By AHRC –
The chief monk at the Shanthi Viharaya in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka is accused of raping a 43-year-old woman. The incident reportedly happened on January 4, 2013. (The names of the victim and the monk are withheld).
The prosecutrix, a mother of two, has complained that she had known this monk for some time. It is alleged that 4 January, the prosecutrix went to meet the monk, seeking some advice. To her surprise, the monk is alleged to have suggested to the prosecutrix, that she should have sex with him, which she eventually refused. The prosecutrix claims that, thereafter, the monk forcibly took her to a room and assaulted her on her head and stomach. At this, it is reported that the prosecutrix kneeled before the monk and begged him not to assault or harm her further. It is alleged that the monk did not agree, and then he forcibly removed the prosecutrix’s cloths and raped her several times. The prosecutrix alleges that she was able to escape only much later when the door of the room was unlocked.
The prosecutrix lodged a complaint to the police on the next day and she was admitted to the Ragama hospital. She was hospitalised for seven days. During her stay at the hospital, a Judicial Medical Officer examined the prosecutrix. At the hospital, the police questioned the prosecutrix and recorded a statement. At once stage the police tried to suggest to the prosecutrix that whether she was mentally fit. The prosecutrix however denied the accusation that she is mentally ill.
On her return from the hospital, the prosecutrix tried to get the police to act on her complaint. At this the police took her in their vehicle to police station and interrogated her for about six hours. However, she noticed that the police were not writing down any of the things that she revealed. She also found that the questions that the police asked were demining and further insulting her morally. The prosecutrix alleges that the questioning by the police made her feel that the police were asking questions merely for their enjoyment. She insisted several times that her statement should be recorded.
Meanwhile, the police, also interrogated the prosecutrix’s sister and son (17-year-old). The police are accused of having attempted to convince the prosecutrix’s sister to pressure the prosecutrix to withdraw the complaint, as this monk was very powerful.
In the meanwhile the monk is alleged to have contacted the prosecutrix and threatened her that he will use “Gurukam” (witchcraft) to make her mad and asked her not to pursue the complaint since according to him, the Gurukam cannot succeed. Despite several attempts by the prosecutrix and her relatives, the police have not taken any actions against the monk. Her relatives are living in fear, that she could be harmed by the monk or his supporters.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has written to the Inspector General of Police in Sri Lanka, Mr. N.K. Illangakoon, requesting him to intervene in the case and to ensure that an impartial and sensible investigation into the incident is undertaken, giving also importance to the fact that the case is of rape and the victim should be treated by the investigating agency with decency, respecting her gender. The AHRC has also called for the arrest of the suspected monk so that he does not intervene criminally in the investigation and a possible subsequent prosecution in the case.
Ayanthe / February 1, 2013
In our country the law is applied equally; No powerful person is above the law. If you are in a doubt ask the H.E.
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Dodo / February 1, 2013
The rape victim should seek help from women’s groups and the UNP women’s wing.
Sri Lanka needs a justice Verma report, such as has been adopted in India following the Delhi rape case..
MTV should broadcast Burka Dutt’s NDTV interview with justices Shett and Subramainiam of the the Justice Verma Report which was excellent.
Please the editor of CT try to locate and put up the NDTV coverage of the Justice Verma Report.. which is excellent.
Sri Lanka needs to follow the same steps recommended in that report to end Gender Basted Violence (GBV) and rape.
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bonafide / February 1, 2013
This ratbag of a monk must be a “vote catcher” for the rulers and his agent Mervyn the Vermyn. That’s why he has become immune to law and order. One can see the eyes of the culprit on another popular website that publish social chit chat and pictorials. Do visit it and get to know the monk better.
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Real Peace / February 2, 2013
If the monk has any connection with the govt this lady will never receive justice….full stop!
