Sri Lanka has informed the UNHRC today the anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Southern Sri Lanka was instigated by several Muslims while conveniently ignoring the role played the Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) in the deadly attacks.
Manisha Gunasekera
Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Manisha Gunasekera who placed on record the sequence of events that led to the incidents of communal violence in Aluthgama and Beruwala noted an incident that occurred on June 12 involving a Buddhist monk and some Muslim youth as the starting point of the chain of events that led to violence on June 15 and 16 in the areas.
“On 12th June, a Buddhist monk was assaulted by three Muslim youth, following a dispute. The three suspects were produced before the Magistrate and remanded, while the monk who made a statement to the Police, was admitted to hospital. On 15th June, the Buddhist monk was proceeding to the temple accompanied by some other monks and lay persons, when stones were thrown at the group as they were passing the Mosque in Dharga Town. This incident led to the violence, which spread to Beruwala by 16th June. Police was compelled to use tear gas and impose curfew to bring the situation under control,” she informed the Council.
Nowhere in the sequence of events has the rally that was held by the BBS or the racist comments made by its General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara been mentioned.
Gunasekera addressing the Council furthermore has added the Government of Sri Lanka does not condone any acts of violence against any religious or ethnic community while adding the government remains deeply committed to protecting the lives of all its citizens, places of worship and property.
These statements were made exercising a Right of Reply in response to references made by Germany, Norway and Canada during the General Debate at the 26th UNHRC sessions today.
We publish below the statement in full;
Mr. President,
In response to references made by Germany, Norway and Canada, Sri Lanka wishes to place on record the sequence of events that led to the incidents of communal violence in Aluthgama and Beruwala in southern Sri Lanka on 15th and 16th June, and the action taken by the Government.
On 12th June, a Buddhist monk was assaulted by three Muslim youth, following a dispute. The three suspects were produced before the Magistrate and remanded, while the monk who made a statement to the Police, was admitted to hospital.
On 15th June, the Buddhist monk was proceeding to the temple accompanied by some other monks and lay persons, when stones were thrown at the group as they were passing the Mosque in Dharga Town. This incident led to the violence, which spread to Beruwala by 16th June. Police was compelled to use tear gas and impose curfew to bring the situation under control.
Three people (two Muslim and one Tamil) lost their lives due to the violence. Twenty six people belonging to both communities were hospitalized, 13 Sinhalese (including 6 Police Constables), and 13 Muslim. Altogether, 69 houses, 83 shops and 11 vehicles were damaged, belonging to people of both communities. The persons who have been displaced are being accommodated in temples, mosques and schools.
The Inspector General of Police has ordered parallel investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Colombo Crimes Division. By 16th June, the situation in both areas was brought under control by the law enforcement authorities. Forty three people have been arrested, comprising 28 Sinhalese, of which 17 (12 Sinhalese and 5 Muslim) are in protective custody. Twenty three persons have been released on bail.
On 16th June, the Hon. Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, chaired a meeting at the Kalutara District Secretariat, consisting of the clergy, local politicians of all communities, Provincial Councillors and Ministry officials, and discussed ways and means of bringing the affected areas back to normalcy, and helping the people to be resettled.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, immediately on return from Bolivia on 18th June, travelled to the affected areas. In Beruwala, the President chaired a meeting of around 50 religious leaders of Buddhist and Muslim faiths. Buddhist monks as well as the Board of Trustees and leaders of Mosques participated in the meeting and condemned the violence which was trigged by the assault of a Buddhist monk. Muslim and Buddhist leaders agreed to undertake and support programmes to promote inter-religious harmony. Extreme elements on both sides are being addressed by the Government.
