By Muhammed Fazl –
Muhammed Fazl
I call upon all Sri Lankans to tear up the national flag & dump it & demand a new one to be designed so as to create a state of unity, equality & justice and to ward off the curse that has engulfed us all, all along!
Reasons for my conclusion;
1. SL never had lions nor was a bone ever found. We don’t have a national animal (we have a bird though) and the lion supposedly is to show bravery of the Sinhala race. The country was in existence thousands of years before the advent of the Sinhala race and it will continue to exist for thousands of years more even if the race becomes extinct! Talking of origins, neither the race, its people or the language is native and it all evolved from Asia, particularly India, Nepal etc…
And of bravery, now that is a far cry from reality. Sri lanka is a land of cowards & traitors who meekly surrendered it to the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally to the Britishers. Our independence was NOT hard fought, we just got it on a platter. Even at that stage, we were made to think that the Britishers were doing us a favor and we even said ‘thank you Sir’ on bended knees. Let us also NOT forget that it was the ‘Sinhala’ race that instigated and sustained the struggle for the division of the country during the 1983-2009 war!
One might wonder how the Sinhala race-led government sustained the war. First it was the ‘Sinhala-only’ policy followed by the marginalization of the minorities of every government in power that instigated the uprising of the Tamils, followed by the government’s lack of will to find a peaceful solution, give equality, separate state & religion & aiding the enemy with funds & weapons which resulted in it lasting longer with lethal devastation! Eliminating a rag-tag army of under 10,000 by a well equipped force of over 300,000 strong and dragging it for over 25 long years wouldn’t be considered ‘bravery’ in my book either. And questioning the alleged tactics of the SL armed forces, especially during the last stages of the war would definitely warrant an international War Crime Tribunal! But then again it is another long story…
The hard-line nationalist may want to portray the Lion symbol as bravery…. but in my view it is a flesh-eating, violent savage. No wonder the people of Sri Lanka resorting to violence & physical abuse at every altercation. A symbol of peace would be the need of the hour and an animal found in Sri Lanka would make it more sensible. My personal choice would be the elephant (majestic) or the peacock with its vibrant colors. (The government can request the Opposition party UNP to change their symbol). 🙂
2. It is funny to see the colors of the flag depicting the 3 different races (Sinhala, Tamil, Moor). If a dimwit thought showing the 3 different races separately as unity, I beg to differ. It is WRONG to show divisions, by doing so, it divides the population and depicts an imbalance of rights when one sect is given prominence. Race and religion is a choice one makes or is made by a parent, either at birth or by marriage or by conviction and that SHOULD be a personal matter. Besides, history has shown that race only divides the people and that no good has come to date.
Let us have one common color that does not divide the people based on ethnicity!
3. The 4 leaves of the Bo tree is supposedly to depict Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (the joy in other people’s well being) and Upekkha (spiritual state) of the Buddhist philosophy. But is it a common practice or is it still in existence by and large? The answer would be a big ‘NO’!
It is not uncommon to see the flag-bearers of Buddhism (monks) themselves being lustful, vengeful, racist, and violent among other negative attributes. In this context, how realistic would it be for its ordinary adherents to follow the teachings of Lord Buddha?
So who is fooling whom with this poorly thought-of design that we call the ‘National Flag’ and that which we are ‘forced’ to embrace??
DesperateMINDS / February 4, 2014
If people vote into them further – reappointing the bunch of thieves giving him a third term, best would be to replace the lion with a shit eating pig/buffaloe/donkey. Until then we have to wait without tearing off it to pieces.
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Marian / February 5, 2014
Whether you vote for either party or vote at all is irrelevant. Mr Fazl, though you wrote this as some satirical article, I kindly request you be a little bit more careful with you words. You want to see a change in our national flag? Fine, that is your view and we should respect that but encouraging people in an article to tear up our national flag and dump it is insulting to many people and can only provoke division in our country. My father paid the ultimate sacrifice defending this country under this flag and though I completely disagree with you on so many counts I respect your opinion as a fellow citizen. Desecrating a national flag is an offence in virtually every country around the globe even in the great ‘democratic’ country of the US so I don’t see why Sri Lanka should be any different. The lion is a symbol of bravery in many cultures and religions including Hindus with Goddess Durga to Muslims during the Al Andalus period and with Sri Lanka well I’m sure you have visited Sigiriya to know about its significance to our culture than just a ‘flesh eating violent savage’ right?
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DesperateMINDS / February 5, 2014
Marian,
you seem to have got it from the wrong end.
What the writer means is the levels we have achieved to this date are appalled under the current admnistration. That he has interpreted – as if we the folks have worked all wrong allowing a bunch of thieves to loot the nation.
