By Sharmini Serasinghe –
Sharmini Serasinghe
When it comes to the likes of pseudo religious figures viz, Gnanasara, I refuse to dignify such with revered titles; ‘Thera’, ‘Reverend’ or ‘Venerable’ as others do. To do so, would be a downright insult to all those who are genuinely worthy of it.
As a Sri Lankan, a Buddhist and a Sinhalese, I find this man utterly and completely reprehensible, offensive, an acute source of embarrassment and an irritation; in short, disgusting!
This ‘monk’ has, single handedly denigrated the image of the few authentic and revered Buddhist monks of Sri Lanka, both past and present, and turned the mantra “Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country” into a joke.
Shaving one’s head and donning a saffron robe does not make one a Buddhist monk. Any Tom, Dick and Harry can do that and call himself Ven. Bla Bla Bla Thero. This man is nothing but a charlatan in robes and desecrating it in every way possible.
His foster political parents; demagogues of a bygone era appeared to be enchanted by this ageing puppet’s performances back then, and seemingly gave succor to it with impunity by simply looking the other way.
The failure on the part of the authorities back then to call a final halt to the appalling behaviour of this flagrant menace and shut him up for good, gave rise to a new breed of Gnanasara ‘s ilk. Intoxicated by his performances, they developed Dutch courage, took the law into their own hands and ran amok. I predicted this over five years ago in one of my ‘Opinion’ pieces, Courting Satan in Saffron Robes right here on Colombo Telegraph, when Gnanasara of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) first raised his ugly head!
Then, with the political regime change in 2015 the man appeared to have been subdued but, the relief for us was short lived. The Homagama High Court drama made him erupt like a volcano and got him landed behind bars. This is where the likes of him rightfully belong, for the rest of their lives. Alas, the relief for us was short lived, again.
Upon being bailed out back then, he had to open his gab yet again and thrash all hope of him having reformed, despite being incarcerated like a common criminal. This man has no shame!
Reportedly, his public announcement upon being released was, on the need to educate Buddhist monks on the laws governing this country!!!
By this, was this man implying that pseudo monks like him behave the way they do, as they have no understanding of the laws of this land???
Before his volte-farce on the laws of the land and his seemingly newfound respect for it, Gnanasara is on record for stating that they of the BBS would not subject themselves to the Roman Dutch law, which he deemed as ‘suddhage neethiya’ (white man’s law), and would only abide by the law of the Dhamma.
Laws of the Dhamma!!! Does he even know what they are???
Was his performance within the Homagama High Court premises, running riot and hurling invective at the widow of Prageeth Ekneligoda, and insulting the court and court officials which ultimately landed him behind bars, his idea of the “law of the Dhamma”?
Has he even heard of the Tripitaka let alone the Vinaya Pitaka; the monastic rules Buddhist monks are required to abide by?
Then he went on to publicly request the Mahanayake Theras (who themselves violate the Vinaya Pitaka with impunity by upholding the repugnant caste system denounced by the Buddha) and the ‘white elephant’ Buddha Sasana Ministry, to include a course on the prevailing law enforcement system in the country, at the end of the Pirivena education or, in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Arts (MA) courses, at the end of any Buddhist education in the country.
To call this man a clown, is a compliment to him and, he’s well advised that it’s better to keep his trap shut and be thought a fool than open it and remove all doubt!
According to Chapter II, Article 9 of Sri Lanka’s Constitution, “The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly, it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana……..”.
Is this how the State is giving Buddhism the foremost place, protecting and fostering the Buddha Sasana by seemingly granting carte blanch to the likes of Gnanasara, to make a mockery of it? Is he not openly violating the Constitution of this country? Isn’t this tantamount to an act of treason?
Never mind ignorance of the laws of the land or even the Dhamma, the latter which most label bearing Buddhists don’t have a clue of anyway, isn’t it basic human common sense, decency and etiquette to know how to conduct one’s self, at least within the hallowed precincts of a court house?
The air of defiance and the obvious lack of remorse or shame displayed by this man as he was last bailed out a few days ago only prove, that his theatrics are far from over!!!
In the absence of the Mahanayakes and the State’s seeming inability to have this man disrobed, I ask the ‘legal eagles’ out there, does a citizen of Sri Lanka like myself, have the right in the eyes of the law, to demand him to be disrobed?
kolla / June 26, 2018
Buddhist priests preach in Pali language which we do not understand.
This writer says ‘ bete noire ” !
Who wins in the attempt to show how learned they are, the Buddhist priests or writers like this ?
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Emil van der Poorten / June 26, 2018
Kolla:
Pretending to be a “kolla” doesn’t mean you can get away with a very obvious attempt to disguise this reprehensible saffron-robed thug’s conduct.
