By Rifai Naleemi –
Dr. Rifai Naleemi
Peace And Communal Harmony In Sri Lanka: Some Reflections
No doubt each one of us loves to see a prosperous and thriving Sri Lanka. Whether we come from Tamil community or Sinhalese community or for that matter from any other community each patriotic Sri Lankan wish to see a flourishing Sri Lankan economy and they hope for the rapid development and progress of our nation: This is the inner feeling of all Sri Lankans in SL and Abroad. No one wishes destructions and devastation for our nation. Every patriotic Lankan wishes that Sri Lankan should become one of the wonders of Asian countries. This is the expectation and hope of the majority of Sri Lankan people across all communities. This is indeed, the prayers of most communities in Sri Lanka. It is a natural instinct of people to love their motherlands. It is a human nature to have some patriotic feelings on birth places.
In this sense, each and every Lankan who are born in Sri Lanka love this Island. This is the general perception of all communities in Sri Lanka. Yet, to claim that only Sinhalese are true inhabitants of this land gives negative implications and impacts in our communal relationship between communities in Sri Lanka. All minority communities love this country as the majority community loves it. All minority communities manifest and show their loyalty to this country as does the majority community. BBS and its cohorts have made some deliberate attempts to say that minority communities have no loyalty to this nation. They have made some deliberate attempts to denounce the historical heritage and antiquities of minority communities in this country.
In fact BBS and its cohorts failed to recall that like all other community their ancestors too inhabited this Island sometime ago in history. Historical evidences indicate they hail from the Bengal region of India. In this sense all communities are new comers to this Island sometime in history. Some may have come early in history and some might have come later in history. But it can be argued that all are new arrivals to this Island except indigenous people of this Island. They live now in some part of Mahiyangane. They are the native Veddas of this Island.
The point I’m trying to make here is that there is a common feature to all contemporary Sri Lankan communities. That common feature is that all communities are migrants to this Island except the native Veddas who live in some parts of Island. If anyone has got ancestral and historical rights in antiquity to claim the real native people of Island it should be Veddas of this Island. In this sense all communities should be treated equally without any discrimination. All should have equal rights and equal privileges. We all live in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country. This should be acknowledged and proclaimed openly by all communities in SL.
We have majority community and minority communities. Each community shares some common human values and each community have some differences in culture, traditions and faith. How do we get on with all these differences and make unity among communities with all these differences. How do we make peace and harmony with all these differences between us? Rather than highlighting the differences between us we should focus on the factors that unite all of us. Our human nature and human sense should unite us all for the goodness of entire country.
First and foremost we all are human beings. We may have different faith and different ethnicity or language and yet we all belong to human one human race. This universal human brotherhood should unite us all for the goodness of humanity. In this sense this universal brotherhood should unite us as Lankans for the goodness of all communities. All we should have sense of humour to share happiness and sadness of each community.
I think that religious leadership in our country should emphasis on this universal brotherhood of humanity and indeed, this is one of the teachings of Lord Buddha; He did not discriminate humanity in terms of their colour, faith, language or ethnicity. To build a long lasting peace and harmony among Sri Lankan communities we should make some awareness among public about this basic human brotherhood. Of course we have all differences with us and yet we too have common humanistic features between us. Yet, some of us try to highlight the differences at the expense of our common humanistic features. This universality of human brotherhood is lost today in our modern world not only in Sri Lanka but in the entire world. Sometime animals have better treatment in the hands of some people than their follow human beings.
Look at how millions of people die out of hunger and yet, some people spend billions to feed their pats and animals at the expense of starving their follow humans. I do not say that we should starve animals to death. If we do that it would be animal cruelty and there is no place for that in religion but what I’m saying here is that millions of people go hungry each day and yet, rich people and rich nations do not care about these hungry people. Millions of people die out of huger in some parts of world and at the same time millions people are suffering from obesity. This is the so called modern civilised world we live: a world of self-contradictories. Because, this universal brotherhood of humanity has already dead in this materialistic and capitalistic world.
We Sri Lankans have been maintaining some supreme human qualities such as love, compassions, affections, sympathy, kindness and respect. I wonder if these human qualities are eroding in our modern time. Some inhuman qualities are overriding our basic human qualities today in Sri Lanka. Look at how communal hatred and racism are overriding love and affection of human race. When we live in multi-ethnic country we should have some ethical and moral principles and protocols in dealing with people. These moral and ethical principles should be maintained at all levels at official and public levels. These should be maintained in all our dealings and interaction. There must be some fair legal and judicial systems to deal with all communal and social issues in accordance with rules of laws. Unconditional justice for all should be the basic principle in dealing with communal and sensitive issues. The equality of humanity in the eye of law should be the second basic principle in dealing with different ethical groups. Law and order should be applied to all communities equally without any bias or discrimination.
Unconditional justice to all communities without bias:
Justice is unconditional. It should be applied equally to all communities. There is no one system of justice for Sinhalese and another type of justice for Tamil community. There is no one sort of justice system to the majority community and another type for minority communities. There is no one sort of justice for rulers and another type of justice to his subjects. There should not be one type of justice for powerful people and another type of justice for weak in the community. We should not have one type of justice system for the party in power and another type of justice for the party in opposition. The miscarriage of justice is taking place in Sri Lanka across all communities and political parties. This miscarriage of justice is unprecedented in our history.
Any discriminative attitude in the application of justice will lead the country into chaos and people would not have any trust and confidence in the rule of law. Unfortunately, in recent time justice is not applied equally in Sri Lanka. Justice system and courts of law have been fully controlled by the politicians. This put the judges of this country in precarious situation even if they wanted to apply justice equally to all they cannot do that because they are under immense political pressure. In case of hate campaign against Muslims police and justice systems in Sri Lankan could not take any necessary steps to curtail the activities of BBS and its cohorts. It is apparent that they are acting against of the rule of laws and yet no action has been taken against them. It is apparent that BBS and its cohorts take the laws in their hand and yet, no one objects it. It is shame on the legal system of this country that the judges could not take any actions against this open hatred campaign. (To be continued next week)
Amarasiri / October 28, 2013
Rifai Naleemi,
On, BBS, Booru-Ass Balu Sena, Claims,
“No doubt each one of us loves to see a prosperous and thriving Sri Lanka. Whether we come from Tamil community or Sinhalese community or for that matter from any other community each patriotic”
Do you want to listen to asses, donkeys and barking dogs?
