feel anxious, even if he or she is the most highly qualified doctor and the disease has been correctly diagnosed and the right medication prescribed. Inevitably, patients’ feelings make a difference to the quality and completeness of their recovery.
Even when we engage in ordinary conversation in everyday life, if someone speaks with human feeling we enjoy listening, and respond accordingly; the whole conversation becomes interesting, however unimportant the topic may be. On the other hand, if a person speaks coldly or harshly, we feel uneasy and wish for a quick end to the interaction. From the least to the most important event, the affection and respect of others are vital for our happiness.
Recently I met a group of scientists in America who said that the rate of mental illness in their country was quite high-around twelve percent of the population. It became clear during our discussion that the main cause of depression was not a lack of material necessities but a deprivation of the affection of the others.
So, as you can see from everything I have written so far, one thing seems clear to me: whether or not we are consciously aware of it, from the day we are born, the need for human affection is in our very blood. Even if the affection comes from an animal or someone we would normally consider an enemy, both children and adults will naturally gravitate towards it.
I believe that no one is born free from the need for love. And this demonstrates that, although some modern schools of thought seek to do so, human beings cannot be defined as solely physical. No material object, however beautiful or valuable, can make us feel loved, because our deeper identity and true character lie in the subjective nature of the mind.
Developing compassion
Some of my friends have told me that, while love and compassion are marvelous and good, they are not really very relevant. Our world, they say, is not a place where such beliefs have much influence or power. They claim that anger and hatred are so much a part of human nature that humanity will always be dominated by them. I do not agree.
We humans have existed in our present form for about a hundred-thousand years. I believe that if during this time the human mind had been primarily controlled by anger and hatred, our overall population would have decreased. But today, despite all our wars, we find that the human population is greater than ever. This clearly indicates to me that love and compassion predominate in the world. And this is why unpleasant events are news, compassionate activities are so much part of daily life that they are taken for granted and, therefore, largely ignored.
So far I have been discussing mainly the mental benefits of compassion, but it contributes to good physical health as well, According to my personal experience, mental stability and physical well-being are directly related. Without question, anger and agitation make us more susceptible to illness. On the other hand, if the mind is tranquil and occupied with positive thoughts, the body will not easily fall prey to disease.
But of course it is also true that we all have an innate self-centeredness that inhibits our love for others. So, since we desire the true happiness that is brought about by only a calm mind, and since such peace of mind is brought about by only a compassionate attitude, how can we develop this? Obviously, it is not enough for us simply to think about how nice compassion is! We need to make a concerted effort to develop it; we must use all the events of our daily life to transform our thoughts and behavior.
First of all, we must be clear about what we mean by compassion. Many forms of compassionate feeling are mixed with desire and attachment. For instance, the love parents feel of their child is often strongly associated with their own emotional needs, so it is not fully compassionate. Again, in marriage, the love between husband and wife – particularly at the beginning, when each partner still may not know the other’s deeper character very well – depends more on attachment than genuine love. Our desire can be so strong that the person to whom we are attached appears to be good, when in fact he or she is very negative. In addition, we have a tendency to exaggerate small positive qualities. Thus when one partner’s attitude changes, the other partner is often disappointed and his or her attitude changes too. This is an indication that love has been motivated more by personal need than by genuine care for the other individual.
True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively.
Of course, developing this kind of compassion is not at all easy! As a start, let us consider the following facts:
Whether people are beautiful and friendly or unattractive and disruptive, ultimately they are human beings, just like oneself. Like oneself, they want happiness and do not want suffering. Furthermore, their right to overcome suffering and be happy is equal to one’s own. Now, when you recognize that all beings are equal in both their desire for happiness and their right to obtain it, you automatically feel empathy and closeness for them. Through accustoming your mind to this sense of universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them actively overcome their problems. Nor is this wish selective; it applies equally to all. As long as they are human beings experiencing pleasure and pain just as you do, there is no logical basis to discriminate between them or to alter your concern for them if they behave negatively.
Let me emphasize that it is within your power, given patience and time, to develop this kind of compassion. Of course, our self-centeredness, our distinctive attachment to the feeling of an independent, self-existent �I�, works fundamentally to inhibit our compassion. Indeed, true compassion can be experienced only when this type of self- grasping is eliminated. But this does not mean that we cannot start and make progress now.
How can we start
We should begin by removing the greatest hindrances to compassion: anger and hatred. As we all know, these are extremely powerful emotions and they can overwhelm our entire mind. Nevertheless, they can be controlled. If, however, they are not, these negative emotions will plague us – with no extra effort on their part! – and impede our quest for the happiness of a loving mind.
So as a start, it is useful to investigate whether or not anger is of value. Sometimes, when we are discouraged by a difficult situation, anger does seem helpful, appearing to bring with it more energy, confidence and determination.
Here, though, we must examine our mental state carefully. While itis true that anger brings extra energy, if we explore the nature of this energy, we discover that it is blind: we cannot be sure whether its result will be positive or negative. This is because anger eclipses the best part of our brain: its rationality. So the energy of anger is almost always unreliable. It can cause an immense amount of destructive, unfortunate behavior. Moreover, if anger increases to the extreme, one becomes like a mad person, acting in ways that are as damaging to oneself as they are to others.
It is possible, however, to develop an equally forceful but far more controlled energy with which to handle difficult situations.
This controlled energy comes not only from a compassionate attitude, but also from reason and patience. These are the most powerful antidotes to anger. Unfortunately, many people misjudge these qualities as signs of weakness. I believe the opposite to be true: that they are the true signs of inner strength. Compassion is by nature gentle, peaceful and soft, but it is very powerful. It is those who easily lose their patience who are insecure and unstable. Thus, to me, the arousal of anger is a direct sign of weakness.