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Ronny / February 1, 2013
Prior to Rajapakse era, the thugs and the criminals were to some extent afraid of the law and the police but now …. the thugs and criminals thrive for they know that if they are connected to the ruling politicians, they are the law and the police. The police force and the laws in Sri Lanka are ONLY for the anti-chinthanaya Sri Lankans. Now it will be very difficult to change the mentality of the Sri Lankans and the crime rate has gone by over 1000 times. These thugs and criminals know that from the President upto the lowest politician, all are doing five or more from the following – Looting, Commissions, Rapes, Child sex, Stabbings, Extortions, Killings, Contract killings, Thuggery, Land grabbings, Bribery, Threats to the innocent and those who oppose the regime, Suppression of media, Wastage of public funds for their pleasure …. and you may name the rest. Mervyn Silva tops the list with 100% accountability for all the above offences and he is the most suitable politician in terms of loyalty for the survival of Chinthanaya. Unless there is a radical change, Sri Lanka will be worse than Myanmar or South Africa during Apartheid period.
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Ronny / February 1, 2013
Sorry, the fourth line should be “above” the Law and the Police.
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Jim Hardy / February 1, 2013
Definitely the Monk is having political connections otherwise Police wont react that way.
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Safa / February 1, 2013
These rogue monks will lead to the downfall of the religon, no one else. Govt is aiding and abetting such horror stories.
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Citizen / February 1, 2013
The chief monk at the Shanthi Viharaya in Kelaniya would have been encouraged, because MR has released the three accuseds who were found guilty of raping and murdering Krishanthi by the SC headed by Dr.Shirani Bandaranayake. This may also be a reason why the Police are reluctant to prosecute the Chief Monk. Jai Mahinda Chintana. What is Wimal’s and Mervyn’s position.
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justice / February 1, 2013
This maybe just the first instance when this monk’s un-buddhist behaviour has been reported by a brave victim.
These are tragic instances of criminal attempts to fulfill sexual desires which are a normal part of human behaviour, by clergy who are expected to adopt a life of celibacy – which is very difficult to fulfill.
A life of celibacy and poverty was required by the Gautama,of his disciples.
Only the strong willed could fulfill such an existence.
The fault maybe the method of “recruitmen” of buddhist clergy in sri lanka.
Usually,the poorest family in the vicinity of the village temple “donates” a boy of ten years to the temple as a ‘samanera’ without his will and consent to renounce the ‘worldly life’ thereafter – such consent at this age is not possible.
The family does this in the beleif of immense ‘merit’ which accrues to them by such act.
The law is clear about rape – which is the most despicable insult and cause of grief to womanhood.
In countries where crime scene investigation is correctly done,a DNA
match of a sample of semen from the vagina of the victim with DNA of the alleged rapist clinches the case.
But in this instance,the investigation does not seem to have progressed in this manner.
Will the minister order investigation of the role of police in this matter,NOT by police themselves,but a person versed in law and unconnected to law enforcement.
Will the IGP and the Directer General of Health Services issue directives with regard to ‘rape investigation’ in future.
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dicky Bird / February 1, 2013
This is one Monk…. in the contrarary how many paedeophiling catholic Priests and Christian Brothers ……….
AHRC is ignoring & the Pope & Church sweeping under the carpet.
This is BIG news because of AHRC’s hidden agenda BUT
AHRC is full of ex-Catholic Clergy. They must be aware what I have spoken.
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Dav / February 1, 2013
Dicky Bird, lets clean up our OWN house (& its in a state of extreme filth at present) before we point fingers at others.
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Rudy / February 1, 2013
And does that make it right?
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Gentile / February 2, 2013
Dickie Bird, you expose your intellect to that of a true corrupt politico, humbug and all. Two wrongs dont make one right. Dont look for scapegoats. If this happrnrf in England, this monk would definitely be behind bars. AHRC is right in pursuing this to bring justice where no justice and fairplay can be expected. Please go ahead and expose the rot.
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mahasohon / February 5, 2013
yeah…. last year, UK put one for 7-years for a crime he committed 30-yrs ago.