President Rajapaksa has assured all communities that an impartial inquiry will be held to bring to justice those responsible for the violence, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. The President has also assured that all damaged properties will be repaired, and has also directed the launch of a special programme supported by the District Secretary and all Government, Semi-Government and Local Authorities to bring the area to normalcy. The Sri Lanka Army is currently in the process of estimating damages to property. The Ministry of Rehabilitation is conducting its own estimates in a parallel process with the District Secretary. Funds for repairs will be channelled through the Ministry of Rehabilitation. The Ministries of Social Welfare and Disaster Management are in the process of providing food and resettling the displaced persons. All those indulging in hate speech will be taken in for questioning.
Mr. President,
All Sri Lankan people enjoy freedom of religion, which is a constitutionally guaranteed right. The four major religions have harmoniously co-existed in the Island for centuries. The Government does not condone any acts of violence against any religious or ethnic community. In all instances where credible information relating to incidents has been available, the Government has taken appropriate action. Sri Lanka therefore wishes to assure this Council that the Government remains deeply committed to protecting the lives of all its citizens, places of worship and property.
Mr. President,
In response to Norway urging Sri Lanka to cooperate with the OHCHR investigation mechanism, we reiterate that Sri Lanka has already placed on record its position with regard to this investigation in its Item 2 statement. Sri Lanka remains firm in its conviction that the Council’s efforts should be constructive and not coercive, and truly contribute to a State’s own efforts in promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with the method of work of the Council.
Thank you.
LMAO / June 20, 2014
“On 12th June, a Buddhist monk was assaulted by three Muslim youth, following a dispute. The three suspects were produced before the Magistrate and remanded, while the monk who made a statement to the Police, was admitted to hospital. On 15th June, the Buddhist monk was proceeding to the temple accompanied by some other monks and lay persons, when stones were thrown at the group as they were passing the Mosque in Dharga Town. This incident led to the violence,……..” wow…. So Muslim people are the whole responsible for the riots according to SL govt. no indication about BBS terrorists, Ponnasara’s hate speech, or armed sinhalese gangs……
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Amarasiri / June 20, 2014
Manisha Gunasekera
“Sri Lanka has informed the UNHRC today the anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Southern Sri Lanka was instigated by several Muslims while conveniently ignoring the role played the Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) in the deadly attacks.”
Lying again! Another lying Shill. Liars Beware! UNHRC kboes about Liars in Lanka, the Lanka of native Veddah.
Sinhala Buddhists are Lying Again. Do you think UNHRC cannot see though your lies?
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/anti-bbs-monk-mercilessly-flogged-for-second-time/
Wataraka Vijitha Thero stripped, assaulted & thrown near river
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpaICQxJ_w
his excellent speech deserves to be headline news on SILLUMINA, every news paper and media outlet. Unfortunately, our masses are too dumb to understand the gravity of the situation in the country.
Moadakama of the MOADAYA, is the malady of the MOADAYA!
Govt. rouses communalism to stifle ‘People’s Voice’
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Amarasiri / June 20, 2014
Manisha Gunasekera
“On 12th June, a Buddhist monk was assaulted by three Muslim youth, following a dispute. The three suspects were produced before the Magistrate and remanded, while the monk who made a statement to the Police, was admitted to hospital. “
Why do you need to lie?
Is it because you are a Sinhalese Buddhist?
Sinhala Buddhists are not required to lie, unless they are Shills.
Since you are lying, you are a shill, a reasonable assumption.
The facts are as follows.
On 12th June, a rented van carrying Buddhist monk had hit a motorbike or has a close encounter with two Muslim youth. The Youth had and the Monk was not assaulted. This was blown up to say the Monk was assaulted.
BBS then expanded to say that a Monk was killed.
This incident was used as an excuse to attack the Muslims.
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Amarasiri / June 21, 2014
Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Manisha Gunasekera
Please note that Lying to a UN Body is a crime and you will be punished for it, either by the UN or their subcontractors.
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Amarasiri / June 21, 2014
Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Manisha Gunasekera
“Sri Lanka’s Largest Muslim Owned “NOLIMIT” Panadura Currently In Flames”
Aren’t you not ashamed to lie in such an international Forum?
Because you are a Sinhala Buddhist, do you think it is all right to lie?
