By Malinda Seneviratne –
Inaction on ‘Aluthgama’, near silence on Bodu Bala Sena (BBC) rhetoric and a government servant (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) not being taken to task for accepting an invitation to open the office of a political organization (BBS), and other acts of omission and commission raised the ire of Muslims in Sri Lanka. That was during the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa and some claim that all this pushed the Muslims of the country to vote for Maithripala Sirisena en bloc.
Crime and punishment, one can call it. Not through accepted legal processes but through the vote; the crime being complicity by way of silence/inaction.
But that was a long time ago. That government was defeated. The new government, the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe outfit I mean, vowed to end all that. For a while it seemed that they were half way serious. Not any more.
Ven Galagoda atte Gnanasara Thero, the voice of the BBS is still at large although there’s a warrant for his arrest. Is this purely incompetence on the part of the police or is there some truth in the rumor that a powerful minister in this government is protecting him? We don’t know.
Meanwhile, Colombo Telegraph puts the problem in graphic terms: ‘A shop, a day’. That’s one Muslim-owned shop being torched every day. That’s a rate of violence. That’s a rate of violence that has a communal signature.
Let us not be hasty and point fingers just yet. We cannot say ‘the BBS did it’ although their rhetoric and past record clearly indicates ‘incitement’ which could have spurred someone or several people or even an organized group to indulge in arson. ‘Incitement’ is not a crime since we don’t have anti hate speech legislation and probably cannot have such ‘safeguards’ without also banning religious texts such as the Old Testament and the Quran. We can ask why the Mahanayaka Theros have been silent on Ven Gnanasara Thero because they are mandated to apply the vinaya rules on the bikkhus, but non-application (for whatever reason) is no crime.
We an leave all that aside if we want, but it is still a discussion that needs to take place.
However, if we stick to the basics of law and order and choose to be blind to the communalist mark of these violent and increasingly disturbing acts, we still have to ask ‘what is this government doing about all this?’
As of now, the only logical answer to this question is, ‘nothing’.
When ‘Aluthgama’ happened, in an editorial published in ‘The Nation,’ I made certain observations where I blamed the then IGP for irresponsibility and called for his resignation. A quick recap could be useful and for this reason I reproduce the following sections of that piece:
If there was convoluted justification of last Sunday’s violence and if justification spurred further violence the blame falls squarely on the IGP for making the following (irresponsible) statement: ‘Three Muslims in a trishaw assaulted the driver and the Buddhist monk. The Buddhist monk was in hospital receiving treatment for two days and then discharged. He was to be taken to the temple in a procession when the incident occurred.’
The IGP offered speculation as fact. That’s incompetent and irresponsible. Yesterday the Muslim-owned ‘No Limit’ outlet in Panadura was torched. While it is not clear how it all happened, it is clear that the sequence of events prompt people to connect dots and reach conclusion, wrong though they may be. Tinkering with the truth and lying outright causes friction, throw out sparks and cause infernos that are hard to put out.
It is wrong to blame it all on one person, but it is equally wrong not to point out those who provided fuel and matchstick, tossed in extra firewood and refused to douse it even though they had all the water necessary to do the job. We have to take issue with the IGP. He must resign forthwith.
There are dots here and they will be connected. Wrong perhaps, but disturbingly, perhaps correctly too. All the more reason to err on the side of caution. All the more reason to spare no pains to ensure that culprits are brought to book not because this is the most effective way of insuring against future attacks of this kind (it may be or it may not be) but because it is the right thing to do and what this government solemnly pledged to do.
We can of course debate about one extremism feeding off another and ponder the chicken-or-egg conundrum. One could argue that this is a relevant discussion and I will not disagree. One can say that extremism should be objected to and insist that such objection should be lawful. That is however a different matter as far as the rights of citizenship and the responsibilities of relevant state agencies are concerned.
The Police must act. The Ministry of Law and Order must act. The Minister must act. The primacy of the law should be clearly evident. This is not the moment for sloth (if that’s the case). It is certainly not the moment for sweeping things under the carpet (as seems to be the case) and especially not for purposes of political convenience (a government with an abysmal performance rating needs distraction — this we know). Failure to do so would see ‘useful distraction’ bleeding into inter-communal violence and eventually to anarchy.
Alright, let’s say ‘that’s going a bit overboard’. Fine. Still, if are required to be stone cold sober and leave ‘the political’ out of it, we still have a question of blatant disregard for the law. Arson is a serious matter. Destroying private property is a serious matter. When the destroyed properties happen to belong to members of a particular community it is an even more serious matter.
“Arrest this!”
This is what we have to demand of the government at this point, even as we (as citizens) remain alert and support all efforts to a) prevent such acts and b) support the law enforcement authorities in their work.