They do not follow the Enlightened Buddha’s teachings and it is the standard claim of racists, the so called racist Sinhala”Buddists”
Al the Sri Lankaan citizens need to expose these ass-donkeys for what they are and the damage they are doing to Buddha Dhamma, which will be recorded for ever as Buddhism.
They need to focus on vice like Casinos and other crimes.
Child Abuse by a Monk in Habaraduwa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNSC93mPs4I
Uploaded on May 29, 2010
She sent her grandson to school with the idea of providing him with proper education to make him a good person. The Buddhist monk in charge of the temple asked her to send the child to the temple and she sent him there because they were poor. There was no possibility for them to pay the money for tuition fees. That was the reason why they sent the boy to the temple school.When the child began to refuse going to the temple school so adamantly, grandmother had to look for the reason. It was then only that she discovered that the child who was sent to learn good behavior, ethics and Buddha’s Dharma from the monk had in fact been abused by the monk.
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Javi / October 28, 2013
“Child Abuse by a Monk in Habaraduwa”
Repeating record,
I think that you can disagree with people and debate over their positions with issues without engaging in the politics of personal destruction.
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Fathima Fukushima / October 28, 2013
The victim’s name was Ayesha. She was only 9 years old.
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Javi / October 31, 2013
Foo Foo the eunuch,;^)
“name was Ayesha. She was only 9”
FooFoo, like you give me voodoo. Oh oh’s.
frog’e(゜゜)～ ●～*bomb, frog’e (゜゜)～ ●～*
Bang(o|o) Bang(o|o)
star ☆彡 :っ)
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Safa / October 28, 2013
Gandasara & Co seem to be out of pocket, so they try to revive the hate campaign against muslims. Go to any market place and there are more and enough foodstuff and produce without the halal logo to fill his ample belly. Yet he does the baila to stir hatred and deprive muslims of halal food which is about 5-10% of goods in the market. Gandasara & Co are a pitiful disgrace to the whole nation.
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Marwan / October 28, 2013
I let him (a learned Buddhist monk of some repute, – very unlike hate mongering and divisive spirited BBS monks) speak on behalf of all minorities living in SL. Also very much relevant to subject matter under discussion. Pls watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVy0qSVu5Xo
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ruwan / October 28, 2013
don’t worry Dr. Naleemi, these Rajapakayas are all village idiots and this halal stunt is one big rouse to take the heat off of the casinos !
Third class buggers, NOT real Buddhists !
Do you think if they were ‘genuine’ Buddhists, they would bring a bad name to their teacher ?
Don’t lose sleep over these clowns !
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Ranil Wijeyesekera / October 28, 2013
Christians are a minority but they are loyal to our country Sri Lanka. We believe that our countries leaders authority is derived from God. We therefore will support the Government in ways that does not challenge Gods sovereignty. The Governments development plans are very good. We desire that Sri Lanka become the miracle of Asia. Sri Lanka should be the miracle of the whole World. However what is more important is that we become world leaders in morality and ethics. The dharma should be obeyed.The miracle of Dharma in Sri Lanka should be shown to the whole world. Dharma is contained in many Religions and a common Sri Lankan spiritual identity should evolve from our common beliefs. We pray for the President and support him. How ever we are called to show him where he may be wrong. The ignoring of Persecution of Christians and Moslems is in conflict of the Dharma. Corruption,Gambling,Drunkenness,senseless killing and destruction of property are problems we should deal with if our country is to be the Miracle of Asia. Unity with diversity is necessary. Honorable his Excellency the President you are President of all of Sri Lanka. Our prayer is that you will go down in History as a great world leader. May you obtain the Nobel prize for Peace.Please do all you can to restore Ethnic and Religious Harmony in this wonderful Country Sri Lanka.
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Thiru / October 28, 2013
You are living in a dream world: MaRa is a despot ruining the country.
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AYMAN / October 29, 2013
HITLER TOO THOUGHT HE COULD RULE THE WORLD.
FINALLY HE COMMITTED SUICIDE IN A BUNKER.
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AYMAN / October 28, 2013
YOU SEEM TO BE ON ANOTHER PLANET.
THE WELL KNOWN AND RESPECTED MONKS, “HOWLING” AGAINST CASINOS,
FINALLY BENT TO THE CASINO KINGS.
NOBEL PRIZE FOR HYPOCRISY NOT PEACE.
GOD WILL PROTECT HIS RELIGIONS AND FOLLOWERS.
THE B.B.S. HAS ANIMAL INSTINCTS. THEY SUFFER FROM FEAR.
AN ANIMAL ATTACKS BECAUSE IT FEELS THAT IS THE BEST FORM OF DEFENSE.
MAY BALLOTH EKKA BEHE
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ruwan / October 29, 2013
Right on Ayman ! You hit the nail on the head ! FEAR is spelled across the BURU/BORU BALU Senawa !
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Javi / October 28, 2013
Sunday sermon- the pews are empty.
Why do you praise a dictator/war criminal who kills his own people?
Granny says if you have nothing to say don’t say it.
Yet we all have faith in ourselves as humans
and it’s the same with communist China.
When we die, we hope to go to Heaven, whatever the Hell that is.
A politician is one who speaks the truth and sandwiches them with lies- George Bernard Shaw.
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Rationalist / October 28, 2013
Ranil Wijeyesekera I agree,
Judging from some of the Comments appearing on Colombo Telegraph the important minority seems to be ‘Intelligent Sri Lankans’!
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Senguttuvan / October 31, 2013
The Christian/Catholic community during my lifetime – both Sinhala and Tamil in Sri Lanka – have been very loyal and patriotic citizens. Their long and generous contribution to education has benefited
us all. Some of our finest professionals – doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants and many other come from this group. The quality of education gained both by girls and boys in
their institutions have been of a very high standard placing us in
line with many other countries. The strength of both orders, I believe, comes from its splendid and highly educated and trained heirarchial order. That Entry into their priesthood is carefully chosen and sent through many years of theological, religious and philosophical training clearly adds to the eventual level of its priesthood. They are also law-abiding citizens who, in the main, respect and bow down to the law. It is unfortunate events presently
and in the past few decades have made them worried and insecure too.