So, the Sinhala Buddhists in the Land of Native Veddah, have no ethics. Why?
Buddha did not reach that. In fact he did not want to lie. He just kept silent. read the tipitaka.
What a shame, but you have no shame to lie.
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AVB / June 21, 2014
Robert Knox wrote Sinhalese are “unbelievable” liars in his book in 1680s. He must have met lot of Gunesekara’s forefathers before coming to that judgement…
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Amarasiri / June 22, 2014
AVB
Most Sinhalese Buddhists read and believe the lies and imaginations in Mahawansa.
So, they learn ton lie from an early age, despite the Teachings of Buddha,
The List of Sinhala Buddhist liars, in the Land of Native Veddah is very long. Since the Native Veddah calls them para-Sinhala, the Gunesekara’s fits the bill of para-Sinhala liar.
However, not all Para-Sinhala are liars. Please do not take a wide brush to paint all.
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Namal Perera / June 20, 2014
None of these would have taken place if our Democratic Sri Lanka was not turned into a corrupt lawless Banana Republic. Only way we can save our Mother Lanka is by a change of Regime.
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Amarasiri / June 20, 2014
Video: Anura’s speech stuns the banana government
Video: Anura’s speech stuns government
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpaICQxJ_w
he speech made by the JVP Leader Anura Dissanayaka at the debate on the resolution presented in Parliament by the government alleging it’s to get Parliamentary approval to oppose UNHRC mediation in Sri Lanka was appreciated by many Parliamentarians of the opposition as well as from the government.
The amendments presented by the JVP for the resolution were rejected by the government. The request made by the JVP that a vote should be taken regarding its amendments was approved.
The JVP participating in the debate stated it presented 6 proposals to protect the country from interference the country is being subjected to internationally. The proposals received 46 votes. As the government rejected the proposals the Members of the JVP walked away from the chambers at the final vote taking.
Mr. Anura Dissanayaka’s speech at the debate:
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Amarasiri / June 20, 2014
Mr. President
UNHRC.
They are lying. Period. Facts are otherwise.
Nowhere in the sequence of events has the rally that was held by the BBS or the racist comments made by its General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara been mentioned.
Gunasekera addressing the Council furthermore has added the Government of Sri Lanka does not condone any acts of violence against any religious or ethnic community while adding the government remains deeply committed to protecting the lives of all its citizens, places of worship and property.
These statements were made exercising a Right of Reply in response to references made by Germany, Norway and Canada during the General Debate at the 26th UNHRC sessions today.
We publish below the statement in full;
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Park / June 20, 2014
Has this stupid women not see the video clip of Gonsara Thero instigating violence. Why is she blaming the Muslims? Does she think the international body is so stupid as she is not to understand and know who the true perpetrators are? Just because she is blind and lying it does not mean others are also same as her.
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Amarasiri / June 21, 2014
Park
“Has this stupid women not see the video clip of Gonsara Thero instigating violence.”
1. This Stupid Women is a Sinhala Buddhist.
2. This Stupid Women is a Sinhala Buddhist Shill of Mara.
3. This Stupid Women is a Sinhala Buddhist Shill of Mara ans lies.
However, Not ALL Sinhala Buddhist women are Stupid, are liars and are Shills.
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Park / June 20, 2014
Has this stupid women not see the video clip of Gonsara Thero instigating violence. Why is she blaming the Muslims? Does she think the international body is so stupid as she is not to understand and know who the true perpetrators are? Just because she is blind and lying it does not mean others are also same as her. What has she got to say about the attack on the Thero who opposed the Balu Bala Sena? Was it the Muslims who attacked him for supporting Muslims?
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pv / June 20, 2014
Victims are always at fault.. It is there fault.. the muslims started it.. (It’s a nice set up story…btw) so the Buddhists responded it with barbarism.. like the Kalu July.. this is a Kalu June.. in the land of Peaceful buddhism..