“Tomorrow, where?” is a question that many are probably asking. If it is not answered, tomorrow we will see a report saying “here”. Surely, this government can do better? It must. Or else, its complicity will be suspected.
old codger / June 9, 2017
Malinda,
—————–Way to go Malinda! Your post shows that you do have a conscience and are not a blind Sinhala Buddhist supporter. ——————-
This country is heading towars another catastrophe, but the govt. is not doing anything, because it is made up of an incoherent and uncontrollable mix of self-seeking personalities. Everyone has their pet theories, from meditation to banning alcohol.———————–Apparently normal laws do not apply to virulent monks. There is no point talking about the Mahanayakes.————————They don’t want to rock the boat.
As you say, it is too early to put the entire blame on the BBS. There are other powerful organizations that stay out of the public eye, such as the Sinhala Veera Vidahana. Its leaders are all big names in business. They actively intimidate minorities from setting up business in many towns . They of course keep the police in these areas happy, so no complaints are entertained.
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Eagle Eye / June 9, 2017
Old Codger, Can a Sinhalese or Muslim start a business in Jaffna? Can a Sinhalese or a Tamil start a business in towns controlled by Wahhabis in the East? Sinhalese and Muslims were chased away from Jaffna by LTTE. When the Sinhalese went to claim their property in Jaffna after the war ended, they were chased away by Tamil thugs. Our bloody Government did not do a damn thing about it. In Eravur town there were 52 Sinhala shops and LTTE chased all the Sinhala people from that area. Now only two Sinhala shops; rest have been occupied by Muslims using forged documents. Tamils from Jaffna flocked to Colombo when LTTE was playing havoc in the North and most of them still live in Colombo. Sinhalese did not say ‘Hey! You Tamils do not come to Colombo’. That is why now in Colombo city nearly 40% Tamils and 20% Muslims. “Apparently normal laws do not apply to virulent monks.” Normal laws do not apply to Vigneshwaran, Shivajilingam and other Tamil and Muslim extremists as well. This Government gave orders to arrest Gnanasara in order to please Muslim politicians. When Police tried to arrest Gnanasara in Kurunegala, he had asked ‘on what charges’. Police had no answer.
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old codger / June 9, 2017
Eagle Eye,
——————“Old Codger, Can a Sinhalese or Muslim start a business in Jaffna?” Well, isn’t the Army running all sorts of business in Jaffna? Are there not branches of Sinhala-owned businesses like DSI in Jaffna? ———————————–
The LTTE only started up in the 1980’s, but Sinhala businessmen from Matara (Tilakawardena, DSI, etc)eliminated ALL Tamil and Muslim businesses along the Kandy Road from the 70’s. If you can, name 5 large Muslim or Tamil businesses between Peliyagoda and Kadawata.———————-
” Sinhalese did not say ‘Hey! You Tamils do not come to Colombo’. ” ———-Get your facts right. Gota himself packed off the Tamils in lodges to Vavuniya by bus. I give credit to Anura Kumara of the JVP for objecting in Parliament.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;”That is why now in Colombo city nearly 40% Tamils and 20% Muslims. ” Leave alone Colombo, even places like Kurunegala and Gampaha had big Muslim/Tamil populations in the 50’s.————————- Eagle eye, I suspect you were born yesterday. I wasn’t.
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Eagle Eye / June 10, 2017
Old Codger, In Jaffna, all the bakeries were run by Sinhalese from Matara because Tamils could not master the art of making bread. All of them were kicked out by LTTE and none of them were allowed to return after the war was over. Now nearly 50% of the Tamils live in the South but recently Vigneshwaran has told Sinhalese are not welcome in the North. If Sinhales are not welcome in the North, we should chase all the Tamils in the South to North.
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old codger / June 10, 2017
Eagle Eye,
——————–Open your eyes and look around you. When the minorities have a level playing field, they ALWAYS do better in business than the Sinhala Buddhists. Do you think all those Muslim/Tamil wholesalers in Pettah are using violence on the Sinhalese? No, it due to inborn ability. Even Mrs. Bandaranaike and her CWE socialism could not defeat the pettah traders, be they Sindhis, Tamils, Muslims, Borahs.That is what the Sinhala businessmen are afraid of. That’s why they use violence to stop the minorities. This is nothing to do with racism. It’s pure business. These people got rid of the Tamils in the 60’s. Now they are starting on the Muslims. If the Sinhalese are no good at business, they should go back to betel-chewing or whatever they are intinsically good at.If they are good at baking, let them do it. Aren’t they satisfied with the 95% of the Forces and 90% of govt. Employment?
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Native Vedda / June 10, 2017
old codger———-“Even Mrs. Bandaranaike and her CWE socialism could not defeat the pettah traders, be they Sindhis, Tamils, Muslims, Borahs.” ————-Is it true when import quotas were issued to Sinhala non traders (in order to create a level playing field for Sinhalese to master trading in Import business) the already established non sinhalese bought the import quotas/licences from the new Sinhala speaking importers and imported stuff and sold at an exorbitant price to Sinhalese? ——————————— Ultimately Sinhala political stupidity/jealousy made ordinary poor Sinhalese pay rent (unearned profits) for the non productive Sinhala classes who were created by a stroke of a pen over night. ——————-The Aryan Sinhala/Buddhist did it because they felt they were the majority and strong. But the non sinhalese were laughing all the way to procure services of Sinhala/Buddhist politicians and state functionaries. This is just one economic and political stupidity among million on the part of the majority elected leaders.
