19 March, 2024

Blog

Sri Lankan Mosque Forced To Abandon Prayers By Protesters – BBC

By BBC –

Buddhist monks were also involved in the protest

A mosque in Sri Lanka has been forced to abandon Friday prayers amid community tensions in the central town of Dambulla.

About 2,000 Buddhists, including monks, marched to the mosque and held a demonstration demanding its demolition.

A mosque official told the BBC he and several dozen companions were trapped inside and feared the crowd would destroy the building.

Overnight the mosque had been targeted by a fire-bombing – no-one was hurt.

The BBC’s Charles Haviland in Colombo says the tensions have been growing in the neighbourhood.

Protest

Shortly after the protest the mosque was evacuated and its Friday prayers cancelled.

Many Buddhists regard Dambulla as a sacred town and in recent months there had been other sectarian tensions in this part of Sri Lanka, our correspondent says.

Last September a monk led a crowd to demolish a Muslim shrine in Anuradhapura, not far from Dambulla.

Buddhism is the religion of the majority of the population in Sri Lanka.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 0
    0

    this is not a spontaneous act at all.. around 2000 pple gathered all of a sudden and some bikkus led them to the mosque. Lord Buddha is a God of love but his followers in SL have become the uncivilized, intolerant maniacs.It’s a real pity even a single political leader, or a religious clergyman, or an academic has not condemn this atrocious act of intrusion in the religious freedom of an individual. Then, please someone tell me, what is wrong if an affected person resort to violence and terror?

  • 0
    0

    sri lankan is terror state every one know its going happen
    these monks are rascals they are ugly minded and criminal
    they bu

  • 0
    0

    I am deeply suspicious of these attacks. Who is behind them and why doesn’t the Sangha do anything to stop them & to discipline their monks? Far from being spontaneous I believe these attacks to have the blessings of the Sangha. Moreover, it would not surprise me at all if the Sangha is in cahoots with the Rajapaksa regime whose motive may well be to provide a distraction of this kind at a time of serious economic crisis. JR used the mob and the Army to attack the Tamils during Blavk July in 1983. Who is to say that Rajapaksa is not trying the same tactic by attacking Muslim and Christian churches?

  • 0
    0

    WE DONT WANT AFGHAN STYLE MUSLIM TALIBAN BUDDHIST MONKS IN SL.. THIS JUSTB LIKE WHAT THOSE RACIST MUSLIM RADICAL TALIBAN DID THO THOSE 5000 YEAR OLD BUDDHIST STATUES IN THAT COUNTRY.. DESTROYED THEM USING THOSE SAME INSANE OUTDATED ARGUMENTS.. THESE IS NO SUCH RELEGIOUS PLACES THAT SHPULD BELONG TO ONE SINGLE RELEGION..THIS JUST LIKE THE GRAND MUFTI OF SAUDI SAYING TO DESTROY ALL CHURCHES IN MUSLIM AREAS.. PLS DONT TRANSFORM SRI LANKA TO A SAUDI STYLE TALIBAN STATE.. ALL RELEGIONS MUST EXIST AS ONE.. NO SUCH THING AS SPECIAL AREAS..

  • 0
    0

    feels so sorry… scared… and shame for my country…. and its darken future… no medicine for foolishness…

  • 0
    0

    Religion is the opium of masses- Karl Marx

    • 0
      0

      thanks for reminding those golden words…. problem is, how many morons can understand this?

    • 0
      0

      Marx’s words of wisdom does not mean thing to the unwise. Don’t blame the masses but blame political nationalist and extremists within all political parties including the Sanga the biggest sinners of state sponsored terrorism.

  • 0
    0

    What a splendid display of Tolerance, Ahimsa(non Violence) and Compassion to all living beings accordinng to the purest form of Buddhism (Theravadha) practised in the country, by the very custodians of the doctrine Buddhism. In ’56 when Sevala Banda brought the Buddhist Priests on to the Political platform, it was Sir John who castigated saying that the Buddhist priests should be chased back to the Temple. Thereafter Premadasa goldplated Buddhism painting all the Buddha statues in the country in gold and a Gold roof to the Temple of the Tooth. It is no secret that in the ’71 insurrection of the JVP there were many Buddhist monks involved in the JVP violence where the JVP is responsible being the first to shed blood in this country long before the LTTE took over. Besides the JVP armouries were found hidden in Buddhist Temples. Under the MR regime the society is witness to yellow robed monks seen running for dear life, being batton charged. Such is the respect they have earned from the public for their involvement inpolitics and for the backscratching with the Politicians. If only this society paid heed to the advice of Sir John without lambasting him as anti-Buddhist, the Buddha Sasana would not have denigrated to this level of decadence.
    Not only this instance, the Buddhist monks have been involved in burning down Churches and other places of worship in the recent past with absolute impunity, ably assisted by the onlooking of the so called Law Enforcement Officers the Police and the Forces. It is noteworthy to mention here that when Lord Buddha the founder of the Philosophy attained enlightenment, there were over sixty beliefs and faiths that were in practice at that time in India. Lord Buddha did not try to oust other beliefs or faiths however much they were further from the truth. Today these self appointed custodians, the Buddhist Sangha have designed flags and have Insttutionalised the great doctrine to brazenly flout beliefs of others believing they are superior to the rest. At least now, before it is too late, this country should be made in to a Secular Society and stop the Govt. influence on Religion and leave it for the individuals to believe or not to believe in any faith.