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Baudhaya / June 26, 2018
For you lot, even Jesus Christ who preached against you hymies’ right to lead ‘goiyam to salvation was a criminal. So is every Buddhist monk, a saffron-robed thug. This is because Buddhist monks fought against you foreigners murdering our Sinhala youth, raping our women and looting of our land. So your hatred is rooted in their fight against your greed.
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Repent you filthy animal, wash your mouth with soap water and ask Arlene also to do the same after.
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nimal fernando / June 27, 2018
I have nothing against this good ol’ gent Gnanasara ……… I actually like him; he’s my kinda guy ………… if I were in his shoes and surrounded by the same gullibles, I would’ve done the same ……. it takes one to know one …….
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But truth be told
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He is not protecting anything from anything …….. Buddhism or Sri Lanka or the Sinhalese
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Throughout its history Lanka has faced many internal/external perils …………. and marched on without the likes of him to “protect”
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In the greatest hour of need he didn’t go and fight the LTTE in the frontlines/trenches …………… now, did he?
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He suddenly appeared like magic after the victory
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JohnSiva / June 29, 2018
Thats how alot of Sinhalese are. When the LTTE were at their peak hardly any of them dared to say anything against them in public. But when war ended, they all came forward thumping their chests proclaiming to be ‘brave warriors’ who ‘saved the country’
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nimal fernando / June 27, 2018
continued
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Poor Lanka can do without these types of “patriots,” “saviours,” ……….. or whatever the crap you wanna call them ………. We have too many of them hanging around without doing/having any gainful employment
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I would have the highest regard for this gent if he does one honest day’s work like many hardworking honest Lankans
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Then if he does all his patriotism, compassion, saving damsels in distress or whatever ……….. and all the rest in his own time ………….. once he has done some daily honest work to earn his keep
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If not, all what he is doing is nothing but avoiding a honest day’s work ………….
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Buddha appeared to me in a vision last night and said the same thing …………. and requested me to convey the message to his true followers
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He said …………. “Where you see ideal things, I see what is —
human, alas, all-too-human. I know man better.”
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I’m just the lowly messenger ………. no need for abuse ……..
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old codger / June 26, 2018
A great article by a great Buddhist lady.
Where is that other female Sinhala Buddhist Champa ?
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Native Vedda / June 27, 2018
old codger
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“Where is that other female Sinhala Buddhist Champa ?”
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You are crushing on Champa.
One cannot trust an old codger.
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oldcodger / June 27, 2018
NV,
Old codgers are allowed certain peccadilloes that others are not allowed.
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Native Vedda / June 28, 2018
oldcodger
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Are you advising me to age faster?
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BJP / June 26, 2018
Emil
What a sad comment it makes Sinhala Buddhists to realise, that the danger to Buddhism, Sinhaless and Sri Lanka is alive under different guises. Buddhism, Sinhalese and Lanka cannot be separated. That is lesson 101.
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Radical Ideas / June 27, 2018
It also confirms that the enemy of Buddhism comes from the inside and not from the outside. Buddha’s teaching and warning about the impending danger from the fake monks and the fake system that protects such monks and destruction is caused from within will be the deadliest. When the Govigama Mafia Elites does the job in perfect style….. who needs anything more…. the day the system allowed a monk to lead destructions to the oppressed, it seals the fate of Buddhism as a dead philosophy. Everyone played a part in that killing by being an ardent fan in promoting Hate against the others.
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Vajira Wijesuriya / June 26, 2018
A question by an utterly foolish person. If the person wants to learn the meaning of anything written in Pali or in any other language all what he or she has to do is to refer the words in Google!!!! Get used to the technology available without having to display ignorance!!!
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The Messenger / June 26, 2018
The Sinhala-Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka are the most corrupt (they are corrupt to the Core), most racist, and the most dangerous. Buddha Business has made the Sinhala Buddhist monks very rich. They own bungalows and real estates, invest millions of rupees in private banks, and have luxury vehicles, employing drivers.
The poor and foolish Sinhala Buddhist laypersons are more interested in worshipping the Buddha statue, Bo-tree, and Buddha’s Dathu (relics/body parts) and feeding Dana (alms/free food) to these corrupt Buddhist monks rather than following the Dhamma what the Buddha preached.
The poor Sinhala Buddhist villagers not only offer free food (Dana) but even offer their young children to the Buddhist temples/monasteries to be ordained as a monk (Samanera). These poor children get abused, molested and sodomized by the senior/adult monks who prey on their innocence to satisfy their carnal desires. Sodamising the Abiththayas (temple boys) and novice young monks is happening in Buddhist temples for many centuries and is kept as a secret. Nowadays, the village women also frequently visit the Buddhist temples to tidy up the rooms (aavasa) and get laid by the monks.