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donald / June 10, 2017
Eagle Eye; “”Sinhalese from Matara because Tamils could not master the art of making bread.”” Kattaya ta mottaya did you not learn geography. Bread is made of wheat flour like chappathi is or yellow noodles. Tamils eat rice and made every other dish idi appa, appa, then dosa with lentils but rarely use wheat even though wheat needs less water than rice to grow. Take a book and read – stop this dodawanawa.
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nimal fernando / June 9, 2017
“Apparently normal laws do not apply to virulent monks.”
———————————— This is a law and order issue not a racial/ethnic/religious/what-have-you issue. ………………… Burning down property and inciting violence against anyone is a crime according to the laws of the land ……………. It’s the duty of the government to uphold the laws of the land and not be selective in upholding the law. If the government has the balls to do its duty and uphold the law – and is been seen to be doing its duty – irrespective of who they are, a vast majority of the people will support it.
Right now, the government has to uphold the laws of the land. It has to start somewhere. One cant invoke what happened or didn’t happen in the past as an excuse for not upholding the law.
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
“”It’s the duty of the government to uphold the laws of the land and not be selective in upholding the law.”” irrespective of who they are, a vast majority of the people will support it.”^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What the common people think of you is pottha karaya. The common people feel reality and live the life of shape, shape aken.It is too very expensive to fight so you see at every election even in the UK the “None Of These Actors” wins the election.Heard of Crays, and Mudalali so that is the alternative when the puton civilised act as animals.Gota went after them especially the muslim thugs and destroyed many so he made the new deals with the puton civilised. Al Capone was known for honesty thereby the church entertained him.malwatta also entertains both sides.You are awayside politician doing the potty and not seeing reality.
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nimal fernando / June 10, 2017
Dim Sum, ………….. Hey Zorro, ………….. buddy where were you hiding? Was starting to miss you!!! ……… Read your tome about how you overcame your sever bouts of depression and mental breakdowns ……….. you said that you chose to associate only with positive people. ……………….. You have a penchant to latch on to certain people. ……….. Every time you latch on to something I write it makes my day; that I’ve helped someone to overcome their afflictions. It’s nice to be of help, buddy. ……… Anyway, all credit to you for picking up the positive vibes among a sea of humanity! :)))) ………… Aren’t I lucky, eh? ……………. Take it easy man ……….. go out and smell the Roses before the next train comes in.
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
“”buddy where were you hiding?”” aren’t you seeing holman?? “”Read your tome about how you overcame your sever bouts of depression and m……….Take it easy man ……….. go out””^^^^^You’re Delusional, you are experiencing Hallucinations, and above all you are experiencing illusions too. You are what I call a jerk! the lyrics of this might calm you down because you are not accustomed to Laotse way of doing things.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Another summer day Is come and gone away In Paris and Rome But I want to go home
Mmmmmmmm Maybe surrounded by A million people I Still feel all alone I just want to go home Oh I miss you, you know…^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow;)
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nimal fernando / June 10, 2017
Ha ha ha ha ….. Gotcha ya! …….. Take it easy, man. Was just kidding ……… Now, would I want to cause you any more grief; would I?
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
A luckless man asks for a loan which no one grants. He he amigo you go no problem;).
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
“”Police had no answer.””^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Komis Kakkas.———
“That is why now in Colombo city nearly 40% Tamils and 20% Muslims. ” they were always than the sinhalese because historically Colombo was owned by Colombo Tamils not Chetties, Southern sinhalese or northern tamils. Sinhalese Buddhist problem is “higannage thuwalaya” . kapanla beepanla jolly karpanla.( eat drink and make merry)
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
“” They actively intimidate minorities from setting up business in many towns .”
This is very true in mom and pop nations like south korea, japan and even in the european union.- survival of the fittest. when did the patchwork sinhalese culture become inventors of racism?They borrowed it from all european colonisers the patchwork anglo-saxons with the patchwork constitution and patchwork anglican faith. Easy come easy go is the name of the game. Take in the world garments and it is primarily held by the jews of north america then it trickles down to folk on either side of the partition. On the other hand CIA would not want UK, Germany, South korea, Japan to sell specific items to Russia and China or Iran etc. Aban’s won’t sell cleaning equipment spares to any contractor of the government because only they hold the monopoly after having stolen electrolux agency from Cargills in the late 60’s courtesy SriMao. Now it’s married to Gotas TATA with UK links.
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nimal fernando / June 9, 2017
“Surely, this government can do better? It must. Or else, its complicity will be suspected.” ………………………… The day Sirisena unleashed his moronic tirade against the FCID and accepted the resignation of the lady who was its head, the political class showed their true colours. ………………….. Sri Lanka will always be Sri Lanka………… nothing much’s gonna change. We are just pissing in the wind expecting things to change.