What have we the general public been facing in the country today. Do you think we enjoy the very basic values as it is the case in rich countries – though the populist rhetorics of MR repeat it. Had the man in power respected the high values as people expect him to restore, we could save the life of that young journalist, only daughter of a family, a friend or a colleague of them today. That young lady had to offer her life for no reasons. Society lost a young professional. How can he be that proud – repeating that he created a new era where democratic values are safeguarded. Truth as it is – implementation of 18Amd created new enviroment so that criminals could make use of it. They enjoy lawlessness and impunity today than no other times in the past. Many of us are today very disappointed – not having law and order in the country.
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Sharmini Serasinghe / February 5, 2014
Our National flag is a symbol of all that has gone wrong in this country over the past 66 years!
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Marian / February 5, 2014
Excuse me but there are people that died defending the motherland under this flag and to simply come to the conclusion that this flag is a symbol of all that has gone wrong since independence is very disrespectful. Politicians may have led us up to the mess we are in now but this flag represents so much more. My father died draped with this flag on his coffin because he fought so all Sri Lankans irrespective of your race or religion can live a free life and if you are going to say that this flag is a symbol for what is wrong in this country well I guess that’s convenient to say from your civilian background but from somebody who is a military brat who knows many families who lost loved ones defending this country, I’ll repeat that this flag is a symbol for so much good in our country than you can ever imagine.
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Mitthraseeeeeeeeli / February 5, 2014
Alone the fact that we the sinhalayas are generated by a lion-human hybrid is not provable to this date. Even if some genetists today believe – the human hybrids could have formed the man on the earth.
Just looking at lanken flag – everyone comes to his or her mind is that only Sinhalayas are represented by the flag. None of european flags give this feeling because most of them have been used colour stripes on their flags.
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sach / February 5, 2014
It is high time you check what has gone wrong with you. [Edited out]
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Amarasiri / February 6, 2014
Dear Sharmini Serasinghe,
You have a very good point here, yes, the flag reflects the problem.
The real problem was in the different constitutions and the what the irresponsible British left the country with to sort it out without the proper checks and balances. It was like giving a child a knife, and the need for the separation of Church, Temple and Mosque and State.
It is enlightening to see how the USA came up with its flag and the constitution, with Separation of Church and State by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Thomas Paine.
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Marian / February 5, 2014
No I believe I understood the article perfectly well thank you. You are delving too much into the political side and though I do agree with you except on the part of the late journalist who died on Monday this is about the flag that represents WE the people. Not the bloody politicians or splinter groups it represents all of us. I’d like to see somebody write about tearing and dumping the Canadian or any other western flag that represents solely caucasians and wait for the death threats. Proposing a change of the flag will always be up for discussion. I’m sure Indians in South Africa might ask for representation in their flag soon, though I’m sure they would never tell people to desecrate their current one. I hope you understand that I love my country and I love my flag and for somebody to tell people to tear up and dump our national flag based on political and unjustified reasons sickens me which is probably the most polite way of putting it.
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Mahadana Muththa (Jnr) / February 5, 2014
Marian,
If a tsunami hits our country tomorrow (absit omen)and drowns all her people, what use would this flag be to us then?
Think about it!
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Thiru / February 5, 2014
“Island of Impunity”
says Public Interest Advocacy Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy group in Australia.
No wonder the savage beast, lion (Sri Lanka) holding a sward to kill indiscriminately!
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Sumith / February 5, 2014
There is nothing wrong with the flag. You can interpret things in any way.
It is with our poeple. Sri Lankans are still living in stone age.
Blame yourselves, ourselves. Don’t find scapegoats.
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Nano Tina / February 4, 2014
[Edited out]
You bloody [Edited out] don’t insult our National flag.
You can insult the national flags of the countries of your race that has ‘greater freedom’… my foot???
LOOK WHOSE TALKING …..
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DesperateMINDS / February 4, 2014
Your [Edited out] leader-and the thugs have insulted it to the core to this date. NOthing more cant be worst.
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Native Vedda / February 5, 2014
Nano Tina
“You bloody [Edited out] don’t insult our National flag.”
What is sacred about a piece of clothe with a picture of the most laziest animal, holding a sword?
“You can insult the national flags of the countries of your race that has ‘greater freedom’… my foot???”
What is Muhammed Fazl’s race?
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Mahadana Muththa (Jnr) / February 5, 2014
Nano Tina,
“You can insult the national flags of the countries of your race….”
Then the Sinhalese should do likewise
with the national flag of India :-)
Remember India is the origin of the Sinhalese.
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mangala wijesinghe / February 4, 2014
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Sarvan / February 4, 2014
Despite the observation that fools rush in where the wise hesitate even to step in, I suggest for consideration two possible approaches.
If Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country, as indeed it is, and if the doctrine of the Buddha is pre-eminently one of compassion, of loving-kindness (Metta), not only to human beings but to all living creatures, then the flag is the antithesis of Buddhist ideal and exhortation, and should be replaced. Lions are carnivorous and not vegetarian, and a symbol of peace would be more appropriate to a genuine, pure and noble Buddhist country.