The manner in which the Catholic Church counselled their flock to remain calm and restrained during the delicate days of the State Schools take-over in the 1960s was admirable and avoided much bloodshed and national mayhem.
I make these comments as a non-Catholic non-Christian.
Senguttuvan
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JimSofty / October 28, 2013
All minorities can talk about their rights.
Majority should not talk about what they are losing.
BBS represents the Majority.
BBS has the strength to talk about what the majority is losing.
These SO-CALLED minorities (Tamils are 100 million in the world, Moslims and christian each is TWO BILLION on Earth.
Sinhala buddhists are just 12 million.
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Sri lankan / October 28, 2013
Jim softy
If you say so sri lankan muslims are only 1.8 million
The for these radicals is for more self destruction out of jealousy
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ruwan / October 29, 2013
And WHAT Exactly are the Buddhists losing Soft Jim ?
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Thiru / October 28, 2013
Island is a physical reality: Country, nation, state, patriotism, loyalty, traitor, are man made concepts; these are subjective and subject to change over time or even abruptly.
Majority race or religious community can “think” minorities are disloyal, while the minorities think the majority is oppressive.
These disputes between minorities and majorities have to be resolved by acceptable democratic ways.
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MNZ / October 28, 2013
RN
It is more than obvious that this is all politics.
Once we understand this fundamental premise we can let the dogs bark, the caravans roll and sleep in peace in our tents!
RN, don’t waste your time and ours writing all this BS.
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Reality Test / October 28, 2013
muslims failed to chellange BBS. not enough responses are made in reply to thier accusations. that is why BBS is still dancing. poor muslim community has no people to repel the accusations.
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Marwan / October 28, 2013
I beg to differ on your views on the Muslim stance. The truth is Muslims were asked to maintain a low profile and let this imbroglio pass without adding more fuel onto it, as it was only a minority of monks who were trying to cause upheaval, whilst the majority were with the Muslims. Even some of the senior learned monks expressed their distaste and scorn at these BBS antics at the final Halal meeting, where a final agreement was hammered out even without BBS representation. The Muslims were getting prepared to face up to meet the challenges of the long arm of the law, armed forces and the BBS combined, even if it meant self sacrifice. But fortunately it got averted due to the quick thinking Muslim religious leaders who played a pivotal role asking God’s help, through a combination of special prayers and fasting. Politically, there wasn’t much that could have been done, since the Muslim leadership is politically split between all thevmajor political parties. But they did come together quite late and put political pressure on the President who was acting ‘blind’ and refused to accept that there was a communal issue brewing, in spite of all the violations that had happened, and even referred to by the UNHCR ambassador Navi Pillay.
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Hooker / October 30, 2013
“even if it meant self sacrifice??” Bullshit. Look at the real scene. Hakeem, Segu Dawood, Mowlana, Rishard, Fowzie, Paisa Mustafa – all crass opportunists at each others throat – only to make a fast buck. The community can go to hell is their real attitude. I am simply quoting comments from your own community in this blog. There will be no such thing as a Muslim suicide-bomber.
The Muslim community is destroying itself in Sri Lanka.
Hooker
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Marwan / October 31, 2013
No one wants a Muslim suicide bomber, not here in Sri Lanka, not anywhere else in the world, but if you push us like you did to the Tamils, and deprive us of our rights to practice our religion in peace, then we have one option left, and that is Jihad. We don’t turn the other cheek to get hit, like some other religions teach. At the same time, we will not be the first to jump into war psychosis either.
As for politicians, everyone has their own methods of approaching issues. They know what games the government is playing, although they would not express it openly. We expect them to come good at the right time, so it makes the greatest impact on whatever action they take. You don’t have to worry about them.
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ADJP / November 1, 2013
Marwan, like many Muslim fanatics, threatens Jihad. This will never happen in Sri Lanka. Your lot is far too opportunistic
and live only to make money – either by hook or crook. If it
was the Jihad option, you should have done that at the height of
the BBS campaign against Halal or the Grandpass Mosque issue.
Imagine Fakheem, Ganda kata Azwer, Ganja Mowlana or Kudu Powzie sacrificing their lives for a cause.
The most you can do is utter empty threats – and that usually
involves a price. Your leadership is far too corrupt and your
community is deeply divided. It is best you make peace with the
majority and learn to live peacefully and ethically.
ADJP
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ela kolla / October 28, 2013
[Edited out]
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ela kolla / October 28, 2013
who the hell are you to talk about SL? this is not your fucking country. we, sinhalese buddhist are the majority and SL is a sinhalese buddhist country. if you dont like it, just go to where you came from, stupid camel.
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Reality Test / October 29, 2013
ela.kolla. Time will tell us what will happen to 12m singhalese. they could be converted into Hindudm by invation from Tamil Tadu.See Jayalayhitha and Karuna needi do not want to come Srilanka. they wait to attack SL at any time. this is one probability in future.when they come with thier 75m. ir they could be cinverted into Christianity. see how many missionery group work in SL. with 12m. you could jump to sea when people ti invade you
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
[Edited out]
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2013
ela kolla
” SL is a sinhalese buddhist country.”
Oh reay? Since when?
” if you dont like it, just go to where you came from,”
Where did your ancestors come from?
This is our ancestral land. We do desperately need it back. How soon can the Sinhala/Buddhists pack their bags and go back to whence they came from, North or South India. When you leave do take your Tamil brethren with you.
“we, sinhalese buddhist are the majority”
Just because you have more stupid people it does not give you the right to own my ancestral land.
Please go.
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
ado vedda, you are a monkey in the jungle
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
fuck [Edited out]
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy
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Marwan / October 29, 2013
ela kolla, you are truly incorrigible. You belong to the jungle and must be identified as jungle boy – kaley kolla. You are an ideal candidate to be on the BBS platform, with your shallow thinking and sour temperament. You are the epitome of vulgarity.
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy
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Native Vedda / November 1, 2013
ela kolla
I know what you mean, however you are not allowed to peep through keyholes.
Groping and flashing are definitely a no no.
If you are bored go play with your willy, the only friend you have in this entire universe.