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Concerned citizen / June 9, 2017
Has any good outcome ever resulted from evil deeds in history, surely not, and when the good people doesn’t do anything when there is unjustice and evil, they also become part of the crime,
the punishment for these evil people is that they will start burning their own shops and properties, let’s wait and see.
The Sinhala nation is nearing its demise, because unlike in other other countries where there is racism, the government doesn’t support it , but in Sri Lanka this has become part of their political agenda, how pathetic and bankrupt is this nation
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nalmen / June 9, 2017
though the western province who are too involved with their businesses may take it lying down the eastern province muslims will certainly not
the govt by its inaction will only be inviting isis and al Qaeda to this country as they are intenational organisatiion
are we waiting for ranil to return to prod sagala and wije to take action
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Take That / June 9, 2017
On this occasion I can agree with Malinda. In action is causing much anxiety. In some instance personal issues also play out. The longer it takes for action it can reach boiling point and all acts of arson will be regarded in the eyes of the Muslim and other as well as being the work of BBS. The minister and IGP should both both resign or the President should sack them.
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dingiri / June 9, 2017
This aplologist for Sinhala Nationalist terror has now seen an opportunity to hit out at the government for inaction. Where were you when Gnanasara was killing and maiming in Aluthgama with ipunity under the protection of Gotabaya Rajapakse. The difference is… This govt. is too cowardly to take him on. The previous govt. actively promoted him and endorsed his actions.
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old codger / June 9, 2017
Dingiri,———————————————-You must read the article first. Malinda is definitely a Sinhala nationalist. But he was the only editor of a national newspaper to expose what actually happened in Alutgama. He deserves credit for that ,at least.
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Jimsofty / June 9, 2017
Malinda has taken a cheap shot at Gotabaya Rajapakse, it seems. MAlinda Says, buddhists in the name of protecting the existing system should allow muslims to play havoc in sri lanka. they came here camels and now they think they want the upper hand if not they are the Karapincha kole. So, where should people go to look for their culture. some where in middle east or arab countries ?. why no one should talk about what muslims are doing ? If Malinda Senevirathne doe snot know he should investigate what people say about islamization of ancient buddhist sites in India. If Malinda PRetends he doe snot know about what is happening in the world, then he is not suitable for a newspaper editor. It is the time for the govt to take a serious look at how muslims and businesses are destroying ther culture. Otherwise, it should be a serious political issue. Now, as we know who Malinda Senevirathne is, you should not be allowed anywhere in the parliament as a nationalist. YOu will be just one like Ranil or Rajitha.
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
Don’t be fooled ! Malinda is playing the Ayn Rand game of culture and race to scurry favour with GOP since Keshap is a stooge of liberals and Gota has not found a footing with Trump aides.
We all are aware that if one muslim reacts there would be carnage beyond any 83 and Trump being what he is might end up giving the thumbs up.- every dog has its day.
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
old codger, “”He deserves credit for that ,at least.”” He did not mean it but added it to balance the article as readable………………………Did Linda utter a word when ladies’ man Obama ordered the District Court of Columbia Judge Collins to discard the case against Mahinda Rajapaksa brought in by the father of Trinco 5? Especially during Obama period Muslim nations were allowed to attack Christians, Bengalis were allowed to travel in every boat of refuge to Europe, Bengalis were allowed to invade Burma and above all Sinhalese plus Muslims of Sri Lanka were allowed to perform any activity of killing Tamils. Sinhala Buddhist Linda having said `Arrest him` does not make him a saint but a blood thirsty racist. The world knows during Trump term it would be futile to kill Christian crusaders…………….^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
To raise the standard of living of their citizens, all countries face a choice on whether to grow internally through production of new goods and services, or externally, through the conquest of other countries and territories. Ravi K FM says: Exports have dropped by $ 10 billion. I intend to increase exports by around $ 20 billion. This is one way of propping up exports since Lanka can’t go out and invade territories or develop internally due to high level of corruption and shortage of know how. From 1968 closure of Suez Canal the muslims of Lanka dragged the nation into playing Palestine my brother and looted education, export market now it’s payback time. The same happened to mother India in 1968 but Hindians are Turco Mughal so they have established themselves as the largest contractors in the Middle East even to this day surpassing any Muslim nation. They don’t send their women as maids.