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LMAO / June 21, 2014
Tamils were responsible for the 30 year war in Sri Lanka. Now Muslims are responsible for the current violence. Sinhalese and their monks are very innocent and they preach their religion peacefully #srilankanlogic #sinhalalogic #genocidalkillerslogic
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punchinilame / June 20, 2014
Having read so much about Aluthgama Riots, and now the official version to the UN, I am of the opinion that SL Officials there have been asked to “shape things up” at that end and this Lady has done her best! This is the
white-washing mode SL practices even after 3 UN Resolutions. MR and
cohorts will never ever learn.
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Selwyn / June 20, 2014
Ha! Ha! Ha! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
New born baby Manisha. Suck your thumb………….??
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Patriot / June 21, 2014
We need a regime change for all our Srilankans
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muji / June 21, 2014
it nor so far
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Marwan / June 21, 2014
The fabricated and diabolical lies with twisted oral evidence is all plain for all to see. They are taking the entire UN and international community for a ride. The SL Govt. believes they are still living in some distant past, when news traveled at snail pace. The whole world was privy to what actually happened through instant access to social and media websites, where updated news was instantaneous. They black out local news and think the truth will never get out. Same thinking during the last phases of the LTTE conflict. Journalists were removed from the war theater under threat of attacks, but today the whole world knows about SL’s Killing Fields with far greater evidence than they ever imagined. Similarly, in this case too they just ignore all of the facts on the ground and steamroll their way producing lie after lie to paint the Muslims as the aggressors. It is like adding salt to our wounds. But they just don’t care. I believe that divine justice which is perfect justice will befall on all the perpetrators, (it has happened before and will happen again) and until then, all Muslims will be patient and in prayer. This is God’s test of our patience and our resolve to bear it for Him in silence – which should not be construed to be living in fear or that we are a bunch of cowards. We leave it to God to be the Judge to serve true Justice. Millions of Muslims around the world are fasting and praying for us and all these prayers will never go in waste.
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Kevin / June 21, 2014
Goebbels and a land of blatant liars from the President to the Foreign Minister to all the lackeys and boot-lickers like this spineless woman. But who do they think they are fooling? Whilst the local imbeciles believe all this crap, the people overseas are not fooled. All the embassies in Colombo send reports on the actual ground situation to their Foreign Ministries which then get transmitted to their envoys in Geneva. BBC, Al Jazeera etc have video footage. The world only needs to look at the BBS hate speech and the nail will go into Sri Lanka’s coffin.
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muji / June 21, 2014
UNHRC knows that the Government is lying. let see how long they can do this
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Lapatiya / June 21, 2014
Actually this is very nice story for a film. in my opinion she should have increased the number of Police officers who got Injured and hospitalized including the IGP because his brain was permanently damaged in this incident. most of the people were under the impression that our IGP is sitting on his brain but this incident proved otherwise. She should have mentioned that if the Incident was so serious Muslim leaders like Rauf Hakeem, Alhaj Fouzi, Fizar Mustapa, Richard Batiuddin, Mr. Point of Order- A.H.M Azwar would have resigned immediately from the Govt. but they still on the Lap of Manaranjana. On the hand She should have pointed out that Chairman of BBS (Pvt) ltd, Gaanu 5 Bebadu Gandasara has openly denied their Involvement in this incident and he never Lie 2 days after of Poson Poya. Also she should have mentioned that our President is known as Saddarmadveepa chakrawarthi and he is related to Lord Budda’s Suddodana Paramparawa and he will never allow this kind of violence in Budda’s Land. She also should have mentioned that our President was Honored for his contribution towards peace in Bolivia. Now this is a very good chance for our our great Historian, Jackson Anthony or Dr. Somaratna Dissanayaka to make a great film with this script. I am sure it will be a hit.
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Dr Khan / June 21, 2014
So who believes all the lies this woman is uttering??? There is more than enough evidence that this was a planned attack on the minority muslims and their properties. Meticulously planned! And more than 99% of those affected are muslims. This woman is just trying to protect her government by telling a cock and bull story! Why doesn’t the government arrest the BBS secretary Galagoda [Edited out] Gnanasara? He is the one solely responsible for all this!!!