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Native Vedda / November 1, 2013
Marwan
“You belong to the jungle and must be identified as jungle boy”
Why does he belong to jungle?
Don’t dump all your nasty little racists in my jungle. Actually he belongs in the city as he is also a very stupid person.
Remember jungle boys nether stupid nor racists.
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Rationalist / October 29, 2013
Keep it coming Native Veddah!
These racist B…..s should be made to realise that the Land belongs to no one but Your people. If they want to live here, they have to Learn to Live in Peace with one another and your good selves.
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
this is our country you stupid fool. we are the majority. you stupid minority, if you want peace, you need to reconcile with us.
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Rationalist / October 30, 2013
Ela Kolla, You have come from Bangla Desh (Bangali Deshe) and now become the Majority due to your high rate of breeding. I think a good Family Planning Campaign should be Organised.
Native Veddah, here is your OPPORTUNITY.
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james / October 30, 2013
Native Vedda
well said !
I am still laughing
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AYMAN / October 29, 2013
LOOK INTO THE MIRROR AND ASK THE QUESTION FROM YOURSELF,YOU IDIOT!!!!
THIS COUNTRY DOES NOT BELONG TO SINHALESE- IT BELONGS TO THE VEDDAHS YAKKAS AND NAGAS. IT APPEARS AS IF SINHALA “YAKKOS” HAVE USURPED.
YOU TOO GET BACK TO THE COUNTRY OF VIJAYA; THAT IS IF THEY WILL TOLERATE
YOU. YOU WILL BE ACCEPTED BY PAPUA NEW GUINEA!!!!THAT IS WHERE YOU BOAT
PEOPLE ARE SENT.
BUDDHISM TOO IS NOT INDIGENOUS TO THE COUNTRY, IT WAS BROUGHT FROM THE
NEIGHBORING COUNTRY. WHEN BUDDHISTS COULD NOT SAVE THEIR BUDDHISM IN THE
LAND OF ITS BIRTH HOW THE HECK ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT HERE ?
SAVE YOURSELVES!!!!!!
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Fathima Fukushima / October 28, 2013
The problem with SL Muslims is they are misled by a version of Islam which is more like alien worshiping Hinduism.
Pure Islam is Wahabism. All SL Muslims must shed their corrupted Islamic beliefs and become Wahab Muslims. Until that happens there is no hope for Muslims in SL.
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kali / October 31, 2013
Fat ” Mama ” Fuk U Shima,
Yes you are right pure form of Islam is Wahabism which is divided into different groups.
Saudi Wahabis are the highest class or at least they consider themselves to be.
Whereas people like ( although you are Genetically a Racist Sihalese but a Muslim by default)you are the Working Class and that is why when you go to work in Saudi they treat you like Slaves and for that matter So do the BBS.
You cant win can you and you are born to suffer doesnt matter where you are.
SAD
By the way which Temple are you going to destroy next? Any tips.
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fiaz / October 28, 2013
Well said Ruvan we are proud of you and the good sinhalese people who get along with us really well. We salute you
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ruwan / October 29, 2013
Thank you Fiaz ! You know, in any organization there are some rotten apples, and unfortunately they give a bad name to the whole group ! You get my drift ?
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JimSofty / October 28, 2013
Rifai:
You people talk a lot.
But, what you do is different. You don’t talk what you people really do.
Muslims don’t know co-existence. It is against Quran. Quran says only the muslims must live on earth. Others should Vanish.
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Fathima Fukushima / October 29, 2013
Don’t judge Islam from the conduct of misled Hindu influenced Muslims in SL.
They don’t practice real Islam.
Real Islam is Wahab teachings. Very soon SL Muslims will have to make a choice.
I was appalled to see Muslims have strange Hindu customs in Kathankundy. This is haram.
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Marwan / October 29, 2013
Your quoting from Quran is false, misleading and is a derogatory claim. You will one day pay for this. How, you may ask. Either you or one of your own will become Muslim, or, you will be subject to an unexpected calamity. As advice, I hope you make peace with yourself now by regretting or refraining from misquoting from Quran. Not now not forever, as any divine punishment can be very painful. This is not a threat but a warning, similar to ‘beware of the ides of March’. Heard it before?
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AYMAN / October 29, 2013
JIM SOFTY,
THERE WAS AN ISLAMIC STATE WHERE OTHERS CO-EXISTED.
OTHERS ARE GIVEN RIGHT TO PRACTICE THEIR FAITHS, BUT IF THEY DO
NOT RESPECT THE RELIGION AND VALUES OF THE MUSLIM STATE,THEN THEY BY VIOLATION OF THE FREEDOM GIVEN ARE VIOLATING THE LAW OF THE LAND.
MUSLIMS IN SL. ARE PEACEFUL AND CO EXIST. WE ONLY WANT TO PRACTICE
OUR RELIGION ACCORDING TO THE DICTATES OF QURAN.,WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY
THE S.L. CONSTITUTION BUT NOT IMPLEMENTED.
The Tolerance of the Prophet towards Other Religions (part 1 of 2): To Each Their Own Religion
Many mistakenly believe that Islam does not tolerate the existence of other religions present in the world. This article discusses some of the foundations the Prophet Muhammad himself laid in dealing with people of other faiths, with a practical examples from his lifetime. Part 1: Examples of religious tolerance for people of other faiths found in the constitution which the Prophet laid in Medina.
The dealings of the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, with other religions can best be described in the verse of the Quran:
“To you be your religion, to me be mine.”
The Arabian Peninsula during the time of the Prophet was a region in which various faiths were present. There were Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, polytheists, and others not affiliated with any religion. When one looks into the life of the Prophet, one may draw on many examples to portray the high level of tolerance shown to people of other faiths.
In order to understand and judge this tolerance, one must look into the period in which Islam was a formal state, with the specific laws laid down by the Prophet in accordance with the tenets of religion. Even though one can observe many examples of tolerance shown by the Prophet in the thirteen years of his stay in Mecca, one may incorrectly think that it was only due to seeking to raise the profile of the Muslims and the social status of Islam and in general. For this reason, the discussion will be limited to the period which commenced with the migration of the Prophet to Medina, and specifically once the constitution was set.