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Amarasiri / June 10, 2017
dingiri, ————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————“This aplologist for Sinhala Nationalist terror has now seen an opportunity to hit out at the government for inaction. Where were you when Gnanasara was killing and maiming in Aluthgama with ipunity under the protection of Gotabaya Rajapakse.”—————————————————————————————————————–Yes, while it is a welcome for Para-Malinda to see the light, after supporting Mara, MaRa, Gota, and cronies, is the apologist for MaRa , Gota and cronies, now turning around like Angulimala who was following Mara as well?——————————————————————————————————————————-“The difference is… This govt. is too cowardly to take him on. The previous govt. actively promoted him and endorsed his actions.” ——–Is the inaction still die to the cronies from MaRa and GoTa still in the Gove. like Wijedasa Rajapaksa, the “Fifth Column”?——————————————————————————————
Ministers says that Ganasara, BBS is protected by Minister! Wijedasa Rajapaksa?—
Meanwhile based on reports reaching Vine News through the Bulath Vine inside information division , the maniacal monk Galagoda Athe Gnanassara bent on unleashing racial violence in the country had met with notorious turncoat , black coat , Parana coat crook Para-Wijedasa Rajapakse , Colombo district M.P and minister of justice secretly on many occasions during the recent past .—————
On every occasion it is former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse a byword for murder and mayhem who had informed Wijedasa Rajapakse of Gnanassara’s arrival to meet him, according to reports. On some occasions , Wijedasa had even not attended parliament because Gnanassara was coming to meet him. Anyone who wishes to verify the veracity of these revelations can examine the calls exchanged via the phone at the home of Wijedasa , and get confirmation.—————————
In spite of so many complaints made to the Police , Gnanassara who is wantonly trying to plunge the country into a holocaust through his rowdy conduct and vituperative hate speeches while wearing the saffron robe and disgracing his own religion , has still not been taken into custody . Neither the minister in charge of the police force nor the IGP had entrusted the CID with the responsibility to take this monk into custody who is committing outrageous sacrilege and inciting racial violence openly to the detriment of the entire country .————————————-
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Mettananda / June 9, 2017
Malinda says, “We can ask why the Mahanayaka Theros have been silent on Ven Gnanasara Thero because they are mandated to apply the vinaya rules on the bikkhus, but non-application (for whatever reason) is no crime.”
What a cop-out!! “Non- application” is not a crime – sure, BUT what does that say about those ‘venerable’ elders who are turning that proverbial Nelsonian eye to the antics of this ‘anything but Buddhist’ thug in robes?
Give us a break and apportion blame where it is due instead of condoning the non-action of the Mahanayakes. And anyway, isn’t it the duty of the Mahanayakes to protect the Buddha’s teachings from the dastardly, blasphemous and criminal deeds of this monster?
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Dim ✌Sum / June 10, 2017
“” And anyway, isn’t it the duty of the Mahanayakes to protect the Buddha’s teachings from the dastardly, blasphemous and criminal deeds of this monster?””–No it isn’t ! When the Tao prevails not, horses are trained for battle, when the Tao prevails, horses are trained to pull dungcarts. The law of action and reaction brings about violence rebounding to violence.What is against Tao will soon perish. So he by his limpid calm Puts everything right under heaven.
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Jimsofty / June 9, 2017
While the govt is promoting reconciliation, there are two Tamils-only and Muslims only political parties. How do you categorize that ?. LEt us forget, Tamils for the time being. Sinhala buddhists have a culture and a country. Muslims are using the democracy and laid back mahavamsa Miondset to destroy the culture. What do you say ask every buddhist to be a good budhist ?. How do you draw clear cut line lines saying this this is how we decide it. What if one group of people uses the system or simply muslims are ignorent aboiut and simply don’t care about sinhala buddhist sentiments, emotions. Does the govt have to do everything by law ?. Why don’t you talk about muslim women cover the whole body, but fasion ckothings are women of other cultures. What is the purpose of lethaer clothings. Is it for Gay and lesbian Muslims ?. Why muslims have problems all over the world. Is it because of the west ?. why muslims are killing c hristians in Africa ?. Wht is the threashhold that sri lankan buddhists should say this is it ? IS it the govt that should think or the selfish, self centered muslims who think buddhism is a pagen religionand buddhists should obey their only god. If Malinda Senevirathne has made a political statement, you are extremely selfish.
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Non PhD / June 9, 2017
Dear Malinda,
Can you make one my friend’s actual dream on pre Poson night to come true for the benefit of the future of Sri Lanka. His dream was , he was stranded in Dhambulla and didn’t have enough money to go Mahinda Rajapakse Rd Mihintale. He heared some news about few monks starting a pivithuru theravada buddhism at Mhintalekanda or around that scared area on Poson Day. The follwing has renunciated their political life and become those monks : MaRa, GoRa, BaRa, DJ, HLDM, Wimal, Gamanpila, Tissa, Vasudeva, Karuna Amman, Izath Hu & few others.
Finally he hitch-hiked a ride to Mihintale on a commercial lorry that returns to Jaffna from Dambulla whole sale Market. This lorry belong to the army stationed in Jaffna who runs commercial farms on lands belonging to the displaced people.
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Non PhD / June 9, 2017
So Malinda can you make my friend’s actual dream becoming a reality. All you have to do is to make the people renunciate their political life and becomes monks.