Today, Sri Lanka has become a strong hold of Sinhala-Buddhist aggression and terror and such acts are spurred by hardline Sinhala Buddhist monks. The hate mongering and terror attacks against the minorities were motivated by Buddhist monks, the prominent among them are Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara with the creation of the BBS (Bodu Bala Sena/Buddhist task force) and Iththakande Saddhatissa of the Ravana Balaya. These two thugs should be in jail for life.
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nosey parker / June 26, 2018
The Messenger
This article by Ms. Serasinghe has given uncouth bigots like you, yet another opportunity to spew your vile , venemous, filth at the Sangha. Fortunately , nobody responds in like manner , showing remarkable restraint and compassion – in keeping with the philosophy of the great teacher .
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The Messenger / June 27, 2018
Ms. Serasinghe,
Hats off to you for reveling the facts. Only a very few true Buddhists like you are bold enough to write the truth. You must be commended for enlightening the Sinhala Buddhists in Sri Lanka who are betraying Buddhism and insulting the Buddha due to either ignorance or influence.
2500 years of Buddhism in Sri Lanka has not influenced any major changes in the Sinhala Buddhist society in terms of attitude, character, behavior, morality and so on. It has failed very miserably. WHY?
The Buddha Dhamma preached by the Sinhala Buddhist monks is no longer able to provide any vision or guidance or constructive power but are only occupied in maintaining their own petty positions in an already atrophied hierarchy resting on a utterly disillusioned and rapidly crumbling society from which the spirit has long since departed. The Sinhala Buddhist monks have subordinated the interests of the society to ultra-national goals (un-Buddhist practices) and the narrow ambitions of ultra-nationalist and racist political leaders by promoting hatred towards minorities and also influence the gullible Sinhala-Buddhist laypersons to follow all the Anti-Buddhist acts that they preach and practice.
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Radical Ideas / June 28, 2018
Messenger, exactly said. The masters who are controlling system are openly DESTROYING the teachings of the Lord Buddha before their eyes, under their patronage and allegiance rendered towards the inhuman oppression practiced and preached under the label/ tag of saving the Buddhism. Gnanasara is most disgusting and the vile production that the GOVIGAMA RULING ELITE Mafia ever created for the evil Zionist project of keeping the society divided and each one holding the other one’s throat. This is the same method the Jews employed to bring down strong Empires that lost everything in the end due to the invisible infiltration of the Secret Jews sneakily creping into the system and pit one against the other funding all the parties involved in the fighting and killing. This is exactly what is happening to Sri Lanka at present. Sinhalese against Tamil and the Tamils against Muslims…. Sinhala Tamil in alliance against the Muslim and on and on…..
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Radical Ideas / June 26, 2018
The problem we are facing in this country is not an ordinary one. This is the problem that the British created all throughout the world when they invaded our lands, destroyed its functioning systems and annihilating the then existed ruling Elites and replaced it later with a CROWD dedignated to control on behalf of the Jews who are running the Global system for the last 300 years. The Govigama Ruling Elites were thus created for this purpose. They are like snakes under the grass that can bite anyone whom it thinks threatens its evil existence. Gnanasara is fully well protected by the Govigama Mafia as the only thing that one can find common between the Rajapakse’s creation of Bodu Bala and the Sirisena is boosting up the image of this Buddhist Gorilla by protecting him, who is wreaking havoc on the population is the Govigama Fraternal connection.?There is no other reason for Sirisena to give his support at this levels if its not for the Secret Evil Agenda of the Govigama Mafiosi. They have the project of the Zionist backed ‘Illuminati’ , a secret society created for the purpose of creating chaos amongst the Gentile population of the world for the benefit of the Agenda21 de-population program of the Rothschilds/Rockerfeller Jewish criminality. The destruction of the established religions is one of its missions. So, the Jewish heritaged Govigama Ruling Elites who are running the state and the governance have destroyed Buddhism and transformed it into a FASCIST outfit that goes about dismantling the country. Everybody knows who runs the Sinhala racism and who funds it and who comes to rescue the criminal racists when they are in trouble…. it surely have to be a Govigama Clan member who is connected to the system that runs this country.
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Al-faqurlah / June 28, 2018
Radical ideas the way you are attacking govigama people demonstrates that you are a low caste converted Islamic infidel suffering from inferiority complex. Bringing Jews into this shows that you are affected by Judaiophobia. The worldwide opinion is that it is the Muslims who are snakes under the grass who can bite anyone whom they think threaten their evil existence.