The Saheefah
The best example of the tolerance shown by the Prophet to other religions may be the constitution itself, called the ‘Saheefah’ by early historians.[1] When the Prophet migrated to Medina, his role as a mere religious leader ended; he was now the political leader of a state, governed by the precepts of Islam, which demanded that clear laws of governance be laid out to ensure harmony and stability in a society which once had been distraught by decades of war, one which must ensure the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Jews, Christians and polytheists. Due to this, the Prophet laid down a ‘constitution’ which detailed the responsibilities of all parties which resided in Medina, their obligations towards each other, and certain restrictions which were placed on each. All parties were to obey what was mentioned therein, and any breach of its articles was regarded as an act of treachery.
One Nation
The first article of the constitution was that all the inhabitants of Medina, the Muslims as well as those who had entered the pact from the Jews, Christian, and idolaters, were “one nation to the exclusion of all others.” All were considered members and citizens of Medina society regardless of religion, race, or ancestry. People of other faiths were protected from harm as much as the Muslims, as is stated in another article, “To the Jews who follow us belong help and equity. He shall not be harmed nor his enemies be aided.” Previously, each tribe had their alliances and enemies within and without Medina. The Prophet gathered these different tribes under one system of governance which upheld pacts of alliances previously in existence between those individual tribes. All tribes had to act as a whole with disregard to individual alliances. Any attack on other religion or tribe was considered an attack on the state and upon the Muslims as well.
The lives of the practitioners of other religions in the Muslim society was also given protective status. The Prophet said:
“Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise.” (Saheeh Muslim)
Since the upper hand was with the Muslims, the Prophet strictly warned against any maltreatment of people of other faiths. He said:
“Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud)
To Each Their Own Religion
In another article, it states, “the Jews have their religion and the Muslims have theirs.” In this, it is clear that anything other than tolerance would not be tolerated, and that, although all were members of a society, each had their separate religion which could not be violated. Each was allowed to practice their beliefs freely without any hindrances, and no acts of provocation would be tolerated.
There are many other articles of this constitution which may be discussed, but emphasis will be placed on an article which states, “If any dispute or controversy likely to cause trouble should arise, it must be referred to God and His Messenger.” This clause maintained that all inhabitants of the state must recognize a higher level of authority, and in those matters which involved various tribes and religions, justice could not be meted out by individual leaders; rather it must be adjudicated by the leader of the state himself or his designated representatives. It was allowed, however, for individual tribes who were not Muslims, to refer to their own religious scriptures and their learned men in regards to their own personal affairs. They could though, if they opted, ask the Prophet to judge between them in their matters. God says in the Quran:
“…If they do come to you, either judge between them or decline to interfere…” (Quran 5:42)
Here we see that Prophet allowed each religion to judge in their own matters according to their own scriptures, as long as it did not stand in opposition to articles of the constitution, a pact which took into account the greater benefit of the peaceful co-existence of the society.
Footnotes:
[1] Madinan Society at the Time of the Prophet, Akram Diya al-Umari, International Islamic Publishing House, 1995.
The Tolerance of the Prophet towards Other Religions (part 2 of 2): Religious Autonomy and Politics
Description: Many mistakenly believe that Islam does not tolerate the existence of other religions present in the world. This article discusses some of the foundations the Prophet Muhammad himself laid in dealing with people of other faiths, with a practical examples from his lifetime. Part 2: More examples from the Prophet’s life which portray his tolerance of other religions.
There are many other examples during the lifetime of the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, in addition to the Saheefah that practically portray the tolerance Islam shows for other religions.
Freedom of Religious Assembly and Religious Autonomy
Given consent by the constitution, the Jews had the complete freedom to practice their religion. The Jews in Medina at the time of the Prophet had their own school of learning, named Bait-ul-Midras, where they would recite the Torah, worship and educate themselves.
The Prophet emphasized in many letters to his emissaries that religious institutions should not be harmed. Here in a letter addressed to his emissary to the religious leaders of Saint Catherine in Mount Sinai who has sought the protection of the Muslims:
“This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by God! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their churches are declared to be protected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”[1]
As one can see, this Charter consisted of several clauses covering all important aspects of human rights, including such topics as the protection of minorities living under Islamic rule, freedom of worship and movement, freedom to appoint their own judges and to own and maintain their property, exemption from military service, and the right to protection in war.
On another occasion, the Prophet received a delegation of sixty Christians from the region of Najran, then a part of Yemen, at his mosque. When the time for their prayer came, they faced the direction of east and prayed. The Prophet ordered that they be left in their state and not harmed.
Politics
There are also examples in the life of the Prophet in which he cooperated between with people of other faiths in the political arena as well. He selected a non-Muslim, Amr-ibn Umaiyah-ad-Damri, as an ambassador to be sent to Negus, the King of Ethiopia.
These are only some of the examples of the Prophet’s tolerance of other faiths. Islam recognizes that there are a plurality of religions on this earth, and gives the right to individuals to choose the path which they believe to be true. Religion is not to be, and was never, forced upon an individual against their own will, and these examples from the life of the Prophet are an epitome of the verse of the Quran which promotes religious tolerance and sets the guideline for the Muslims’ interaction with people of other faiths. God says:
“…There is no compulsion in religion…” (Quran 2:256)
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ela kolla / October 29, 2013
are you insane to copy and paste stuff from internet?
minority idiot
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Rationalist / October 30, 2013
Ela Kolla you are now declared an ‘Ela Haraka’ since you seem to have grown bigger!
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JimSofty / October 29, 2013
THERE WAS AN ISLAMIC STATE WHERE OTHERS CO-EXISTED.
where is this State you are talking about ?
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Frodo / October 31, 2013
It was called the Ottoman Empire.
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Native Vedda / November 1, 2013
Frodo
“It was called the Ottoman Empire.”
Where millions of Armenians were mercilessly massacred by the Turks.
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kali / October 31, 2013
Jim Sooty,
Yes you are right we should practice Seperate Development instead of Kumballe Kovintha. You dont understand do you. Sorry but Poha Poha Therium.