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Upul / June 21, 2014
Come on guys! You all have lied to save your butts, not once but many times! She is just reading a speech that was emailed to her. Lets not get our feelings mixed up with the facts.
No matter if 3 Muslims insulted or assaulted a driver or Monk, they should bear the burden of the punishment due to the miscreants. None of us know who started that altercation to begin with.
That does not explain how the BBS, Gota and his clan took advantage of the incident to destroy private and govt property worth Millions of rupees. Not to forget the innocents dead and injured.
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Manel / June 21, 2014
She is just a mouthpiece for the criminals. She is selective in what she says, and pretend the hate speeches, permission to have a hate rally, and that the BBS brains who were arrested, were released because of orders from the “TOP”. She should be ashamed of herself for selling her government’s propaganda, and making the victims look like the bullies (maybe as advised by those who resort to this tactic – the Israelis), but she is only making a fool of herself. The world knows better. The rajapaksa’s and their servants are lying, once again.
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Rajash / June 21, 2014
Well Mugabe lied but not in UN. This regime is losing it’s respect and legitimacy all over the world.
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Rajash / June 21, 2014
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa, immediately on return from Bolivia on 18th June, travelled to the affected areas. In Beruwala, the President chaired a meeting of around 50 religious leaders of Buddhist and Muslim faiths”>>>>he only visited Beruwela.
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Rajash / June 21, 2014
“The four major religions have harmoniously co-existed in the Island for centuries.”…Mr.Presisent it is with regret I say that this cannot go unchallenged. Our President like new Challenges
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K.A Sumanasekera / June 21, 2014
Didn’t Norway train the BBS Monks?
Didn’t the US Ambassador in Colombo have meetings with the BBS?.
Didn’t the Opposition Leader and the Leadership Council have high level talks with the BBS even as late as late 2013?.
Aren’t these three groups closely associated with the current UNHCR Inquisition?.
Isn’t the the LTTE proxy TNA Leader who is the mastermind behind this Pillai Inquisition?.
Hasn’t he become the main player who is digging into this alleged BBS involvement in the Aluthgama incident, and trying to make maximum Capital to serve his own agenda?.
Does he have a clean record when it comes to our Srilankan Muslims, specially who were under his beloved Liberation leader for 30 years?.
Isn’t the LTTE proxy Mr Sambandan on record saying ” leave the Muslims to me” in his famous speech hoping to get his Eelaam soon after Nanthikadal?.
Didn’t the Srilankan government’s timely intervention not only saved lives,but also prevented people becoming refugees?.
Didn’t the Hindus kill over one thousand Muslims over a similar incident in Gujarat and the Leader there did nothing?
Do these Norway and Canadian Governments have selective amnesia?.
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Tamil from the north / June 27, 2014
Sumanasekera the servant boy of the rajapukkas is at it again.
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KR / June 21, 2014
Is that why the No Limit Store in Panadura is currently on flames?
Diplomats who state such barefaced lies are a disgrace to humanity.
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Goraka / June 21, 2014
No limit on flames – I am sure SL government will blame Muslims again
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Snowden Edward Asange / June 21, 2014
LOL. reminds me of the Malaka and the Army Major story…The govt would say, the owners of NO LIMIT set fire to the store themselves to claim Insurance. and also ask em to say.. we dont remember… This woman is a so called diplomat. but is being used as a MAT by the Govt of SL, She might have to eat her words..now that NO LIMIT Panadura is up in flames…. She being a diplomat, should of known.. U can fool some people some time, all the people some time NOT all the people all the time… Stupidity at its worse….
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Peace Lover / June 21, 2014
This is not good.
We should follow peaceful Ghandhian ways.
NO attacking Muslims – instead boycott Muslim shops peacefully.