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Radical Ideas / June 28, 2018
Yo FAQ-Urea, Let’s be frank. The Govi initiated/Govi imposed WAR on the TAMILS (contracted by the CIA/RAW agencies) took nearly 35 years. During these years the Sri Lankan Govt., went through hell in the economic side. What do you think is the one that helped the GOVI CRIMINALS that kept theWAR going on????? The inflow of FOREIGN RVENUE….. THE MIDDLE EASTERN Muslims fed the Racist/Sinhala Buddhist system with enough money to run the economy and as well as the WAR expenses. The so called Western Countries (Run by the Jews) provided the SL Govt., with LOANS on Interest. We are still reeling the cost of those unwanted expenditure that was dumped on the general population by the PSYCHOPATHIC Govigama Ruling cabal. They did not give rationale a chance for it could have saved the Billions of Dollars we had to waste on killing our own people, the very human resource could have used to develop the country like the Singapore. Almost all the GOVI leaders did one thing very much they are in experienced with…. RACISM and fomenting violence, pitting one against the other…… DS Senanayake began his work with draconian laws targeting the Tamil and the minority communities. Then came the criminals SWRD Banda, Srimavo, JR, Premadasa, DB, Premadasa, DBW, Mahinda and now the all time super criminal SIRISENA. You will not find a single one in this line of rulers under which a discrimination or a pogrom did not happen to the Tamils or the Muslims…… Now remove your glass and look closely….. who is the SNAKE????? The Muslims who help the economy or the GOVI SCUMBAGS who destroy the economy….?????
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Hamlet / June 28, 2018
How does anyone Scientifically Prove that He/She is of the Govigama Caste, or any other Caste for that matter? Can a DNA Test Prove it?
Anyone could say that they are Govigama, when in fact they were born into another Caste!!
What is Caste anyway, but an Arbitrary Category, which could be used by anyone wishing to Join the Ruling Political Elite?
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Radical Ideas / June 29, 2018
Hamlet, You have raised a very good question. Thank you for this very important question you have made. This should have been the way that everyone must begin to thinking to ask critical questions that requires some Radical Answers………… The caste and race is something that no one proove by any means but by tradition and with some papers saying that one belongs to such and such caste or race. Before the advent of the British invaders who destroyed our cultures and our way of life in the times when this land was ruled by the local and native Kings and Queens, there was no thing existed called a ‘Birth Certificate’. Nobody knows how they confirmed each one belongs to which and which group, but by popularly recognised by word of mouth. The issuing a “BC” is thus an evil plot hatched by the British to enslave a mass population and an easy method to lock a new born into a system like a person being cursed to be a slave forever to the Global Zionist system. During the old days, when the British began registering the BCs they did not go to lengths to check and verify the facts and figures of the applicants. They just gave them a blank approval to anyone to declare anything in the first registrations. Thats how the foreign, Telungu origin who are originated from the Brahmins, Who are Originated from the Jewish race, became the Sinhala Buddhist Govigama ruling Elites. Their Telungu origin thus known as “NAYAKKARS”…. Sena-nayaker, Bandara-nayaker are some of them….. this is called the INFILTRATION of the Jews into societies that happened in the past in total secrecy.
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Hamlet / July 1, 2018
Radical Ideas;
Continuing on the same theme, as I have commented elsewhere:-
“Hambantota means, the Port where the ‘Hambayas’ landed!
Are you sure that the Gift of the Ability to Amass Vast amounts of Money was given by Allah to the Native People of Hambantota?
Or was it a Skill inherited from their Hamba Ancestors?”
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Radical Ideas / July 2, 2018
Yo Hamlet, You better direct that one to your own-self. Because, nobody knows whose genealogy began from where. Maybe, you belong to the very same people whom you consider to be inferior to your (egotistically perceived myth) as the Master race. How far can you go back into the history to prove that you are what you belong to???? Whether Hambaya or Modaya its all one big mix of an achcharu…. Birth Certificate is the only document that FAKELY proves one belongs to such and such. Superior and Inferior quality can be checked by one’s conduct. Obviously, Gnanasara, Mahinda Rajapakse and the ilks who are supporting them cannot belong to a higher level of the human groups. Enjoy the mystery!!!!!
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Hamlet / July 3, 2018
Radical Ideas;
I was just trying, Sarcastically, to bring your Attention to the Fact that the S/Bs are Jealous of the fact that Muslims are able to Succeed in Business, where Many S/Bs Fail!
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Mugalan / June 26, 2018
She has written a very good article.If Kolla does not know the meaning of . bete noire it is not her fault.I am sure many buddhist will appreciate her article, except wal kollas
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Amarasiri / July 3, 2018
Sharmini Serasinghe
RE: My Bête Noire, Gnanasara
“When it comes to the likes of pseudo religious figures viz, Gnanasara, I refuse to dignify such with revered titles; ‘Thera’, ‘Reverend’ or ‘Venerable’ as others do. To do so, would be a downright insult to all those who are genuinely worthy of it”
Yes.