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A good Tamil / October 28, 2013
It is agrroance of Goat and his Big Brother who do this : they forget what happened to Proba: who chased out Muslims and he destroyed mosques and You see God made him die like animals: if you do wrong that wrong come back to you: Goat and his Broher forget what happened to other dictotors on earth and they have forget what’s happened to rulers who do injustice on earth: if they do injustice both will dig their grave from thier hands divine punishment will decend on them soon: time will tell that soon and People in SL will see it. Only time stand between them and their downfalls. They have done great injustice they killed people and they have killed journalists. They have put many in jails : they have robed the nations and they have supported drug dealers. these thieves would not last in SL. Yours A good Tamil
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Fathima Fukushima / October 29, 2013
You can’t be a good Tamil because all good Tamils are genocided.
Only a dead Tamil is a good Tamil. SL proverb.
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Hooker / November 3, 2013
FatFuk – “Genocided”?? Where in the world did you learn English.
Go see a shrink soon before you start running naked in the streets.
Hooker
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Jones / October 29, 2013
BBS is not far off the mark on their claim. SOME do have their body in SL and heart is in Tamil Nadu or Middle East, which is understandable, given the level of corruption in the country.
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peace loving / October 29, 2013
FUKU. Why are you hiding you real name and you are good as not sinhasle as well. doom to your wahabism
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Reality Test / October 29, 2013
softy. clean your head. How then millions of christains and jews lived in Muslim countires. are still living . how quran ssys give protection to non muslims. you number on stupid on Quran. clesn your head with good knowledge
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AYMAN / October 29, 2013
WHEN HITLER WAS KILLING THE JEWS THEY SOUGHT REFUGE IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES.
EVEN TODAY THERE ARE JEWS LIVING IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES.
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Hooker / October 30, 2013
Ayman is one more regular commentator – always economic with the truth, which is a cultural trait. Take a reliable census of Jews in Islamic countries from WW2 times to today and you know how Arabs/Muslims ill-treat others to the point of virtual death or flight. The only exception being Turkey, that has a better record of religious tolerance, which may be because Turks like to think of themselves as Europeans. Iran (Persia) had a fair Jewish population which is now into the lower thousands although, to fool the world, they have a Jewish MP. In the whole of Afghanistan there is one single Jew – a merchant. It is a very long established empirical truth religious tolerance and Islam will never be compatible.
Hooker
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Marwan / October 30, 2013
In actual fact, Jews – followers of Judaism know that Islam is truly their eligion, but they cannot or refuse to see the connection, and they are still reading the old God revealed scriptures Torah, revealed to Prophet Mosas (PBOH), who was preceded by Prophet Jesus and Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon them both). Judaism will always have a dwindling population, since no one can convert to Judaism, but only thru birth you can be jewish. They are extremely unpopular with Muslims worldwide due to their treatment of occupation and land grabbing of Muslim owned properties of the ian people.
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Hooker / October 31, 2013
Almost the entire world is in sympathy with the Palestinians in the conflict on the occupation of their land. However, the Jews have a case too. They were expelled from their own homes in the pre-Christian period by the Egyptian Pharaos. This conflict will continue for a long time as there is right and wrong on both sides.
“Followers of Judaism know that Islam is truly their religion” is an outrageous statement meant, perhaps, to satisfy ignorant fanatics within. Judaism and Christianity came long before Islam.
The latter, in fact, copies many najor features from both and now try to fool the world they are the only genuine product. The Book, the Mountain, Fasting, Kosher food were all copied by the Islamists. To the credit of the Jews, they never try to push or market their ancient and respected faith. Neither did they waste the time of the rest of the world claiming “we are the most merciful, the most obedient” and the rest of that hash while killing each other – even today (Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Nigeria) They also do not put to the sword those who do not believe in their faith or call them infidels. Above, all Jews are united and that is their strength. Whereas this so-called global Islamic Brotherhood is doomed to fail from the start on the Sunni-Shia spat.
Regret I have to be brutally honest because much ink and time is wasted in these pages in some zealots trying to promote and defend what is patently disliked all over the world. The prejudice is growing more than ever.
Hooker
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Marwan / October 30, 2013
land grabbing of Palestinian people. Victims in their own homeland.
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kali / October 31, 2013
Ayo-man:
How right you are. There are Jews living in Muslim Countries. But sadly there are NO MUSLIMS LIVING IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES. They are all dead Except the Wahabis if you believe Fat”Mama” Fuk U Shima.
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Chandanayaborupen / October 29, 2013
Who says Sri Lanksa is multi – ethnic country. Even few personage of minority is there it is not such country. Go to the constitution and see. Sri Lanka is a sinhala Buddhist country.
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Marwan / October 30, 2013
Constitution is outdated and need to be changed, otherwise the minorities will get annihilated. It is man made Constitution, and amendments are frequently accommodated to suit the whims and fancies of ruling party in connivance with the Cheap Justice. Either it is biased towards them, or framed to serve their own Agenda.
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Reality Test / October 29, 2013
tell then to change your outdated consititution. or wait for another bloody war with Tamil. you stupids never learn from the past.
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Reality Test / October 29, 2013
Dear. Aymen. you have written a wonderful pasage in how islam treats non- muslims . please publish it as an essay
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JimSofty / October 29, 2013
RIFAI NALEEMI
Is talking BULL$HIT here. they only want to what ever the country they living an ISlamic STATE. Once they did that they start destroying what ever the ancient history in that country because it is not islamic. Then they start killing other sects of muslims and leave space only for the majority muslim faith in that country.
that is why muslims are fighting against muslims in the middle east.
Rifai Naleemi is talking lies in order to protect his FAITH.
QURAN promtoes lieing in order to promote ISLAM.
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Marwan / October 30, 2013
Jim Hardy or is it Softy, Quran is saying nothing of that sort, and you cannot say these lies which you claim to be from the Quran. Muslims fighting Muslims in Middle East for political reasons, not religious reasons. What is in any worse than Theravada Buddhists chasing away the Mahayana monks who came to establish themselves in Sri Lanka? Your brain must be in a completely warped state beyond recovery to say these things, for which you don’t have an inkling of knowledge.
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Reality Test / October 30, 2013
softy. you need to see your psychiatric doctor. Im telling you honesly and truely. To say that quran tells lie itself showes your mental staus.
either you are idiot or you need that treatment
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surasena / October 30, 2013
Just try to grab the proper picture. The BBS is contracted to de-rail the burning issues of the country and to portray a different agenda, an eyewash for the people. Many of you just hang on your respective “ethono-religious” views and unknowingly jumping into the parade.