The other approach would be to argue that, given the sorry history of the Island since independence the flag, unfortunately, is most appropriate!
PS. As a matter of curiosity, one could call up the flags of other countries and see if there’s anything similar.
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Amarasiri / February 4, 2014
Muhammed Fazl –
“I call upon all Sri Lankans to tear up the national flag & dump it & demand a new one to be designed so as to create a state of unity, equality & justice and to ward off the curse that has engulfed us all, all along!”
In the US, many citizens have burned the flag to protest the policies. A white racist used the flag to beat a black man in the 70’s.
So, representing the carnivore, lion, based on Monk Mahanama racist imaginations and myths, and putting Bo tree leaves while representative of the people and myths, is a joke for a united nation.
It may have the Buddhist colors, Hindu Colors and Islamic Colors only, and can have Samanala Kanda aka “Adams” Peak as the background.
Look at the US flag. Stars and Stripes only.
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noel-jones / February 5, 2014
Sarvan, If you want a vegetarian animal try cow,goat or a pig in your country flag.
Try Bhutan,Bermuda,Egypt,Mexico flags and you can see animals and birds in their national flags.
A Bear in the California state flag in USA. I think it is the most suitable national flag for US.
The Lion symbol in our national flag descend from many many centuries. In 1948 or so they distort it by adding Green and Yellow parts in it.
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Mahadana Muththa (Jnr) / February 5, 2014
Sarvan,
The Buddhism practiced in Sri Lanka is known as Sinhala-Buddhism. It has nothing to do with the Buddha’s doctrine.
Hence, this ‘religion’ called Sinhala-Buddhism practices the exact opposite of Metta- loving-kindness, Karuna- compassion, and Muditaa- sympathetic joy.
You will find many examples of this, right here on this thread.
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Ranjith / February 4, 2014
Bloody Fazi you have no right at all to talk about our national flag. Dont let the peace loving people to torch mosques in the near future by telling these nonsense
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Burning_Issue / February 4, 2014
Why not? So you think you are more of a Sri Lankan than the author? What right do you have to think like that?
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sach / February 5, 2014
he is not less of a Sri lankan, but when he writes racist drivel it is very distasteful.
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Upali Wijewardene / February 5, 2014
This is the bloody problem with us Buddhists. We think this country belongs only to us. Listen to Sunil Perara’s song and you would understand the difference.
We need to live together, and see how we can ignite hatred towards a whole community. Fazl’s comment is used to talk about torching all the mosques. Do not feel that the Muslims would hide inside egg shells or cocoons like some others. They showed what they are capable of in Grandpass when their mosque was attacked. Only saner counsel by their religious and political leadership prevented a major out break of violence. I was a witness to the huge crowds that surrounded the 200 Buddhist extremists. If their religious leaders did not calm the Muslim crowd, all 200 would have been slaughtered, and we would have had yet another black “JULY” and we would have had many more resolutions in Geneva.
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sach / February 5, 2014
where have i said Sri Lanka belongs to Sinhalese only? First read and try to understand.
And i hardly think how when one calls another ethnicity idiotic and cowards would leads to positive change?
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DesperateMINDS / February 4, 2014
The racial minded people like you have no right to call the writer or minorities in that way. We are all srilankens. We fought a war against terrorists. We should all have learnt from the human losses over the last 30 years. Be it demolishing churches, mosques, temples or any other properties, we each of should stand against terror. Right at the moment, the juntas in power seem to allow anyone with high criminal energies to achieve their targets by showing the passivity, lawlessness, though gearing up the nation with repeated kind of popularistic slangs – intending to keep them silent modes. Anyway, the very same folks would not tolerate these levels though did earlier. Now in an enviroment where civil war is no longer there, things in terms of rule of law, respect and dignity of the life, and many other values that the many in civlized world enjoy under the lead of honest and educated leader should be achieved through proper understanding. Tear off the flag – meaning nothing else that the levels have reached beyond all bearing – how can we be that proud, if we the folks would stay that passive letting any kind of low mentalities to spread their hatred and crimes. Today we have to stand against all these injustice- tomorrow will be too late. Young jouanlists are being killed. Tomorrow can be the victim with thin your family if we would not react against the lawless rule of the current regime.
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Eagle Eyes / February 4, 2014
Dear Ranjith, I like the way you betray your true self “Don’t let peace loving people….”. How can you be peace loving if you are not tolerant of the other person’s right to express himself, and, you do wish to engage in civilised discussion. Buddha, (if he existed) must rue the day that he sent Buddhism to Sri Lanka. In Lanka it is a violent, brutal, racist, immoral religion perpetuated by thugs in saffron.
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Mohammed / February 4, 2014
torch mosques???
Stop playing with FIRE!
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Galbanis / February 4, 2014
DO WE NEED AN ANIMAL IN OUR FLAG?