  • 0
    0

    The danger in religious violence is that they are usually backed by unseen hands, or vested interest groups which will stand to benefit when there is instability in a country.

    It is also dangerous for the welfare of the people, as authorities like in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq or the military junta in post-Hosni Mubarak Egypt deliberately stirred religious conflict in order to oppress their population and introduce draconian measures to stifle dissenting voices.

    Sudden intolerance of minority religious views, artefacts or practice after centuries of tolerance is surely cause for concern, as it is usually instigated by manipulators who set people against each other in order to conquer or control them to the former’s advantage.

    Both Islam and Buddhism preach peace (Islam means peace and Ahimsa is common to both Hinduism and Buddhism)and it is no fault of the religions but those who use it as cover for their own nefarious motives that is the danger Sri Lankans face.

  • 0
    0

    Work of Hela Urumaya to rally behind Buddhist votes, now only they have thought to evict that Mosque after 60yrs of its existence.

    Why did they evict in Anuradhapura, many attempts failed at Kurragala (Muslim Term used as Dafter Jailany) in Balangoda area.

    This is open invitation for Al-Quaida cells in Sri-Lanka.

  • 0
    0

    I agree with Jim Hardy. I am a bit suspicious whether this is a collaborated project of both the government and the JHU to deflect the mounting pressure and tension in the domestic level as a result of high rocketing price hikes that grapple the people day by day and the convincing defeat in Geneva.

    We must understand the fact that this is not a new mosque or new venture to construct a mosque for the first time in the place, what they define as a sacred land, as some media predicted or presumed. This has been in existence for the past 50 years. Why is it so significant to them to demarcate the area as a sacred land demolishing a mosque which is there for a long time?

    There must be an ulterior motive or political expediency behind this initiative of certain vested interested people.

  • 0
    0

    Paranoid action of corrupted beliefs of God. The ruling party has not only extremely forcing the Buddhist ideology on people but also suppresses the religious freedom of people. This is the time to consider the Arab countries to withdraw their support and human right activists to voice their concern in international level.

  • 0
    0

    You can see the monks and buddhists marching towards this mosque to demolish.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cu1FiEQ2HeA

    First Tamils, then christians ( even if they are sinhalese christians) now muslims

  • 0
    0

    Why is everyone so surprised? Everyone new this was going to happen, tamil diaspora has been saying that if the LTTE are defeated the same mechanism that was used on tamils in the 50’s would be used on the muslim and sinhala communities. See what happened.

    The sinhala community was so anti-tamil that they gave away their rights to these thugs. The muslim community stayed on the fence hoping events such as these wouldn’t happen to them.

    Even I predicted this would have 5 years ago.

  • 0
    0

    Religion of freedom must be given to every one …

  • 0
    0

    every religion are speaking about peace & unity. but some people living with tearer mind. sum religious leaders are creating problems & they are extremist. sum leaders want to destroy other community for own purpose.

  • 0
    0

    Srilanka has a history of 2000 yaers of religious tolerance, communal harmoney and co-existence. Only two years ago, Srilanka has got rid of terrorism and Now it appears another form of terrorism emerged not from Tamil Tigers rather from tiny minority of Extremist Buddist monks. It is very wrong to generalise this issue. Not Every Monk or singhalese people or Buddist support this type of violance act. It is small minority of extremists who want to tarnish good name of Srilanka engagge in this type of violance. It is Relgious peopel who should encourage spiritual development of all people: It is duty of monks and other religious leadership to guide their community in the matters of spiritual developemnt and at the end of day it is better for the country that people are spirituallly enhanced and developed. Why these monks do not let Muslim people to practise their relgion in this mosque where they have been praying for the last 60 years.This mosque is not a new one it has been for more than 60 years on that place now suddently why these people object? what is the reason for this uncivilised actions. Is it that these monks want to show off their power and influence through these actions or is it thier religion teach them such things. Is it good for this country right now to show this type of vionnce. Political leadership should take responsible steps to stop this type of violance in the greater interest of this country and its people. We do not want to see one more war of any type in Srilanka. Sinhalese, tamil, Muslim, Christians all should live in peace in Srilanka like brothers and sisters to take this beautiful Island forward in the path of progress and development. Is type of violance could lead to communal and ethnic tenstion that could dagame good name of Srilanka internatioanlly. Srilanka can not afford to have any more wars

  • 0
    0

    This is the voice for every sinhalese. make sure guys another mosque will build in future on dambulla, don’t you feel shame guys, we never involved in to a such a problems with sinhalese. then why people doing such a terrorist act. and Monks also doing the protest. this is seriously going to down side up.