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Reality Test / October 30, 2013
Hooker.you got it wrong in Muslim Spain they lived 800 hundreds years under Muslim
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Rohana / October 30, 2013
I wish and hope Refai that you are right, but unfrtunately you are not. Let me give my personal experiences in Sri Lanka during two world cup mathes in 2011 and 2012. When Sri Lanka played Pakistan, majority of the Sri Lankan muslims who came to watch the matches were supporting Pakistan and I confronted them and asked how can they be so ungrateful to the country that is giving them free education and health among other things. I also told them they should visit Pakistan and see how majority of the Pakistan Muslims suffering in Pakistan including women, children and old people.
The other point is your claim of ‘rights’ and you seems to have a very selective knowledge of history, picking only things that is favourable to you. I also would like to point out that Sinhalese never had issues with Tamils except that few idiots creating problems to the Tamils. If you are ignorant let me tell you majority Sinhalese have protected many Tamil families during these problems. Tamils have never ever behaved in a way to destroy Sinhalese and Buddhism but they wanted to live among Sinhalese peacefully. Malays or Ja who follow Islam are not like that but the Muslims who comes from Arab countries have a different agenda for Sinhalese and specially Buddhism. They know Buddhism is the biggest threat for the Islam to survive not only in Sri Lanka but around the world. They have a Psychopathic attitude and behaviour towards Sinhalese and Buddhists. They are very clear that they wanted to destroy Sinhalese and Buddhism from Sri Lanka and make it another Muslim country as they have done to so many countries in the world. That is what that Psychopath Gaddafi wanted and openly stated when he visited Sri Lanka. Karma got him. I don’t have to repeat this and anyone who knows the world history is aware what has happenned. How Muslims killed over 5000 buddhist monks, infact burned alive inside Nalada Buddhist university in India. What happenned in Malaysia, Indonesia, Afghanistan and many other countries are the evidence what they will do. Then go to Akurana, Beruwila and many more Sinhalese villages in Sri Lanka and you will witness how they have destroyed Sinhala heritage completely.
Please I beg you to go to Bibile road, Gampola and see how the Muslims have built a Mosque over the public road and making even the buddhist monks walk under the feet of those people in the mosque. How would Muslims feel and react if any other relgious place was built and get Muslims to walk under their feet? Not only that it was illegal to built anything 3 meters closer to a public road but also they have illegally filled a paddy field to built a Mosque supposed to be a peaceful religious place dedicated to Allah.
Tamils have never done things like this and will never do it as they are more decent because their religion shows how to live peacefully with others and show respect and kindness to other religions.
I can give you more details, so please don’t try to con the world. Look around the world and anyone can see how the Muslims creating havoc and fighting and killing even their own Muslims children, women and elders all parts of the world. That is how peaceful Muslims are. Better to get rid of those selfish Psychopathic Islam believers and keep the honest peaceful Islamists who loves and respect everyone equally irrespective of their religion or believes.
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Snowdon Asange / October 31, 2013
You have double standards… How can Sri-Lankans living in Australia,who have Australian citizenship support Sri-Lanka when they play against Australia IN Australia? Have you seen how many wear the SL shirt especially in Melbourne?
I am Muslim and I support SL against ANY team, so does my whole family and quite a number of friends.. you get bad apples in any basket… start to think OUTSIDE the box…. yep dont go with the flow, try swimming upstream… be a PINK salmon….
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Jones / October 31, 2013
Anyone can cheer any team they like. But don’t do booing in a manner that is offencive,provocative, and antisocial. Even I get disappointed with the way SL team play at times.
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Snowdon Asange / October 31, 2013
“They know Buddhism is the biggest threat for the Islam to survive not only in Sri Lanka but around the world.” how many Sinhalese in the world and how many Muslims? oh c’mon now… How many Muslims do u know who became Sinhalese? may be just one… Tuan Dilshan… check how many Buddhists have reverted to Islam… VOLUNTARILY…. you’d be amazed…
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Rohana / October 31, 2013
Hi bogus name, you don’t even have the guts to say your correct name but to take US and Australian names to hide. You have a very low intelligent from what you say. How can anyone become a different race by changing name or religion? Yes I can understand if you have said that a Buddhist has become a Muslim or Islamist. A simple common sense you don’t have so therefore I don’t think its worth even spending half a minute to respond to you. Good bye silly.
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Rohana / October 30, 2013
26. I wish and hope Refai that you are right, but unfortunately you are not. Let me give my personal experiences in Sri Lanka during two world cup matches in 2011 and 2012. When Sri Lanka played Pakistan, majority of the Sri Lankan Muslims who came to watch the matches were supporting Pakistan and I confronted them and asked how can they be so ungrateful to the country that is giving them free education and health among other things. I also told them they should visit Pakistan and see how majority of the Pakistan Muslims suffering in Pakistan including women, children and old people.
The other point is your claim of ‘rights’ and you seems to have a very selective knowledge of history, picking only things that is favourable to you. I also would like to point out that Sinhalese never had issues with Tamils except that few idiots creating problems to the Tamils. If you are ignorant let me tell you majority Sinhalese have protected many Tamil families during these problems. Tamils have never ever behaved in a way to destroy Sinhalese and Buddhism but they wanted to live among Sinhalese peacefully. Malays or Ja who follow Islam are not like that but the Muslims who comes from Arab countries have a different agenda for Sinhalese and specially Buddhism. They know Buddhism is the biggest threat for the Islam to survive not only in Sri Lanka but around the world. They have a Psychopathic attitude and behaviour towards Sinhalese and Buddhists. They are very clear that they wanted to destroy Sinhalese and Buddhism from Sri Lanka and make it another Muslim country as they have done to so many countries in the world. That is what that Psychopath Gaddafi wanted and openly stated when he visited Sri Lanka. Karma got him. I don’t have to repeat this and anyone who knows the world history is aware what has happened. How Muslims killed over 5000 Buddhist monks, infect burned alive inside Nalanda Buddhist University in India. What happened in Malaysia, Indonesia, Afghanistan and many other countries are the evidence what they will do. Then go to Akurana, Beruwila and many more Sinhalese villages in Sri Lanka and you will witness how they have destroyed Sinhala heritage completely.