Lets have the MAKARA instesd; mythical, oldest coins and royal symbols in the ISLAND had the fish (Saddhathissa, Parakum….). Take the torana; the Makara sits at the top while the lion is at the bootom, sandakadapahanas (moon(foot)stone) have lions.
The other old symbol was a type of Swastika.
What about the Sun & the Moon.
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Mohammed / February 4, 2014
The most popular saying for the Sinhalayas is Kavum kana Modaya. However, there is also another saying “Modayage Ratee Murugayage Kodiya” meaning a Beast flag in a country of fools. The Lion flag is the most appropriate for the Sinhala-Buddhist Barbaric fools.
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Paul / February 5, 2014
And there is also a saying ‘if you meet a cobra and a muslim, kill the muslim first’. He is more dangerous.
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mazin / February 5, 2014
@paul
Seems you have conveniently changed the Tamil in the famous statement to Muslim. Oh well, I know why. The Muslims are your new alter-ego, after Nandikadal.By the way, arent you a BBS radical or Urumaya OOrumeeya writing under the assumed pen name of a Christian saint?
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yapa / February 5, 2014
Mohammed
Have you heard of “Yon Maerilla”?
Thanks!
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mechanic / February 5, 2014
I bet you would like us to have a jihadi with a sword in our national flag.
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yapa / February 5, 2014
“DO WE NEED AN ANIMAL IN OUR FLAG?”
Better have the animal in your bed.
Thanks!
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Amarasiri / February 5, 2014
Yapa,
Animals are fine, but it is the context, the myths and imaginations that represent the animal.
Does the animal represent unity or division?
May be we need to add the Tiger, in addition to the lion, and bot animals are not native to Lanka, just like Buddhism that is not native to Lanka, that accepted by the Kallathonis, the Sinhala.
Only Veddah are native.
We should have the Veddah on the flag.
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yapa / February 5, 2014
“Only Veddah are native.”
Are you sure of it? How do you know?
Sinhalese are natives in this country, just as Veddas.
Thanks!
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2014
yapa
“Sinhalese are natives in this country, just as Veddas.”
Latest studies in genetics do not support your claim. Several studies have shown you are closely related to Tamilnadu Tamils garnished each of you with a dollop of Bengali gene.
Your native land is in Tamilnadu. You are indeed a Sinhala speaking Tamil squatter living off my land.
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yapa / February 6, 2014
“Your native land is in Tamilnadu. You are indeed a Sinhala speaking Tamil squatter living off my land.”
What do Vedda know about us, Go to hell Vedda and be civilized there at least.
Thanks!
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Native Vedda / February 5, 2014
Amarasiri
“We should have the Veddah on the flag.”
And should have national anthem sung in Veddah language as well.
Thanks for your support.
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kattakarawala / February 7, 2014
Yapa,
“Better have the animal in your bed.”
I’m sure you would love to.
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yapa / February 14, 2014
I would love to have the animal in your bed and tear up your hatred filled empty head.
Some times the beast may run away, in fear of sensing your smelling filthy mind.
Thanks!
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yapa / February 4, 2014
Does any Muslim lands have any stars or a crescent on them [Edited out]?
Are you suggesting to Tear Up all The National Flags Of Muslim countries And Dump the?
GT seems to entertain insane individuals from the recent past.
Thanks!
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Burning_Issue / February 4, 2014
Ohh I spoke too soon! What Muslim got to do with talking about re-designing the national flag? Why should even a thought of that nature enter your head?
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yapa / February 4, 2014
Why not to think of re-designing the flags of Muslim nations? I think it is a priority for Muhammed Fazl.
Fools know everything!
Thanks!
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Mohammed / February 4, 2014
Fools know everything!
So says a damn fool.
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yapa / February 5, 2014
You have said so.
Thanks!
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sach / February 5, 2014
There is no problem with his ethnicity. Anyone can ask or talk about redesigning national flag. It is the racist drivel that comes with this that makes it quite distasteful.
After all he has postponed the redesigning of flag several years if not several decades behind.
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yapa / February 4, 2014
A bunch of “rabble rousers”!
Thanks!
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yapa / February 4, 2014
WHY NOT CHANGE THE SHAPE OF THE ISLAND, COLOURS OF THE TREES, BLUE IN THE SKY? THERE IS NO VALID REASON THEM TO BE SO. I THINK TREES HAVE A MUSLIM BIAS.
BORN IDIOTS!
Thanks!
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Native Vedda / February 4, 2014
yapa
What is your point if there is one?
Is there a reason for net-rage, not that you need one?
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yapa / February 5, 2014
Mohammed;
Can I tear up Quran and dump it, as it has nonsense mentioned in it?
Thanks!
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Native Vedda / February 5, 2014
yapa
“Can I tear up Quran and dump it, as it has nonsense mentioned in it?”
No you can’t because it is not a flag.
However you can tear off any flag you want to. Please give it a try.
Why do you want a Lazy Lion on the flag? Is it to remind you that a lion copulated with a women and produced Sinhala/Buddhist off-springs?