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Native Vedda / February 2, 2013
dicky Bird says:
“This is one Monk…. in the contrarary how many paedeophiling catholic Priests and Christian Brothers……..”
I can understand your impotence.
Lets rent a rapist from each street corner (ideally idling saffron clad thugs) and pay them to rape women, children and men in order to achieve parity with paedeophiling catholic Priests and Christian Brothers…….
Don’t you think this is an excellent idea?
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Lanka Muslim, UK / February 2, 2013
There is a disciplinary system operative in the Catholic church in which, in the first instance, the offending clergies are removed from their priesthood, and then they are allowed to be dealt with under the law of the country. Is there anything for the Buddhist monks. Even the law of the country is not enforced on them if they have political connections as in the case of the Kelaniya monk. You say ‘The one Mon….’. There are Monks who have committed similar offences even in foreign countries. One already in prison in England and another is facing charges. These two are among the only few Buddhist Monks from Sri Lanka who are serving abroad. Then proportionately the offending number becomes significant. Even in Sri Lanka several have been found involved in offensive behaviours.
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Mahela / February 1, 2013
We won’t be able to edit your language in future, please read our comment policy – CT
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Mahela / February 1, 2013
Dear CT editors.
Sorry for the inconvenience I made in my first response re.above subject.
I re-did my response and sent it to you confirming to your Comment policy.
I hope my second response will satisfy your requirements.
Thank you.
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Bob / February 1, 2013
No doubt, the Monk should have close contacts with RAJAPAKSE, MERVIN SILVAS and all kind of thieves in the ruling coalition, although this could have been an act to have got castrated – I mean if the monk carried out that being on SAUDI arabia :))
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fu / February 1, 2013
We should get the SHARIYA LAW to this country.. Then only people Will be well desiplined
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Bob / February 1, 2013
What we face in SL day to another is more or less becoming SHARIA punishments.
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Bagiv Agina / February 1, 2013
Come on guys,give the monk a break!
He only Raped one woman, unlike his other contemporaries, who are so full of Bloody Bull Shit and trying to rape the whole country under false claims against other communities!…..:)
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Gentile / February 2, 2013
Just look at who dun it. A Chief Priest. What more? A representative of an entire congregation of worshippers. Then what of lesser monks? They are also upto same pranks. No wonder we expect the whole philosophy be revamped in this country with accomodation for monks to marry and have sex, and get the heat out of their system. Otherwise crimes like this will continue to happen in the name of Buddhism.
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Mahela / February 9, 2013
There’s only two ways to overcome this Monks Rape issue.
First is the time when monks are ordinated, they should be castrated and make numb……similar but to a higher level like Muslims getting “sunnath”, cutting foreskin.
Second is to allow monks to have physical activity like soccer, rugby, boxing, swimming etc, while allowing some goats, cows, mares,camels, to roam around temples, while reducing the diet to pure veg, diet.
hope these will solve the problem.
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Katmai / February 1, 2013
Buddhist devotees should continue to offer alms to Buddhist Monks so that they are unencumbered by the task of earning a living and devote all of their time to do the things they do…
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Piranha / February 1, 2013
The people who are bringing Buddhism into disrepute are the Buddhist monks and the politicians and no one else. Under the present regime the religion is being dragged through a drain full of shit.
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Mahela / February 1, 2013
All Sri Lankans should take their talents, education, math, sciences, knowledge and culture to the countries which value, appreciate and use them.
The ever Political Parliament Sinhala and the sinhala yellow robe Sinhala Buddhist preletes and clergty never allowed either other sinhala religious denominations, or minority groups to come up in life using their knowledge and talents, saying they preserve Sinhala culture and sinhala religion. These buddhist monks are the biggest obstacle to our country’s development…..now been hijacked by Rajapakses.