Why call a duck a spade, when the duck is clearly not a spade.
Yes, why call with revered titles; ‘Thera’, ‘Reverend’ or ‘Venerable’, when he clearly follows Mara?
Are the Mara followers also called by ‘Thera’, ‘Reverend’ or ‘Venerable’? Not to my knowledge.
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Burt / June 26, 2018
Who is the puppet master?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC5EOEs6b6A
The above might give you some indication.
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Taraki / June 26, 2018
Listen to the video before assuming that he is abusing the Police officer.
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Native Vedda / June 26, 2018
Taraki
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Tell us what exactly did he tell the Senior DIG and what made the mob emboldened?
Do you supply the rent a mob to whom it was needed?
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nadarajah / June 26, 2018
Jim Softy
one need not be a POPE to make a comment
this forum is to make comments not to take decisions as it lies elsewhere
do not talk rubbish
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Jim softy / June 26, 2018
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Jim softy / June 26, 2018
some Sinhalelse and buddhists are those who used to read the Quran and say Allahu Akbar.
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Menna Aththa / June 26, 2018
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Naomi / June 26, 2018
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D Perera / June 26, 2018
Well said and well written. Very courageous to come out and say it. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing!! If you made these comments 4 years ago – a white van would have given you a free ride. Sri Lankans have forgotten. Unfortunately this thug is patronized by other uncouth elements; sadly they are now the major voter base!! I am a buddhist and I am ashamed the way this fellow acts and gets media coverage – the very thing such jokers want!!
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Dr. Wijebahu / June 26, 2018
Ganasara’s Case is on what has happened in the court premises. There is another one from London , who was convicted on child abuse and sent to jail for seven years , has returned to Gampaha and is back to his head priest post after being released after his prison term. I recently heard that he has written a book , and had a book launching ceremony with the attendence of the President and the mahanayaka’s. He is on the paedophile register in U.K and should not be allowed if there are any children around. Why is he allowed to carry on as a monk? . He was charged for abusing a little girl who came to Sunday school in Chiswick temple in London. Laws should be brought to derobe these criminals. The president ‘s officials should see that the president is kept away from attending, events sponsored by these criminals.
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Raj / June 26, 2018
Dr Wijebahu,
Good that you brought up this subject concerning the paedophile monk of the Chiswick temple. This monk had been abusing children for a long period but nobody, including the girl’s parents, dared to investigate the allegations because it ‘would bring disrepute to the temple & Buddhism’ & the entire congregation were in denial. It took a lot of courage & over 20 years for this lady to bring up the case as she had to wait till her father passed away but once she brought up the charges, others in a similar quandary were able to come forward as well & thanks to the diligence of the British Police, this paedophile was brought to justice. However, a majority of Buddhists in London, perhaps, due to sheer ignorance, wanted to hush this incident, & if I am not mistaken, MR instructed the SL High Commission to foot the legal bill. Even after the guilty verdict, proven beyond doubt, many still consider this case as a conspiracy against Buddhism.
I shudder to think that this paedophile is continuing as a monk in SL, deported from UK after serving a 8 year (if I remember correctly) prison sentence. Obviously, the Ministry Of Buddhist Affairs & the ‘Sanga Saba’ must be aware of this monk & his criminal past but apparently everything seems to have been swept under the proverbial carpet. I wonder what exactly is the Ministry doing in ‘safeguarding Buddhism’ if unable to accept reality & blind to all the misrepresentations of ignorant, yob monks, dabbling in politics, spreading hatred & condoning violence against ethnic minorities, contrary to the teachings of the Buddha. The monks in SL seem to be unaware that their primary objective is to lead a simple & pious life, providing spiritual guidance to those who in need.
Sinhala monks, particularly, those in UK can learn from foreign monks, such as, those at Amarawathi Buddhist Temple, a monastery started by an American monk & originally funded by the Thai monarchy & Thai philanthropists.
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Jim softy / June 26, 2018
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Upali / June 26, 2018
Well said Sharmini. Let us not be scared to call a spade a spade. ‘Najajja Wasalo Hothu.’
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Native Vedda / June 26, 2018
Burt
Brilliant.
Democracy in action.
Mob dictates police.
Mob attacks senior police officer
The National Hangman shouts and screams at the senior police officers.
Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa establishes himself as the hero of the mob.
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Champa admires her pimp.
Helass, somass, Jimmy, Johny Baby, Eagle Blind Eye, Percy the Pervy, ……………………… Dayan, ……….. love to bring back the the national hangman, and see how Policemen are being humiliated elected and non-elected thugs.