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yapa / February 5, 2014
Vedda:
I want the lion to eat up good for nothing people like you!!!!
If you can tear up a flag by your own initiative, why can’t I tear up and dump the Quran?
Thanks!
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2014
yapa
“If you can tear up a flag by your own initiative, why can’t I tear up and dump the Quran?”
This is a discussion about flags not about books.
If you want to tear up any book please feel free to do so as a separate exercise from that of flag tearing. Or burn those books as your people have done in the past, the entire library.
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yapa / February 6, 2014
I am not supposed get advice from you. Give them to your uncivilized accomplices.
Myth should be eliminated whether it is in a book or anywhere else. There is no time barrier for it. It is a great service done to the whole human kind.
Thanks, Vedda.
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2014
yapa
” It is a great service done to the whole human kind.”
It would be great help to human kind if you have left this island.
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yapa / February 7, 2014
That is your wish, but that will never happen, we Sinhala heroes ever live here to dump garbage like you, come here time to time.
You are the first to dump if I catch you. Be careful, barbarian.
Thanks!
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kattakarawala / February 7, 2014
“……we Sinhala heroes……..” LOL!
If you Yapa, are an example of a Sinhala hero, God help the Sinhalese.
Honestly man, you are definitely hilarious.
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yapa / February 8, 2014
Stinking dried fish (kunukarawala);
“Honestly man, you are definitely hilarious.”
I would prefer to be more hilarious to you. The more hilarious the more better.
That is my wish.
Thanks!
/
Mohammed / February 4, 2014
BORN IDIOTS!
You mean the Sinhalayas – kavum kana Modayass???
You are right!
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DesperateMINDS / February 4, 2014
Please dont disgrace the traditional values of Kewum. Under the president Rajapkshe, MAJORITY folks have now been trained to taste own extrements, breaking all records of the shit eating pigs to this date.
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mike / February 5, 2014
Even GOATa eats pig shit (his own words)!
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yapa / February 5, 2014
Have you heard about “Yon Maerilla” as well?
Thanks!
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sach / February 5, 2014
of course otherwise who will allow you to come to such heights in SL?
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yapa / February 6, 2014
But “yons” were killed by idiots!
Thanks!
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yapa / February 10, 2014
Mohammed;
Yes, imodayaas who killed Yons!
Thanks!
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yapa / February 4, 2014
They want to change the “status-quo” in favour of them. That is the (evil/cruel)motive behind this whole foul entrepreneurship.
Thanks!
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Yoosuf / February 4, 2014
Dear Fazl or whomever you re-present,
It’s entairy a bad idea and poor taste of yours to come out with this write-up, perticularly today.
You may be assuming that suddently you have been bestowed with this crazy idea to compare the current state of the Sinhala buddists and compare them with the composition of the National flag.
If you are actualy and truely a born and bread/ or rice and curry SriLankan you should RESPECT (ir-respective of what ever misgivings you have)the National Anthem, Flag, Animal, Bird or whatever it represent the country which we live.
Please understand that majority of this country, may not be respecting their own religion and upbringing, and they may NOT be living according to the ideals of the country. It’s not right of a individual to make judgment on another. Yet as an individual each of every one of us MUST respect the mottos of the country.
Just because CT publishes what ever garbage anybody writes-up ( just because of the right to express their ideas)please DO NOT induce hatred within the community. When you start getting the carcastic commenting on un-warranted subjects due to this kind of writings, it becomes quite unpleasunt when you at the receing end.
Before end up, i will remind you a Hadees of our Noble Nabi(sal), it says, ” Even at the time of war, you should not insult the enemy by draging his Parents name and nature. Because when he does the same thing of you, You will NOT be able to stomach them.”
The relanvancy here is ‘Just because you have a right to express your thoughts, when some one makes sarcastic comments of our religion, race or our up-bringing, it NOT only de-grades you, but also de-grades the religion which we cherish.
Please do NOT spit while looking up at the sky.
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Mahadana Muththa (Jnr) / February 7, 2014
Yoosuf,
“…. .when some one makes sarcastic comments of our religion, race or our up-bringing, it NOT only de-grades you, but also de-grades the religion which we cherish.”
I don’t agree with you.
Such comments only degrade the people making them. They are looking up and spitting on their own faces!
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kapu / February 4, 2014
Another controversy..i hope that this person is one of sound mind and body… he should get a psychiatric evaluation asap..!
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Maharaj Varatharajah / February 4, 2014
I can understand the fervent responses from some of the commentators here, especially so since the author is from a minority group that is now very much in the limelight of Singhalese-Buddhist authorities.
Questioning him on his religious background and the legitimacy of his argument doesn’t help us. After all, the Muslims of Sri Lanka, are primarily Sri Lankan, much like the rest of us, may we be Singhalese, Tamils, Burghers. The current flag is very much representative of the minority-majority set-up in Sri Lanka which is a fair point in itself but it doesn’t allow for space for the minorities to feel included and feel part as this nation.