Once you have done it, much easier for you to make
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K.Pillai / June 9, 2017
Malinda first para: “…………..a government servant (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) not being taken to task for accepting an invitation to open the office of a political organization (BBS),……………….”. When did you find out that BBS is a political organization? Australia received the then GoSL “government servant” Gotabaya with a guard of honour! Malinda goes on “………..is there some truth in the rumor that a powerful minister in this government is protecting him?”. Come off this. If you have firm information share it. Agree with you that action from the present GoSL is wanting but is it possible that the Lankan armed services and police (and BBS) are outside the control of GoSL? The media is in a self-censorship mode. Why?In a way there is a move to keep the language/religion divide alive.
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old codger / June 9, 2017
K. Pillai,
———————————-“but is it possible that the Lankan armed services and police (and BBS) are outside the control of GoSL?”
YES!!!!!! ————————–Mr. Pillai, you have seen the elephant in the room, the camel in the tent. —–This is indeed the reason the govt can’t do anything. The Army is a law unto itself , and no longer under civilian control. Very soon we will be another Pakistan.
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Native Vedda / June 10, 2017
old codger ————–“Very soon we will be another Pakistan.” —————The Pakistani war criminal Military do not just run Pakistan, they own it too. Pakistani Army or its Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) has been the state within the state, running not only the country but almost all covert operations in and around the world. Otherwise how on earth the notorious international terrorist Bin Laden have had a safe house/operational command and control centre in Pakistan? —————————-The Lankies are proud of the fact Pakistan has been a close mango friend of this island which has no qualm selling lethal weapons to kill innocent people during the war. ………………………. Apart from being a international pariah Pakistan is seen as the maxim goes “friend in need is a friend indeed”. However one is reminded of a proverb “Show Me Your Friends, I’ll Tell You Who You Are” …………….. The Military Millionaires who control almost every major commercial ventures “from breakfast cereals to cement to banking, insurance and oil terminals, Pakistan army has a finger in every pie” according to defence minister Khwaja Asif. ————————-Could we expect Minister of Defence Maithripala Sirisena and his deputy Ruwan Wijewardene to disclose detailed analysis of Sri Lankan Armed Forces involvement in Commercial activities and business justification for such ventures? Are the civilian businessmen so dumb who cannot run a profitable business without state subsidiary like the armed forces receive? ——————My question to you and other businessmen? Are you so dumb who cannot set up and run your own businesses? What is preventing you and your fellow entrepreneurs from dislodging the Military merchants? Here I am being bid impolite to you and your fellow businessmen for a reason.
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donald / June 10, 2017
Native Vedda/ old codger—“”Otherwise how on earth the notorious international terrorist Bin Laden have had a safe house/operational command and control centre in Pakistan? “” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^and the pirates of the world offered General Musharraf exile for 2 years at Edgware Road London (after he informed bLiar that London is the breeding ground for terrorist- 5 doors next to mosque) costing the London taxpayer £1 million per month for his security alone. Now its Qatar a bLiar’s favourite hideout. Porkistan-Britain-America from WW2 now Its all weather friend China-Porkistan too ($$50 Billion after America stopped with $$25 billion deal) Thoppi karaya don’t throw that thoppi away or how else did they have yet again that diplomats show- Canada Australia Turkey etc?
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Non PhD / June 9, 2017
Malinda,
I do fully agree with your conclusion part .That is ” we still have to ask ‘what is this government doing about all this?’ “
So Malinda once you have made the above mentioned politicians & analysts to retire from politics , “we still have to ask ‘what is this government doing about all this?’ will become easy.
Then it is easy for you to make Ranil – Maithiri and their team to perform or make them leave politics too.
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Jimsofty / June 9, 2017
Malinda: You have written a AH’s article. it says, Rishad Bathiuddin is bulldozing the ancient buddhist sites in the East and even th rmost ruthless – LTTE did not do that kind of sinister things. How come Miuslims are are that arrogant and insensitive. I think a big clean up is due in Sri lanka. the govt has to stop muslim ministers and ministers behaving like rogues. If not people have to take things into their hands.
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Lester / June 10, 2017
Muslims should be encouraged to leave the country voluntarily. This is what Israel does for African refugees; it pays them a few hundred USD and flies them back to Africa. In the case of Sri Lanka, an agreement can be made with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, etc. Regarding the properties of Muslims, sufficient time should be given for them to sell their homes and businesses. The Army should be called in to protect these properties for a 6 month duration. By allowing the Muslims to leave peacefully, a much bigger conflict can be avoided in the future. Sri Lanka is not like Europe; the country is too small to shove people into ethnic ghettos and give them a welfare check to keep quiet. What will happen in Sri Lanka is that the Muslim population will grow very large and they will demand more rights.. At which point a real ethnic conflict will begin. That is why Eastern Europe (countries like Poland and Hungary) hardly take in any Muslim refugees, compared to the rest of Europe. They understand that it is easier to keep unwanted people out, in the first place, than bring them in.