So, when a problem first arises, try to remain humble and maintain a sincere attitude and be concerned that the outcome is fair. Of course, others may try to take advantage of you, and if your remaining detached only encourages unjust aggression, adopt a strong stand, This, however, should be done with compassion, and if it is necessary to express your views and take strong countermeasures, do so without anger or ill-intent.
You should realize that even though your opponents appear to be harming you, in the end, their destructive activity will damage only themselves. In order to check your own selfish impulse to retaliate, you should recall your desire to practice compassion and assume responsibility for helping prevent the other person from suffering the consequences of his or her acts.
Thus, because the measures you employ have been calmly chosen, they will be more effective, more accurate and more forceful. Retaliation based on the blind energy of anger seldom hits the target.
Friends and enemies
I must emphasize again that merely thinking that compassion and reason and patience are good will not be enough to develop them. We must wait for difficulties to arise and then attempt to practice them.
And who creates such opportunities? Not our friends, of course, but our enemies. They are the ones who give us the most trouble, So if we truly wish to learn, we should consider enemies to be our best teacher!
For a person who cherishes compassion and love, the practice of tolerance is essential, and for that, an enemy is indispensable. So we should feel grateful to our enemies, for it is they who can best help us develop a tranquil mind! Also, itis often the case in both personal and public life, that with a change in circumstances, enemies become friends.
So anger and hatred are always harmful, and unless we train our minds and work to reduce their negative force, they will continue to disturb us and disrupt our attempts to develop a calm mind. Anger and hatred are our real enemies. These are the forces we most need to confront and defeat, not the temporary enemies who appear intermittently throughout life.
Of course, it is natural and right that we all want friends. I often joke that if you really want to be selfish, you should be very altruistic! You should take good care of others, be concerned for their welfare, help them, serve them, make more friends, make more smiles, The result? When you yourself need help, you find plenty of helpers! If, on the other hand, you neglect the happiness of others, in the long term you will be the loser. And is friendship produced through quarrels and anger, jealousy and intense competitiveness? I do not think so. Only affection brings us genuine close friends.
In today’s materialistic society, if you have money and power, you seem to have many friends. But they are not friends of yours; they are the friends of your money and power. When you lose your wealth and influence, you will find it very difficult to track these people down.
The trouble is that when things in the world go well for us, we become confident that we can manage by ourselves and feel we do not need friends, but as our status and health decline, we quickly realize how wrong we were. That is the moment when we learn who is really helpful and who is completely useless. So to prepare for that moment, to make genuine friends who will help us when the need arises, we ourselves must cultivate altruism!
Though sometimes people laugh when I say it, I myself always want more friends. I love smiles. Because of this I have the problem of knowing how to make more friends and how to get more smiles, in particular, genuine smiles. For there are many kinds of smile, such as sarcastic, artificial or diplomatic smiles. Many smiles produce no feeling of satisfaction, and sometimes they can even create suspicion or fear, can’t they? But a genuine smile really gives us a feeling of freshness and is, I believe, unique to human beings. If these are the smiles we want, then we ourselves must create the reasons for them to appear.
Compassion and the world
In conclusion, I would like briefly to expand my thoughts beyond the topic of this short piece and make a wider point: individual happiness can contribute in a profound and effective way to the overall improvement of our entire human community.
Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister. No matter how new the face or how different the dress and behavior, there is no significant division between us and other people. It is foolish to dwell on external differences, because our basic natures are the same.
Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home, If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another.
If you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self- worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.
I believe that at every level of society – familial, tribal, national and international – the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.
I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion.
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justice / June 26, 2014
One day this had to happen – an innocent erudite monk popular with all communities being incarcerated on unbelievable accusations
The so-called self inflicted injuries including self-circumcision are the first, in annals of forensic science, and, tying oneself’s hands behind maybe more than what Houdini did.
Our police have scored a ‘first’ and will be the laughing stock of police forces, world over.
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Thushan / June 26, 2014
A real Buddhist monk goes to jail while fake monks preach violence.
Modern day ‘Devadhatta’ story is unfolding in front of my eyes. I am sad, angry and helpless!!!
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Disgusted / June 26, 2014
The whole world knows LTTE was made in India but eventually India approved its termination, though India did not help. Now it is reported that BBS was made in USA and funded by both USA and Norway with BBS activists visiting USA and Norway since 2011. Where this will end is yet not known. At present the role of BBS seems to be to create conflict, disgrace Buddhist monks and drive a wedge between Sri Lanka and Muslim nations. This is also happening in other Buddhist nations like Thailand and Burma. So is it difficult to guess which countries and organisations are behind these disruptive activities? Don’t make a fool of yourself and blame Gota by believing the cunning NGOs and LTTE activists.
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gamini / June 26, 2014
Disgusted,
If by now you have not understood that Gota is the brief carrier for the Americans, who are protecting him, you will never understand the ground reality in this country.
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Bipartisan / June 27, 2014
Disgusted you should be. Why cannot Gota and Mahinda arrest this thug in safron robe, after all they control the country’s security apparatus. That is why they both are being blamed. It is they who planned to introduce religious hatred and thrive on it through causing division along those lines, winning support from majority along those same lines, and maintaining their grip on power using those same lines. In spite of all that has happened, why do you still refuse the recognize that aspect and accept it to be their modus operandi? What more evidence are you waiting for?
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Tuan / June 26, 2014
muslims in this country did not ask for a separate land or place for the muslims. they have been living in peace with all other communities. we are only 11 or 12 percent ( minorities ) we muslim in sri lanka are peace loving people not fighters.
lets forget or keep away the differences and live in peace. most of our sri lankan brothers who has been working in the middle east muslim countries with any problem there for decades.
During the war pakistan,iran,libya and other muslim countries supported us.
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