Please I beg you to go to Bibile road, Gampola and see how the Muslims have built a Mosque over the public road and making even the Buddhist monks walk under the feet of those people in the mosque. How would Muslims feel and react if any other religious place was built and get Muslims to walk under their feet? Not only that it was illegal to build anything 3 meters closer to a public road but also they have illegally filled a paddy field to build a Mosque supposed to be a peaceful religious place dedicated to Allah.
Tamils have never done things like this and will never do it as they are more decent because their religion shows how to live peacefully with others and show respect and kindness to other religions.
I can give you more details, so please don’t try to con the world. Look around the world and anyone can see how the Muslims creating havoc and fighting and killing even their own Muslims children, women and elders all parts of the world. That is how peaceful Muslims are. Better to get rid of those selfish Psychopathic Islam believers and keep the honest peaceful Islamists who loves and respect everyone equally irrespective of their religion or believes
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Rohana / October 30, 2013
Refai, I just wanted to add this so you will be able to think clearly of your argument and then intelligently accept you are wrong in your views and accept that Majority of the Muslims are bad people mainly because of their wrong teachings by the religious leaders. It is natural when you have 78 different sects in Islam. Like Muhamad Most Muslims only wants to get richer and accumulate money. When I grew up Akurana was a 90% Sinhalese town. Not only Muslims have taken over all the business but so ungrateful psychopaths do not have a single board in Sinhala in Akurana town. I challenge you or anyone to dispute this. How would the Muslims feel if any other nationality does it in Muslim country? That is how ungrateful Muslims are and wanting to live peacefully with Sinhalese. Go there and have a look. If Muslims are peaceful people then why they don’t they speak Sinhala as main language instead of Tamil living in Sinhala people? Who pays for these psychopaths for their education and health? That is how ungrateful self-centered Muslims are. I can give many more evidence and examples if you want and let me know I will do it.
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Fathima Fukushima / October 31, 2013
Muslims have loyalty.
Only Tamilians don’t have loyalty because Tamilians are Indians.
There are 65 million Tamilians in India.
Only 3 million have leaked to SL. Pack them home (Tamil Nadu).
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Rohana / October 31, 2013
Fathima, sorry to disagree with you as I know majority Tamils will never ever put their religion before the country. Even during the 30 years of Terrorism by minority of uneducated Tamil people they never ever fought for the religion. But Muslims no matter where or who they fight it is for the Islam and Allah’s wrong message to the world about other religions or believes. If you want I can quote from the Koran as I have read and got one with me. Fathima the importnat thing is that when Arabs were allowed to stay in Sri Lanka by King Rajasinge after they were thrown out by British, who they got married to? As those men never brought any women, they married Sinhalese and Tamil women mainly from East. Therefore, each and every single Muslim in Sri Lanka is from either Sinhalese or Tamils and therefore, must do everything to Protect them. So Fathima you should also be grateful to have an ancestry like that. The difference between Sinhalese Buddhists and Muslims in Arab countries are we allowed others to live and follow their believes and religions as they wish. Think wisely about these and be grateful and respect and don’t put religions first.
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A good Tamil / October 31, 2013
Dear Rohana: All what you say are your wrong perceptions about Muslism and Islam. If you are worrying that SL will become one more Muslims country: it’s not Muslim fault rather it is your fault: look at how many Buddist temples are being closed down each months: how many monks are having illicit affairs and child abuse: you and your people should go to templess if you could five times a day to purity your hearts fro hatred and jealousy of others : you know well That Buddsh was a Hindu and Hinduism was origin of Buddhism and Buddhism is a brach of it: yet, how Buddhist army killed thousands of Hindus and destroyed hundreds of Hindu temples : look recently aaman jovial was completely destroyed and it is done my so called Buddhist fanatics and you are one of them: you want to drink blood of people: you think that you have defeated Tamils and they are not defeated and wait and see how they will come back only time will tell that . It will be in your time and please wait how and when it will come back : do not think china will be with you to defend you: if Muslim support other country in cricket it is mere game do not judge people with this game: if Those country become Muslism nations why not tell them that : if they like they would become Buddhist once against to bow down stones and dust :!0please go and tell them to see what would happen : I think that what Taliban did wrong to destroy Buddha staues And Yet what Buudsht Taliban BBS do is wrong as well in the same way
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BBS Rep / October 31, 2013
Dear Good Tamil,
The government did not defeat the Tamils. It defeated LTTE. Only those who supported LTTE openly and secretly should feel defeated.
At BBS we have been good at voicing Lord Buddha’s message but have not been all that successful in reigning in those who give into mob mentality. Our struggle is two folds. One is to get the message of Lord Buddha to the people and the second to reign in the mobs within. Sometimes we fail in both. That is a failing we are trying hard to address.
Buddhist monks sometimes give into lust and greed and show weaknesses that are common to lay people. Being a monk does not make them super human. It is for this reason that they need to engage in meditation and chanting day in day out, much more time than your Islamic recommendation of five times a day.
My Good Tamil friend, we do not drink the blood of humans.
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Jones / October 31, 2013
@A good Tamil,
I’m sensing with your confused comment that you were not born and brought up in SL.
• In SL Army there are Catholics, Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims, and Malays.
• If not for lunatic Prabacaran who was a second generation Indian Tamil, non of this would happen. So in way you could say, that SOME Tamils brought the war upon themselves. LTTE terrorists used innocent Tamils as shields and let the army believe that the refugee camps were actually terrorist camps.
• Buddha went his own way because the Hinduism at the time was not satisfactory for him.
• Ok, so who attacked Sri maha boddhiya and Killed many, attacked Daladamaligawa, killed many in Arranthalawa, etc? LTTE of cause.
• Nobody thinks that Tamils were defeated, except their crazy idea of homeland.
• What do you mean by “wait and see how they will come back”? Do you mean that they are going to terrorise innocent Sinhales and Tamils again? ha..ha.. No chance!!!
• Actually there are lots of Tamils who are intelligent and hardworking. So they will ACHIEVE their place on their own in society, just like pre-LTTE era. Pre-LTTE era there used to be highly qualified doctor, engineers, lectures, politicians, etc.
• Forget BBS. Nobody takes them seriously anymore, BBS is all banter.
P.S: Now lets see if my comment get published UN-EDITED.
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