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Jimsofty / June 10, 2017
It is not only the Sri lanka that has the problem;=================================The African nation of Angola has reportedly become the first country to ban Islam and Muslims, reportsOn Islam. Concerning the ban, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos said Sunday “this is the final end of Islamic influence in our country.”.——————–As of late 2013, the Angolan government does not legally recognize any Muslim organizations; as a result, mosques in the country have faced restrictions and many have been shut down by the government
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amal perera / June 10, 2017
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / June 10, 2017
Lester old boy,——————————–
“Muslims should be encouraged to leave the country voluntarily. This is what Israel does for African refugees”
So this is your Final Solution. —— You support Israel and Hitler at the same time———-So typical of you. —————————–You do realize your ancestors came out of Africa too. So why not go back…….But on the other hand you may find it tough to find the original tree they lived on. —————–Let the Muslims stay here and actually develop the place. They don’t look for fancy uniforms ,pensions and free handouts, eh?———————————-
You could of course join your female relatives slaving in the Gulf. But I doubt your rear is sufficiently proportioned for those Arab p….ks.————————-Kindest regards dear.
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Lester / June 10, 2017
LAC3:
What about your female relative Rizana Nafeek who went to Allah (permanently)? Those racist Sinhala-Buddhists requested your Sunni comrades in high places not to harm her, they offered “blood money”, but the relatives of the baby refused. You Dravidian convert fakes are not Muslims, but you want to play this game, GL. Your Sunni buddies in the Gulf will not rescue your black bu-s when white vans are disposing of you in Kelani Ganga. You can join those Marxist fools from the 80’s and the Eelamists from the 90’s. Surely Allah has room for all?
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Concerned citizen / June 10, 2017
How about actively encouraging or even giving an incentive to the kallathoni vijaya and Sinha-la migrants from bangladesh and orrisa to go back to where they came from, so the rest of the people can live in this island, with the things these Bengali idiots are doing now, the country is becoming cursed, bringing death and destruction, the sooner they leave better for everyone
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Heliotis / June 10, 2017
Malinda Seneviratne—“”in an editorial published in ‘The Nation,’ I made certain observations where I blamed the then IGP for irresponsibility and called for his resignation. “”“Arrest this!””” Linda is resorting to the formula: ‘It’s so, because I say so,’ will have to reach for a gun, sooner or later.” How much does Gotabaya pay you these days?
“” ‘Incitement’ is not a crime since we don’t have anti hate speech legislation and probably cannot have such ‘safeguards’ without also banning religious texts such as the Old Testament and the Quran.”” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hate speech is a crime but not freedom of speech in the EU and UK and Old Testament and the Quran text are not banned.
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Mallaiyuran / June 10, 2017
Malinda is trying to show that he is still struggling to rehabilitate himself. But, if the Yahapalanaya shows a laptop, the Vampire will jump back on the branch of drumstick tree. This is the good political (or Yahapalanaya) nature in the Wild Life Sanctuary, Sinhala Lankawe. The leadership is, if consumed food one time, it is throwing up two times. If they write to reconciliation one day, then two days they spew racism to have their mistake cleaned up. Malinda who wants to be in the election is no different than others who stood for it.
———————————————————————
This last arson is a mini pogrom. When, the Tamils’ houses and businesses were being burned in pogroms, the law and order people will not be showing up until they were confirmed that the fire had fully consumed the property and further there will be guards protecting the fire not allowing the owners or public near it for douse it. That is what happened to this particular property. I heard that this property was fully burned down. I suspected this would be the cases of in future when, one of the previous arson’s effects was minimized by a scrupulous owner’s prearranged water bottles, was negligently publicized by media.
We all are always pelleted with some repeated same comments by the racist coolies working for governments’ agendas. No mitigation for that is available for anyone if that one wants to express one’s comments on this public media. Just take it or leave it. One like that really skin peeling and killing is some Sinhala Buddhist racists’ exasperation of that they could not build a Buddhist temple in Saudi Arabia. Too saddddddd… These Buddha top grade Sadhu disciples have unaccustomed of expressing violence here, so it’s the obligation of the readers to have it dutifully completed their sentence.
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Mallaiyuran / June 10, 2017
That is, “as Saudi Arabia is not allowing our great lord Buddha’s reincarnations of the Wild Life Sanctuary Lankawe to build Buddhist temple there, they are burning here the Muslims properties”. Yes, it appeares well justified in the eyes of those ones, who are fed and brought up for this political purpose.
These pious disciples of Kandy Ayatollahs and these bald heads’ acolytes, instead of showing some regards to the flood ravaged refugees, get out of their high seats and work for humanity, are filling the Island’s road ways with poisonous racial bigotry and properties burning fumes. These blood suckers, who have lost the basic notion of Buddha’s preaching of equal empathy for man as well as other life forms, are driving around on Benzes and eating expensive meals delivered at their palatial, aristocratic, splendid ancient dwellings. That is only why they are involved with the looting and eating, drug addicts and drunkard rowdies, instead of having those goons rehabilitated as honest Buddha followers. If Buddha ever returns to Lankawe, he won’t be below to the common man Darney who rejected the wealth of sin earned of thier lordships. .