  • 0
    0

    NAKKEERAN comments from Arab News viewer

    Apr 20, 2012 12:51

    Report abuse I am least surprised by the audacious claim by Palu and Nihal de Silva that “Tamils in Sri Lanka can work, do business, own property in any part of the country. They have equal voting rights to elect their representatives, get education in their own language.” If this is true, why there is no peace Sri Lanka for the last 60 years? These two gentlemen have no idea of what is meant by democracy. Democracy is not rule by the majority. Democracy is consent by minorities as well. It was Mahatma Gandhi who said the true test of democracy is how the minority enjoy equal rights. (1) In Sri Lanka 74% Sinhalese have grabbed 95% of government jobs in the civil service, foreign service, armed forces, universities, State Corporations, transport. The Sri Lankan government has diplomatic missions in over 67 countries not one is a Tamil! (2) The intake to the Law College during the past several years is zero compared to the intake on an average 250 Sinhalese and 2 Muslims. (3) Recent results in respect of OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR RECRUITMENT TO CLASS III (GENERAL CADRE/SPECIAL CADRE) OF THE SRI LANKA EDUCATION ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE – 2010 (2011) PART – I LIST OF CANDIDATES WHO HAVE OBTAINED ABOVE 60% FOR EACH SUBJECT ACCORDING TO THE GAZETTE – DATED 31/12/2010 shows out of 173 selected for interview none were Tamils. (4) No Tamil has ever been elected as President / appointed as Prime Minister, not even as a Finance Minister ever since Ceylon attained independence in 1948. (5) The Governors of Tamils dominated North and Eastern provinces are Retd. Army General/Retd Naval Commander both Sinhalese. (6) The Government Agents of Mannar, Amparai and Trincomalee (retd. Army General R.T.de Silva) are all Sinhalese though the majority of the population is Tamil Speaking Tamils and Muslims. (7) Lands belonging to Tamils in Vanni and Jaffna have been forcibly taken over by the armed forces to build bases, cantonments, luxury hotels. (8) A 50,000 strong army is stationed in Jaffna peninsula, a ratio of 1 soldier for every 5 Tamil civilians. (9) Buddhist Viharas, statues of Buddha, war memorials have mushroomed in the North and East in places where there are no Buddhist worshipers. A large Buddhist Viharas has been built just 50 meters from the famous Hindu temple Ketheeswaram in Mannar. A 1500 kilo Buddha’s has been installed by the army two weeks ago. There are no Buddhists living anywhere near the Viharas. (10) Over 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are languishing in make-shift tarpaulin camps for the last 3 years or more. They have no jobs and been asked to fend for themselves. Their dwellings have been forcibly taken over to build bases and cantonments. (11) There are over 800 Tamil political prisoners languishing in jails between 5-20 years without charges or trial! (12) This week not the first time Sinhala goons have attacked the homes of ordinary Thamils living amongst the Sinhalese. In this instance a lowly soldier who was on vacation had become angry after a youth of the Dilithura village had refused to address him as ‘sir.’ The notion that Sinhalese are first class citizens have gone into the head of every Sinhalese except a few. (Visit https://www.colombotelegraph.com/) Â

  • 0
    0

    Sacred Area means sacred to all religions.so why destroy a mosque.
    Why are monks scared of islam. ??? because it is the truth.

  • 0
    0

    IT is a unacceptable, most disgusting incident in Sri Lanka. Lord Buddha has never preached act of violence, or terror of this nature. THis is an act of buddhist extremists, may be red robed men from Southern part of Sri Lanka. In fact, this is an old praying place recently refurbished. The place no seen by any travel on the main road. The buddhist extremist came from outside Dambulla in large numbers demosntrated the terrorism even infront of the security personel because they had the silent attitude /supportive attitude. This is the second incident of this nature. It will continue to other towns as well by these extremists. Sri lanka will enjoy another era of killing field not by army but buddhists[because they had brought fire bombs to attach innocent, praying Muslims in the mosue. What religion these robed men preach will definitely will not be Buddhism but vandalism and terrorism. Liquor and all sorts of other anti-buddhist activities are sacred for them except muslims peacefully prating in a sacred mosque.????

  • 0
    0

    University students in Jaffna cannot protest freely, but these orange-robed thugs can protest night and day, and the police will never lay a finger?

  • 0
    0

    Sorry ….to hear these deleberate unwanted troubles…Once again muslims are being victimized. I am shame to say as i am sinhalese.

  • 0
    0

    I FIND MANY PEOPLE USING THE WORD TALEBAN, WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT IT MEANS
    “TALIBAN” MEANS STUDENTS.
    RECENTLY BIDEN WANTED TO BOMB ALL MADRASSAHS. THATS WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING ALL THE TIME.MADRASSAH IS THE ARABIC WORD FOR SCHOOL.
    “JIHAD” IS TO STRIVE NOT “HOLY WAR”.
    PLEASE DO NOT USE WORDS WITHOUT KNOWING THE MEANING.
    BEFORE YOU SAY OR WRITE, USE YOUR “HEAD”.

  • 0
    0

    You know thus significantly when it comes to this topic, produced me individually believe it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested until it’s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs great. At all times care for it up!

  • 0
    0

    may a thunder kill all the buddist monks and let their bodies be flogged by pigs and dogs

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.