We, the minorities of Sri Lanka are literally overshadowed by the Singhalese notions of Sri Lankan identity and our flag represents this framework in the most obvious ways. A much more peaceful and civilised symbol of our nation that retains Singhalese-Buddhist majority characteristics, but allows sufficient space for sustaining other Sri Lankan identities is topical and the discourse shouldn’t be dismissed outright.
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yapa / February 4, 2014
CT;
If you have nothing to do, be at home, don’t date with these harlots.
Thanks!
/
yapa / February 4, 2014
If I say as Quaran has so many mythical and incorrect things and racist ideas, to tear it and dump it, will Muhammed Fazl and the advocates approve and support it?
Unethical vagabonds!
Thanks!
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Mohammed / February 4, 2014
Yapa,
Your original national dress is Amuda. Take your lion flag, fold it well and use it as an Amuda if you do not want to dump it in the bin.
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yapa / February 5, 2014
[Edited out] know nothing of the value of pearls!
Thanks!
/
yapa / February 5, 2014
Mohamed;
Do you approve my proposal of tearing up and dumping of Quaran?
Thanks!
/
Alan / February 5, 2014
yapa,
This is a person’s opinion. changing flag will not change the Racist mind of the people. Be racist yourself practicing your life finding the truth. Finding the real life unless blindly following what others do. But don’t be racist/ Hatred for others, since all human being is same on the earth.
Actually here nothing to do with Quran or Muslims. This person is a Sri Lankan Citizen like you and me and he expressed his opinion that’s all.
Unless you don’t have proper knowledge about anything it is just foolishness of debating. If you are a Buddhist it’s your duty to find out whether you practice true and correct philosophy of Load Buddha. I hope you should know Buddhism is not a Religion it’s a Philosophy by Load Buddha.
If you correctly follow the teachings of Load Buddha it’s very easy to understand the rest. But it will be very hard job for you since it has been misguided by Buddhists monks since 6th century.
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yapa / February 5, 2014
Alan;
A “baka pandithyek” who wants to show he knows a lot but knows only superficial things?
What “bana” are you talking? Buddhism is a philosophy? Not a religion? That Muslim vagabond is not a Muslim?
Are you preaching us to do meditation when these vagabonds put their shit on our door steps. I have not been turned into “a nitwit” by your foolish philosophy you believe. I am not blinded like you, but I all my sensory organs are very sensitive. I can differentiate the sounds of the fart and the door. You dumb tamed Buddhist will sleep until your head is cut off. You Sinhala/Buddhist fool if you are really a Sinhalese/Buddhist.
Anyway thanks!
/
Alan / February 6, 2014
yapa,
Don’t worry about other religion or what they do! try to understand the Load Buddha’s Philosophy if you really love Buddhism.
“I am not blinded like you, but I all my sensory organs are very sensitive”
Appreciate it…..But try to learn something.
/
yapa / February 6, 2014
“But try to learn something.”
I am already practicing what I have learnt, but you all keeping them in your barns.
Thanks!
/
Alan / February 8, 2014
yapa ,
I hope you disturbed for this article. Take it easy it is just an opinion from a person you may like it or reject it as simple.
That’s why i told you, you never practice the Philosophy of Load Buddha. There is no Sinhala Race existed in Sri Lanka, the sinhala language and People came from india, and either they should be Arians or Dravidians.
/
yapa / February 8, 2014
Alan;
“That’s why i told you, you never practice the Philosophy of Load Buddha. There is no Sinhala Race existed in Sri Lanka, the sinhala language and People came from india, and either they should be Arians or Dravidians.”
Again you are talking what you don’t know. We are the son’s of native Nagas and Yakshas mixed with some Indian migrants mainly from North India and to a small extent from the south. We are are mixed race and a distinct ethnicity.
Do you know the difference between “race” and “ethnicity”?
We are the legitimate descendents of the natives of Sri Lanka together with Veddas. All others came later, some as invaders and some as merchants and settled down here. Invaders always wanted to tear up the National Flag and the country in to pieces from the very beginning of the history. Even Buddhists monks such as Theraputtabhaya came to the war front, now you are believing a total misinterpretation of Buddhism you call as a “philosophy” and want to be in peace of mind closing your eyes before the injustices done to the nation. Is that your philosophy?
Buddha has never advocate anyone to be impotent. Even if I were a Buddhist monk, I would disrobe and come forward to save the nation like olden day heroes. You may mutter your false philosophy and wait like Nero who played the harp while the Rome was on fire.
I did not let my senses to be killed in the name of a philosophy or anything else. They are much more alive and on the watch of the threats to the nation. For you lazy and good for nothing guys “philosophy” is an excuse for inaction. Buddhism, my philosophy is an active one. Open your eyes man, Rome is on fire. Don’t wait until these basters come to tear up your underwear after they are done with the National Flag.