If you wants to be like Saudi Arabians, that is fine with us, with our full consent. But it is with one condition, you can’t write your own Sharia to just only destroy minorities. Saudi is an Islamic Country. Its law is Sharia. If there is a theft, the thief’s hands are chopped. If girls fall in love the whips flogs on their back. They honestly impose it. You too be ready to do like that. Don’t drive the racing cars in front of the holy temple. Honestly implement Buddha’s Dhamma teachings. That is the Law of Buddhism. That is not an explanation for the thirst of revenging.
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / June 10, 2017
It is apparent that there is a dangerous precedent being set in Sri Lanka that a minority can be bullied without the law being imposed. Where will this lead? Is this the precursor to a kind of ethnic cleansing such as what happened in Fiji some years ago?
Will the nearly 10% Muslims leave Sri Lanka and migrate to other Muslim countries? Is this a viable option for two million people? Most EU countries and the USA have a very negative perception about Islam and their adherents, even if many are “moderate” Muslims.
So, the Muslims in Sri Lanka are being pushed against a wall, where they cannot back out. It is natural they will then eventually confront their foe, and defend themselves. What will be the outcome, when a cornered individual is poked and harried? Will there be any prospect of peace?
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Lester / June 10, 2017
“Will the nearly 10% Muslims leave Sri Lanka and migrate to other Muslim countries?”
The Burghers left without any issue, so it is a possibility. After the Muslims leave, the Government should offer incentives to highly skilled Tamil and Sinhalese expatriates to return to the country. Ethnic conflict is not the main issue at the moment, it is the lack of intellectuals who can give the country some proper direction.
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Ad / June 10, 2017
This attitude of the powers be shows that they are unaware of peaceful life. The day they lose power is the day they will realize the well they are going to be in. People have to number the coming days for them. Send all of them home for good.
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concerned citizen / June 10, 2017
LP
In fact the patience is running out within the community, and its nearing the nothing to lose situation, the possible steps that are being considered by the IOC are
1. The muslims countries which buys majority of the tea from Sri Lanka put a temporary freeze.
2. Temporary freeze on foreign remittance from the middle east countries.
3. with the new relationship the arab countries has with donald trump, they could influence put a lot of pressure on sri lanka from all ends.
apart from this, the current situation is becoming a fertile ground for ISIS to infiltrate Sri lanka, with them losing their bases in syria, they are sending the carders to new places, and all you need is for one bomb to go off in the katunakaya air port, the tourist industry will come crashing down, and there will be travel warnings and foreign buyers will not travel to Sri Lanka thus the appral industry also will suffer.
all in all, someone is actively planning an economic capitulation of Sri Lanka and achieve their vested interest, as usual the Sinhalese are blind to this fact, and will suffer this stupidity for another 30 years.
The reason for this government to turn blind eye after over 500 incidents, either they think they know the ground situation, or downtrodden stupid to let the situation continue.
the worst part is they are not only digging their own grave, but the country’s grave as well.
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Buddhadasa / June 10, 2017
Here we go again. A Sinhala traitor trying to make a mark in journalism blakguarding the Sinhala nation, getting a chunk of money to write against the nation probably from a NGO. Just like the Sinhalese politicians look to Muslims and Tamils to be in power, this guy has no love for the country. Fools like Mahinda Senevirathne should ask himself whether he is balanced in his view. Probably he should clear his eyes to see the damage done by the Muslims politicians , who are the dependents of the visitors to the Country to Sri Lanka. Probably he should use his articles to pin point the illegal house building in national parks , the extremism which is growing among the Muslim through the Wahabism and especially the events leading to the Aluthgama incidents meaning the behaviour of muslims in the area against the Sinhala people. Otherwise no person should care about his so called journalistic attempts.
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yusuf / June 10, 2017
Buddhadasa the dumb,
==========” Probably he should use his articles to pin point the illegal house building in national parks , the extremism which is growing among the Muslim through the Wahabism and especially the events leading to the Aluthgama incidents”=====
How many people died from illegal Muslim house building? Zero.
How hany people died from illegal Sinhala house building and land-filling causing the floods? 300================ So which is worst, Sinhala or Muslim illegal things???????
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jehan / June 12, 2017
no justice no peace. Gnanasaraya the pig should have been hanged for aluthgama. now he is building a militia. 1987-1992 all over again. first muslims,christians,tamils then all who oppose the bitch.
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Emil van der Poorten / June 12, 2017
This man can now add to his credentials that of monumental hypocrisy. To pretend to be what he is and to say what he has, is beyond what most of the MaRa stooges have done, though some of them have pretended to change colours even before Malinda Seneviratne as witness one medical luminary who has not only done so but made a very paying proposition out of the exercise!
When a hypocrite is reduced to quoting his own past hypocrisies, as Malinda Seneviratne has, it should say something about him.
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