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Thanks I had already seen this clip on another website a few years ago.
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Pol Booruwa / June 26, 2018
“My Bête Noire, Gnanasara”
What nonsense!
Gnanasara is a Great Sinhala Hero just like Prabakaran is a Great Tamil Hero…
Such Heros are born only once in a century…
We should praise them and protect them instead of jailing or killing them…
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Upali / June 26, 2018
Pol Booruwa,
Only a Pol Booruwa can comment like this. You got the right name.
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Native Vedda / June 26, 2018
Pol Booruwa
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“Such Heros are born only once in a century…”
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True, Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, …………………………… Stalin, …. were born once in a century.
However we don’t need them.
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Jim softy / June 26, 2018
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RanjitT / June 26, 2018
Touched Sharmini
This man was wearing trousers & a Bola hate in Japan following SL’s President.
He has also being charged for drunk driving.
He is definitely NO Buddhist Priest
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edwin rodrigo / June 26, 2018
‘US’ vs. ‘THEM’: The comments here show how deeply we are divided in to two distinct camps with hardly any middle ground. How can two equally intelligent groups of people take such drastically differing stands on the same issue? The following explanation based on a science article may provide some answers.
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Human brains balance two primordial systems.
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(i) Amygdala: generating fear of things that pose a danger.
(ii) The mesolimbic system: generating pleasure for things that make us flourish and survive.
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These two interact to influence how we form our social biases. These reflect conflicting activity of the amygdala versus the mesolimbic system? How do our brains balance distrust and fear against social reward when it comes to our perceptions of people different from us? Signaling within the amygdala underlies the degree to which people are reluctant to trust others.
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Reward from ‘sameness’: As opposed to fear, distrust etc., neurons in brain regions called the mesolimbic system are critical mediators of our sense of “reward.” They control the release of the transmitter dopamine, which is associated with an enhanced sense of pleasure. In addition, neurochemicals such as oxytocin can significantly alter the sense of reward and pleasure, especially in relationship to social interactions, by modulating these mesolimbic circuits.
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Even if evolution has tilted the balance toward our brains rewarding “like” and distrusting “difference,” this can be changed. The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one single story become the only story. In other words, stereotypes reduce those not exactly like us to only their differences.
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Understanding this may help both groups to perform better and flourish.
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Gaus / June 26, 2018
Gnanasara is a political tool used by the bankrupt politicians for their personal gains. Even our president loves him. These Buddhists who make Gnanasara a hero makes me to think, Buddhism??..
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Burt / June 27, 2018
No Buddhism in Sri Lanka in it self is a political tool used by bankrupt politicians, drug barons for social acceptance and a dumping ground for unwanted children.
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Nanda Perera / June 26, 2018
The monk is sadly indicative of a pervasive culture that has permeated key facets of the Sri Lankan identity both at home and abroad. This individual will continue to thrive and gain media traction as he is without question a vulgar form of entertainment that the ruling elite themselves enjoy advocating. He is symptomatic of a nation despite the hype; practising the ignoble art of economic and moral bankruptcy. The people at home and around the world are complicit as in the end what underpins this sketch is a subservient hand-out methodology based on the pursuit of an individual’s personal gain at the expense of all others in society. Utopia is perhaps far-fetched and at the same time being of Sri Lankan origin today is quite frankly a global disgrace as the courteous, dignified and elegant nature of our people has been replaced with mob rule.
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Sharmini Serasinghe / June 27, 2018
Nandana,
This is precisely why, the moderate Buddhists and all others who respect the Dhamma must unite and, with one voice demand, such men to be disrobed. This is the first step as, men like Gnasara are nothing without the saffron robe.
The onus is on us as, no politician or the so called Maha Sangha will.
Sharmini
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Paul / June 27, 2018
Sharmini, ,where are you holding the first demonstration?
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Paul / June 27, 2018
I would add that demanding disrobing will not work. The mahanayaka of Gnanasara’s nikaya could announce that he is no longer in communion with the Sangha, but they cannot actually prevent him from wearing what he wants. As long as his clothes do not outrage public decency, he can wear what he likes.
So the solution to this problem is the registration of all bhikkhus by the Government and the Mahanayakas, followed by laws forbidding anyone other than a registered bhikkhu from wearing the robe.
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Medalankara de Choppe / June 28, 2018
Ms Sharmini you have stepped into a place which I was scared to get involved in.
Many of these robed gents should be addressed as Mr.ganasara, Mr Ratanaetc.They are nothing but you and me in a uniform – the safron toga.
There are stories getting about, temples or rather men in robes dealing in drugs and women.One was caught recntly attempting to purchase drugs.
Gana wants a ecclesstical court to sit on judgement over the safron robed thugs.There are such courts in existance, but they do not function.