Thanks
/
Alan / February 9, 2014
yapa,
It is in your history book written by monk Mahanama. Not in the real Buddhism. Now you are practicing monk Mahanama’s Buddhism not Load Buddha’s Philosophy. So, your ancestors started from Lion? good brother keep following……
Go study further, Buddhism is not Religion it is a Philosophy from Load Buddha. Buddha is not a GOD, he is a human been.
/
yapa / February 12, 2014
Alan;
“It is in your history book written by monk Mahanama. Not in the real Buddhism.”
What is it mentioned by you in our history book?
I would like if you cab v be more specific.
Please answer the points raised in my post, if you an answer in the question and answer form that would be convenient to continue with the discussion.
“Now you are practicing monk Mahanama’s Buddhism not Load Buddha’s Philosophy.”
What nonsense are you talking> No sensible man would follow a history book, but a religion or a philosophy. So your contention about what we follow is again is nothing but a nonsense. It6 is true that some of the ideas of different faiths have influenced the Buddhism in here. However, those influences have not affected the core ideas of Buddhism and our practices. Therefore still our people follow (mainly) the Lord Buddha’s Philosophy and also the religion. However, those who believe in a creator God is a holder of “Micca ditti” and he can never follow the philosophy of the Lord Buddha. So, against your claim you do not follow Buddhist philosophy. we reject creator god and it is a good sign that we follow Buddhist philosophy.
“Go study further, Buddhism is not Religion it is a Philosophy from Load Buddha.”
That is an opinion of an ignorant of Buddhism.
You many learn Buddhism, but you will never be able to follow it. In Buddhism it is “Sonatha, dhareth, charetha”. Learn, understand and follow.
You cannot never be a Buddhist follower. Even if you have learnt Buddhism as you had claimed, you have not understand it, if you had understood it, you would have rejected the idea of creator god and given up Islam. No body can follow both Buddhism and Islam together.
So, I put to you that you are a liar. Do you accept my logical conclusion?
Thanks!
Buddha is not a GOD, he is a human been.
/
Mahadana Muththa (Jnr) / February 7, 2014
Yapa,
“If I say as Quaran has so many mythical and incorrect things and racist ideas, to tear it and dump it, will Muhammed Fazl and the advocates approve and support it?”
If I say the Mahavamsa “has so many mythical and incorrect things and racist ideas, to tear it and dump it,” will Yapa and his advocates “approve and support it?”
/
yapa / February 7, 2014
“f I say the Mahavamsa “has so many mythical and incorrect things and racist ideas, to tear it and dump it,” will Yapa and his advocates “approve and support it?” “
Not at all! Quaran is a all myth filled book and has nothing true. But Mahawansa has more correct things than incorrect things.
So, your argument is a foolish one.
Thanks!
/
Alan / February 9, 2014
yapa,
Mahavamsa is a history book brother (History book can have true and fake stories). it is not a religious scripture.
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yapa / February 10, 2014
Alen;
“Mahavamsa is a history book brother (History book can have true and fake stories). it is not a religious scripture.”
Who said it is not? However, does it justify a religious book to be totally false?
Thanks!
/
yapa / February 12, 2014
Alen;
“Mahavamsa is a history book brother (History book can have true and fake stories). it is not a religious scripture.”
But you say we Sinhalese follow it, see your comment a little bit up among comments.
I think you are confused, to express contradictory ideas.
Thanks!
/
thivya / February 4, 2014
(“There is no archaeological or historical evidence to indicate that Dutu Gemunu ever carried a Lion flag, or even identified himself as a Sinhalese. The Sinhala ethnic identity did not exist in 161 BC. So the Lion that returned from Britain as the Kandyan kings flag was a European Lion, during a period where our father of the nation and others were aspiring to European fashions. The Lion portrayed at the new war memorial at Jayawardenepura Kotte is a European Lion, copied from Dambulla temple and is said to be the flag carried by Dutu Gemunu. Many are unaware that this particular mural was painted at the Dambulla temple about 200 years ago, after the arrival of the Europeans and the European Lion.”)
Ouch!!
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thivya / February 4, 2014
(“…..But all these enthusiasts seem blissfully unaware that the Lion in the Lion Flag is a White , European Lion and not a home grown Lion.
Recently Milibands effigy was burnt by some enthusiasts and thrown over the walls of the British High Commission, but it was comical to see them waving a flag with a British Lion.
Although we conveniently blame the British for giving the Tamils a preeminent position in the colonial administration, we have forgotten that the last king of Kandy and many before him were Tamils. The last queen was also Tamil. Tamil was spoken in the Kandyan court, the fashions aspired to by the Sinhalese were Tamil, the Kandyan dress and jewellery were Tamil, many of the customs were Tamil and the Kandyan ministers signed the Kandyan convention with the British, predominantly in Tamil. So Tamil had a preeminent position, long before the British arrived.