Now fuc……ng Rajapakses have created a Sinhala Racist Monks called BODU BALA SENA TO INSTIGATE VIOLANCE AGAINST OTHER RELIGIONS AND RACES.
There buddhist cracy fanatic racist monks took out country down the precipee since we got independence, and now export our weak uneducated women to middle east to support their families and to bring in valuable Foreign Exchange while they get raped by Saudis and while cutting their throats on daily basis while MAHARAJA happily languishing in Rolls Royes and Lamborghinis.
Also the first SWRD Banda changed his religion from Christin to Buddhist to cater to the lazy, Pinguththara, endlessly eating DANA MONKA AND BECOMMING NOW SENDING THE EXCESS ENERGY BY RA…ING WOMEN, AND THE LATEST HAPPENED IN KELANIYA.
It is time to disrobe these yellow robe and send them to Saudi arabia to work as slave labor….and to get beheaded for using their MAGIC WANDS.
The ever do nothing Kalakanniyas know only to repeat boru bana and eat mega dana the daughters when they were sent to daham paselas.
THIS IS SRI LANKAN STYLE BUDDHISM……….JAYAWEVA YELLOW RO…E PING…….YAS.
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Shiranee / February 1, 2013
I am not surprised with the attitude of the police in handling the case,as I too personally experienced similar situation….I do not trust the monks nor the upper hand of the law in this country…very unfortunately both have not gained respect of the public.
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Lankika / February 1, 2013
This priest may be a good partner to be tied on to a Karaththe with Mervyn.
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Olympian. / February 2, 2013
You know what? SPEAK NO EVIL SAY NO EVIL THINK NO EVIL OF BUDDHIST PRIESTS. THERE GOES THE KARMA THEY CAN PUT CURSE ON YOUR LIFE AND YOUR FAMILY. SO DO NOT SPEAK ILL OF YELLOW ROBES AND THAT IS HOW WE HAVE BEEN PREACHED FROM THE TIME WE WERE BORN. THE MOST RESPECTED SRILANKAN THERAVADA BUDDHISM HAD BEEN PREACHED BY THESE YELLOW ROBED C L O W N S.THERE IS ANOTHER YELLOW ROBED RAPIST .A LIAR AND A THUG LANGUISHING IN A PRISON IN UK. SRILANKA USED TO BE A WELL RESPECTED MULTI CULTURAL COUNTRY. NOW IT HAS GONE TO DOGS. SORRY TO SEE MOTHER LANKA DISINTIGRATING.
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Jayantha / February 2, 2013
This is God’s curse that fell upon the buddhist monk after BBS completely destroyed A valuable statue of holy blessed ‘heavenly mother’ at the Seethawaka St. Mary’s church , Avisawella which was erected to commemorate the 150th jubilee had been completely destroyed by the Bodhu Bala Sena terrorist group.
Please read the following web page.
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=13528
MORE GOD’S WRATH TO COME.
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Miller / February 2, 2013
This is a true incident that happened some years back.
There a monastery in Mulleriyawa, where the acting monk abode had become very popular with his preachings and constructing a quite nice monastery with the huge sum of donations he received from the monastery devotees. Nobody knew this monk is acting is just misconduct. Just few days before the Vesak Poya day, he got down a woman in his room and was living with her for some days until the day of Vesak. The young guys there suspected the monks and on the poya day they wanted to inspect the monk’s room pretending they needed something which is in the monk’s room. So, they got into the room and well everything was fine until something huge fell down from the ceiling of the room. Know what fell? The monk hid the woman on the ceiling, but she was too heavy for the ceiling to hold her and so on so on……later we heard that both were released after few days from their protective places. What’s happening to Buddhism?
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Sulalitha / February 5, 2013
If I were the police regardless of my religious belief I would have done the most that the westerner would take against that. So long they are safron robbed one can go against them, but all evidences are available why not to take the due action – as necessary. Not just the typical cases, but it is valid to other cases too. Right at the moment, we dont have a kind of exemplary investigations carrying out in the country. Can anybody of your commentators add any investigations against the crime but conducted meeting with the norms prevailing in the country ? All these are not attacks to lankens by UN, Westerners or anyone, but it is simply disgusting the manner that rulers react since they are in power.