The govt can correct this, but no govt is willing to do so.For a start make the GA/DS and the Auditor General’s Dept responsible for the PIN KETE, not the priests nor the water carrier – Diyawadena Nilame-
Then implement a court to remove the togas if the ganayas misbehave.
About 63 yearsa ago, I was a witness to a happening at a temple. I did not understand the sinificance of what I saw. Now I know.They had brought a woman to the temple for group sex.
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The Messenger / June 28, 2018
What is the point in having a Buddhasasana ministry (just another good for nothing institute) if it is only a silent observer to all the anti-Buddhist acts committed by the Sinhala Buddhist monks? Even though Buddhism is given the foremost place in Sri Lanka, there is no central authority (Buddhist Disciplinary Commission/Committee) under the Ministry of Buddhasasana to monitor/control the behavior/actions of the Buddhist Sasana and to maintain the Buddhist Vinaya (disciplinary code) among the Buddhist clergy in order to punish/disrobe the rogues and rowdies in robes.
All the rogue Monks (hora ganayas or cheevaradharis) who are hijacking the Buddhist religion with their anti-Buddhist activities and disrupting the peace in the country should be subjected to disciplinary action and should be disrobed. Buddhist disciplinary laws should be enacted specially for the Buddhist clergy who violate the Buddhist values and principles. This has become an urgent need in Sri Lanka. Why is everybody scared of the saffron robes?
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ral Pa / June 26, 2018
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sweerasi / June 26, 2018
This lady made a good point but using a non-Buddhist like aggressive inappropriate language to arouse readers to throw shame at a religion well respected worldwide. It shows anger inside her which is not appropriate for real Buddhist. I do not call woman like Sharmini Buddhist. The same message would have given in a different way to make the same point.
I personally do not appreciate the language and the behaviour on this particular monk. He is no where near in his behaviour Hikkaduwe Sumangala era monks who fought for the country and the religion. But his subject of struggle is realistic. He should not be rewarded nor admired for using harsh language. But he is fighting against a corrupted system. That should be appreciated. Whether he is doing it within a robe with his hair shaved does not effect real Buddhists. Dhamma is there to guide Buddhists. You do not need to follow bad examples, when there are many excellent examples in the world of Buddhist monks.
A real Buddhist will look at monks in appropriate behaviour with Metta, Karuna, Muditha and Upekka.
Blessings to you all!
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Blah Blah / June 26, 2018
Very nice..!! and the article is nice too …!!
Bodu bla bla bla sena and Ven Bla bla thero
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BJP / June 26, 2018
We the Buddhists and the adherents to the Buddhist way of life worship The Triple Gem; The Buddha, The Dhamma, The Sangha. The history of Sri Lanka also cannot be separated from the worshippers of the Triple Gem it will be remained so in the future too. The third component of the Triple Gem; The Sangha cannot be separated from the other two components. One cannot claim to be a Buddhist if he or she desires to worship only one or two of the noble components of the Triple Gem. There are a few dozens of Sri Lankans claim to worship The Buddha or The Dhamma only. It was the result of the oppression tactics used by colonial powers since 1505. Remnants of those followers of Colonial masters are among us today, they will claim to be Buddhists. Also I must remind that their forefathers denigrated The Sangha under the influence of colonial Pay Masters. Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumagala Thero and Ven. Kotapola were among them. Every Buddhists will address the Buddhist monk referred in this article as Ven. Galaboda Atthe Gnanasara Thera. What he said is no different from that of Ven Kotapola Thero or Ven. Sri Sumangala Thero. That is why overwhelming majority of the Sri Lankan Buddhists felt betrayed by the current rulers. The overwhelming support recently shown to Ven. Galaboda Atthe Gnanasara by them is undisputable. The Sangha cannot be separated from the Triple Gem and hence The Buddhism.
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romani / June 27, 2018
“The overwhelming support recently shown to Ven. Galaboda Atthe Gnanasara by them is undisputable.”
A lot of shouting does not make for “overwhelming support”.
If it was so, why did his Cobra Party not get even 5,000 votes at the election?
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Rationalist / June 27, 2018
BJP;
The Sangha is the Name given to the followers of the Buddha’s Dhamma!
Just because a Person Wears a Yellow Robe, He cannot be said belong to the Sangha!
He has to Live and Act in a manner suitable to a Monk on the Buddha’s Path, before he can expect to be respected as a Member of the Sangha!
Charlatans such as Gnanasara, desecrate The Buddha and His Teaching, The Dhamma!
There are more Lay People, who could be Better alluded to as The Sangha, because They Follow faithfully, the True Teaching!