NO burning their shops – instead boycott Muslim shops peacefully.
PLEASE.
May Allah, Buddha, Krishna and Christ save SL people from monsters.
Boycott not burn.
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Park / June 21, 2014
Manisha I have a question for you. Who set fire to No Limit in Panadura? What about your Presidents promise to protect Muslim Businesses? Why don’t you resign your position and go home without lying. Shame on you. You are a disgrace to the educated women of Sri Lanka.
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Crazyoldmansl / June 21, 2014
It does not matter who assaulted who or how the violence began. What matters is the failure of the government to prosecute Sinhala Buddhists who engage in such violence.
Any fool can see that the government is justifying the violence of the Sinhala Buddhists. The government however cannot see how obvious this is and it is going deeper and deeper into the mud. Where this will end is easy to see. I am getting out of this country before it happens. Let those who support fascism face its outcome alone.
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Qaassim / June 21, 2014
What a massive lie.MR has never visited the affected areas.
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Goraka / June 21, 2014
Another barefaced liar!
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Thrishantha / June 21, 2014
This kind of appalling distortion of facts by Government representatives to UNHRC further promote hatred and despair for being unjust. This is exactly what went wrong after 1983. Police first ignores, or they are ordered to ignore violence against minorities, and when a reaction comes from the minorities, the Government is prompt to distort facts to put the blame on the minorities. Both UNP and PA Governments have done that, and all other parties have been behind such policies, including communist and Marxist parties in the Government.
The chain of events did not start on 12th June. Rather, it started way before by hate speech of BBS and JHU, followed by several attacks on Muslim shops like in Fashion Bug attack by monks. These are on record unlike things in 1983. Sri Lankan police never arrested these organized groups despite video evidence, perhaps due to influence from higher authorities. True, some Muslims too contributed to hatred. For instance, I saw a video where a Muslim leader claiming that Buddhism is empty because three gems (thrivida rathna) cannot protect people. This ignorant man didn’t bother to investigate before talking. Triple gems in Buddhism does not refer to three stones, but to “Buddha the fully enlightened one”, “Dhamma, what he expounded so well”, and “Sangha, the diligent practitioners of the Dhamma”. Here, the true Sangha are those who practice Dhamma according to monastic traditions, not those who do politics. Perhaps the above man tried to trace the tripple gems from bottom up from the Sangha he sees in groups like BBS, and came to the conclusion that those are mere stones that cannot protect anything. I am not sure.
However, this apparent distortion of facts by the Government representatives at UNHRC is the very reason why violence against ethnic minorities in Sri Lanka should be investigated by some independent international body. The Government representative fully proved to us who tracked the events from the memorable history that justice cannot be expected from the Government. What the Government doesn’t realize is that denial of justice leads to further hatred and violence. So, UNHRC should intervene in the name of humanity, which is more important than sovereignty of real estate on the planet.
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peace / June 21, 2014
Huh? I dont get it. So muslims were responsible for all the violence that happened in Aluthgama. Let me see…. they “assaulted” a monk, then to prove their innocence they burnt their own homes and shops and now are refugees having lost everything and they are just pretending to be victims?(sarcasm folks)
who are the real actors?
In the land of blind the one eyed is king so please open your eyes to the truth.
and truth shall always overcome falsehood.
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Marwan / June 21, 2014
When no less a person than UN Sec. Gen. and the head of UBHRC Navi Pillay have condemned the violence, which indicates they are in the know, what rubbish is this woman talking. Who is fooling whom? Now with Panadura No Limit outlet up in flames, the matter could turn more serious than expected. JHU leader Champika talking all cock accusing US for setting up Taliban forces in SL and accusing Muslim extremist forces behind these attacks. They are trying to internationalize the issue with a twist in their favor. Lets see how far this will go on before the bubble bursts. Probably MR and GR are egging them on (BBS, Sihala RavayaM forces)to do more and more damage expecting a Muslim backlash to proclaim to the world – We are also battling Islamic extremism in SL
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