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COWDRY / February 2, 2013
What is Bodu Bala Sena’s action?
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Lanka Muslim, UK / February 2, 2013
Organisations like the Boda Bala Sena are creating other issues to cover-up the various problems which are within the Buddhist clergy and Temples. Involvement in sexual abuses is only one. A proper inquiry will reveal what the real issues are.
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AYMAN / February 2, 2013
BUDDHIST MONKS ARE EXPECTED TO OBSERVE CELIBACY.
IF ONE OBSERVES HOW THEY EAT AND THEIR SIZE,I MEAN THEIR BODY IT IS
NOT SURPRISING THAT THEY HAVE TO SATISFY THEIR SEXUAL APPETITE.
THEY HAVE THE “LITTLE CHAPS” TO KEEP THEM GOING. WHEN THERE URGE IS GREATER, THEY WANT A WOMAN.
WITH ALL WHAT IS REPORTED I AM SURPRISED THAT WOMEN GO TO TEMPLES.
BUT THEN, I ALWAYS SEE ONLY “OLD WOMEN” GOING TO TEMPLES AND OBSERVING SIL.
THIS IS HOW “DIMU” AS MINISTER IS PROTECTING BUDDHISM
THERE SHOULD BE A MOVEMENT TO “SAVE BUDDHISM FROM THE SINGHALESE”
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justice / February 2, 2013
As usual,the report of the medical officer who examined the victim is kept a secret just as postmortem reports are.
This happens only in sri lanka,as far as I know.
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Rama / February 2, 2013
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Mahela / February 2, 2013
Buddhism and Buddhist clergy lived in Sri Lanka for ages and the Buddhist diet was the most healthy.If so it was only after Rajapakse Government that they started getting sick and by looking at their boddies one can say they are not consuming a Buddhist diet. Most of their boddies(compared to other countries) show of consuming a high protein and a diet comprised in excess of calories. This is all because President and the society organising endless DANA to buddhist preletes and the highly rich desserts which builds excess calories and energy.
Excess energy coupled with building of enzymens could lead to unblanced mind and body if there is no outlets such as exercise and physical activity to release them. Now we see most Buddhist preletes go in luxury cars than walking and as a result the energy is blocked in their bodies.
Therefore the blocked energy could be burst either through violent means or as sexual means.
this is the problem the Buddhist clergy face today.
If the Govt. could introduce a means of an applecable outlet such as tread mills, soccer, cricket , running, swwimming and other outdoor activities. Growing plants and agriculture etc.. to release this blocked energy will eventually help the society.
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singingfisher / February 4, 2013
Don’t know whether Monk is Mervin Silva’s Man
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horbeck / February 4, 2013
God’s wrath will indeed come soon to the corrupt Rajapakse Regime and to the so called Monks who dont abide by the teachings of Lord Gautama.
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Samare / February 4, 2013
May be MR and thugs would not dread to castrate this kind of so called monks, as Saudis do it in the form of Sharia laws.
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Senaka Bandar / February 4, 2013
What to do ,Our honorable Monks please get married at your earliest.If not how do you going to fulfill your lust.how do you Grow a good generation from u.Being a religious means one should protect his chastity,without this cannot say i am religious ,getting married is the need of human being,Don’t u know our load Buddha Was married.If you all rejecting the marriage this kind of illicit,immodesty happenings will occur where ever.What Position Are u which want help you to protect your essential needs.Just think and see i am a monk if i didn’t get marry can i make my son as a Priest or monk
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ameer / February 5, 2013
This why Allah made marriage mandatory in islam to all male and female when they reach the right age , because all are human and have the same feeling as others.