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Loku Aiya / June 26, 2018
“This ‘monk’ has, single handedly denigrated the image of the few authentic and revered Buddhist monks of Sri Lanka, both past and present, and turned the mantra “Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country” into a joke”
You have got the message wrong; Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero did not do any harm to Buddhism and Sri Lankan Buddhists at all. Your comments is unwarranted and it goes against the wishes of majority of Sri Lankan Buddhists. We do not have to pay homage to corrupt judiciary and the ruling system in Sri Lanka. If you have an iota of common sense and knowledge of Sinhala Buddhists and their history, you may have thought twice before satisfying self indulging thoughts of denigrating Maha Sangha. Some people emulating warped western thinking and due to their newly found trivial sophistication, think they are more “Buddhist than The Sangha”. For such people a simple but courageous Buddhist monk seem to be a threat. Actually those opted to denigrate Buddhism and Buddhist monks with hatred are the jokers and their existence in Sri Lanka and with the mentality of their former colonial pay masters is the biggest joke. ” Sri Lanka WAS and WILL BE a Buddhist country again” Please do not doubt about it. The political leaders have limited the existence of Sri Lanka as a Buddhist Country currently to few words written in a piece of paper to deceive Sinhala Buddhists in the country. I am not surprised at all about your venomous thinking because “You have to pay the piper”
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Burt / June 26, 2018
Loku Aiya:
I might not agree with you on “WAS” and “WILL BE” but hats off to you for being open and straightforward. These are the same closet racists whose actions are discriminatory against minorities and Non-Buddhists but write long essays to say that they are holier than thou.
Buddhism is not a religion but a way of life. If you cannot live it don’t preach to others.
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Jim softy / June 27, 2018
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Burt / June 27, 2018
Dimwit cannot get a break.
I am loving it. :)
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wannihami / June 27, 2018
Does the author, the comment writers and the editor himself of Colombo Telegraph realize that undue and unwarranted publicity is given to this Gnanasara Thera by this kind of articles, the said thera must be reveling in the limelight focused on him, just what he must want. How stupid can you be folks?
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Native Vedda / June 27, 2018
wannihami
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“undue and unwarranted publicity is given to this Gnanasara Thera by this kind of articles,”
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His life is his message, all and sundry to see, its an open book.
He spins his own publicity.
Now tell us does the saffron clad thug read Colombo Telegraph?
How many people in Sri Lanka do you think read CT?
Do you think CT readers are stupid enough to be persuaded by CT articles and comments?
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I have not seen any changes in your typing in as many years.
In fact you want CT to stop criticizing the wrong doers and sinners however you do not seem to notice nor comment on their bad/criminal behaviour because you think you are smart or smart ass patriot?
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Medalankara de Choppe / June 28, 2018
wannihamy, you are right. He should be physically buried six feet under
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Real Truth / June 27, 2018
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Medalankara de Choppe / June 28, 2018
I am a Buddhist. The only remedy I recommend is to take a small axe to the temple and let hih have it on the head.
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Native Vedda / June 28, 2018
Medalankara de Choppe
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“The only remedy I recommend is to take a small axe to the temple and let hih have it on the head.”
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What if he too had a bigger axe or grabbed yours both your axe and your b***s?
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Dias / June 29, 2018
Was he not living in America and came to Sri Lanka 2012/13?
Funded by foreign money to make trouble in Sri Lanka?
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sweerasi / June 29, 2018
Has Sharmini realised the damage she has done to herself (morality) by calling the Buddhist monk (whether he is right or wrong) Bete Noir? If she is a true Buddhist I wish she will not remember this immoral act in her last moment of life. if so she will pave the way to hell.
Let us follow true Dhamma to attain supreme blissful state of Nirvana.
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Burt / June 30, 2018
sweerasi:
I thought Buddhism did not have “hell” and “heaven” only rebirth.
“Let us follow true Dhamma to attain supreme blissful state of Nirvana.”
Why all this hard work: I think hippies attain this state by smoking a joint.
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Javid / July 1, 2018
sweerasi
What is wrong calling Gnanasara Bete Noir. According to English dictionary ‘Bete Noir” refer to a person whom you dislike very much or who annoys you very much. She was using this word to Gnanasara, not all monks. This Gandasara is disliked and hated by millions. The right word is womanizing drunkard bastard bringing disgrace to yellow robes.
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Ajay / July 2, 2018
Sharmini
As far as I’m concerned, people like you are equally damaging to Buddhism. The stinking evil Gandhasara tries to destroy Buddhism with his belligerent brand of racist Sinhala-Buddhism. You stage an insidious attack from the other flank by reducing the great teaching of the Noble Buddha to a mere Sunday-church-type social outing for fashionably-dressed people to sit quietly for 15 minutes and then have a tea-party for the rest of the afternoon.
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