“If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice” quran 004.003
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Sulalitha / February 5, 2013
It is as Allah has influenced your – islamic adherents – influenced the entire life, what bothers me as NON-MUSLIM is what makes Allah in terms of killing the innocent youth on this planet, as it was the very recent case – beheading of poor Rizana from SL village. Why is that you guys as muslims have not learnt to forgive if some accidental events do occur for all of us in the human life. Besides, the poor girl^s fate would have gone the other way around – leaving her live to date, if the authorities of Saudi and Lanken could find the ground realities of the matters. Why you guys are that anchored to what non-existent but just in belief established gods than the realities of this life. Whoever you are – one should work according to conscience rather than being that lunatic.
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Sulalitha / February 5, 2013
Sorry these are the corrections.
It should start : if it is as
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mohamed akram / February 5, 2013
These aspects are beautifully explained in a tradition of the Prophet. It is narrated by Anas that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,
“When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.”
The Prophet considered marriage for a Muslim as half of his religion because it shields him from promiscuity, adultery, fornication, homosexuality etc., which ultimately lead to many other evils like slander, quarreling, homicide, loss of property and disintegration of the family. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him) the remaining half of the faith can be saved by taqwa.
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jayantha / February 6, 2013
My question is as Muslims you dress, eat, marry and live like the way according to Muslim Holy Quran say.
If so do you also follow the punishments according to your Holy quran in Sri Lanka…… I don’t think so.
In Saudi if a muslim Rob they cut your hand…..and if someone murder another they behead the murderer. But in Sri Lanka you you don’t do that and simply follow Sri Lanka’s civil law.
So my question is why don’t your Muslim Priests in Mosque bring in the Punishments according to Holy quran…….in Sri Lanka.
If anybody could answer…….
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AYMAN / February 6, 2013
SHARIAH LAW CAN BE IMPLEMENTED ONLY IN A STATE RULED BY A MUSLIM RULER.
WE MUSLIMS HAVE NO PRIESTS OR CLERGY. GOD IN HIS WISDOM DID NOT
HAVE CLERGY.THERE IS AN IMAM IN A MOSQUE WITH ONE OR TWO TO ASSIST,
TO CALL TO PRAYER AND LEAD THEM IN PRAYER
EVERY MUSLIM WHO REACHES ADULTHOOD SHOULD BE ABLE TO LEAD THE PRAYER
IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY WE FIND IT IS THE CLERGY THAT SAY ONE THING
WHILE PREACHING AND PRACTICE THE OPPOSITE.
IN RAJAPAKSE LAND, THE KING PARDONS KILLERS, SHARES THE “BOOTY” WITH THE ROBBERS, WHO INCIDENTALLY ARE ONE FAMILY.
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Marwah / February 18, 2013
A reasonable question. But we do not have any fully fledged Sharia Law courts in this country which can dispense judgements in full compliance to Sharia Laew. But we do have a Quazi Court (Islamic Sharia Law) only limited by Suprme Court and Government of SL, to passing judgement on matters relating to Muslim inheritance, marriage, divorce and child maintenance. Even District Court refers all such cases received from Muslim Plaintiffs to Quazi Court. The existing Roman Dutch Laws are not applicable in the case of Muslims. Sometimes even this system is abused by some who claim to have converted to Islam to justify having more than one wife. Anyway laws are meant to be obeyed, broken, punished and life goes on, or perhaps not if anyone gets beheaded.
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Gajaba / February 6, 2013
The stupid Sinhalese Buddhists feed these rogue monks with the best of foods, vegetables and fruits and hence their sex drive too is very high. I propose these Buddhist mutts modify their alms giving customs and habits and include the custom of sending a woman to the temple so that these “sacred monks” after enjoying the alms also engage in a “sex drive release exercise” with the woman! I am sure this would be an extremely meritorious act for the Buddhists because these monks are languishing and starving for want of sex for more than 2500 years!!!!
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Mahela / February 8, 2013
These yellow robe ..
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