Even Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhala race married a Tamil after ditching Kuvani .
But, it is fashionable to blame the British for giving the Tamils a preeminent position and laying the blame on their doorstep.
In keeping with these latest fashions, we should take a close look at the Lion, in the Lion flag. You will not find a Lion that looks like the lion in the lion flag anywhere in the ruins of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunagala, Kotte or Kandy.
The Lion of the home grown type can be seen standing around D S Senanayake at Independence Square, and it is of the makara style, which is of Tamil Pallava origins and can be seen in Yapahuva. It is this makara Lion, which could be seen in Kandy and not the European Lion in the present flag.
The Lion portrayed at the new war memorial at Jayawardenepura Kotte is a European Lion, copied from Dambulla temple and is said to be the flag carried by Dutu Gemunu.
Many are unaware that this particular mural was painted at the Dambulla temple about 200 years ago, after the arrival of the Europeans and the European Lion. It was from a period when the Sinhalese switched their fashion preferences from South Indian styles of the Kandyan period, to European styles of the Colonial period and European looking Lions started appearing adorning Sri Lankan mansions and Buddhist temples.
There is no archaeological or historical evidence to indicate that Dutu Gemunu ever carried a Lion flag, or even identified himself as a Sinhalese. The Sinhala ethnic identity did not exist in 161 BC.
With fashions changing from South Indian Kandyan styles to European Colonial styles and our founding father wearing tie and jacket instead of sathakaya, the Ceylonese flag made a timely appearance before independence with a European Lion from the mother country at the time Britain. We were told it was hanging in the Chelsea hospital and was the flag of the king of Kandy. Mysteriously to date, no picture of this original Lion flag supposed to be of the last King has ever been presented and remains more illusive than the Turin shroud. It had been remarked that this original flag had faded beyond recognition.
So the Lion that returned from Britain as the Kandyan kings flag was a European Lion, during a period where our father of the nation and others were aspiring to European fashions.
Fashions have changed again and the mother country has been replaced by the fatherland , or is it the motherland .
So, are we to stop waving this European Lion and get ourselves a home grown Yapahuve/Pallava one with its origins from South India?
With Mahinda shunning European fashions and standards of governance in favour of home grown versions, one wonders if his journey will also end like the home grown lion, with its origins in India.”)
Ref: In search of a ‘home grown’ Lion- by Dushy Ranetunge
/
yapa / February 4, 2014
CT has been opening cans of warms continuously from the recent past.
Thanks!
/
Native Vedda / February 4, 2014
yapa
“CT has been opening cans of warms continuously from the recent past.”
Rain or shine let the vermin come out and learn one or two from this forum.
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yapa / February 5, 2014
If not in this forum, they will learn somewhere else. I [Edited out].
Thanks!
/
Mahadana Muththa (Jnr) / February 5, 2014
Yapa,
“CT has been opening cans of warms continuously from the recent past.”
And you were one of them who dropped from it!
/
yapa / February 5, 2014
I want to be a worm inside your empty head.
Thanks!
/
Native Vedda / February 9, 2014
yapa
“I want to be a worm inside your empty head.”
You may have to occupy your own.
/
yapa / February 10, 2014
But mine is not empty (and filled with hatred) like yours.
Thanks!
/
Mohammed / February 4, 2014
Which idiot said, Sri Lankans fought for our independence.
Neither D. S. Senanayaka and the Congress nor Keppitipola, Puran Appu, Gongalegoda Banda, Anagarika Dharmapala and numerous Bhikkus and lay people fought for the independence? The Sri Lankans did not fight with British as a nation would fight against a colonial power for independence. Puran Appu and/or Gongalegoda Banda did not fight a national struggle (a brief uprising limited for few days, as a direct response to the introduction of new tax by the then Governor Torrington), Keppetipola fought for personal reasons and so were the others.
Unlike the Indians (Mahatma Gandhi, Jawalhal Nehru, Mohd Ali Ginna, Subash Chandra Bose, and others) who suffered for their Independence, the Sinhalese whom Anagarika Dhammapala termed as ‘Kalu Suddho’ collaborated with the British, who gave us Independence on a platter (without shedding a single drop of tears, sweat or blood) and made them leaders to rule the entire country.
The Indian leaders Mohandas Gandhi along with Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohamad Ali Jinna fought for it peacefully, Subash Chandra Bose fought for it violently, and Sri Lanka got it free along with the Indians without spilling any blood, sweat or tears.
Monarawila Keppetipola in 1818, Puran Appu in 1848, Mayadunne, Gongalegoda Banda, Kudapola Rahula thero, Wariyapola Sumangala and a few others were rebels who fought at different periods (long before independence) for different issues/reasons, it had nothing to do with the Independence. They were easily crushed and were executed very long before Sri Lanka obtained independence.
Did anybody fight and succeed in sending the Brits out of the country?
None of their struggle contributed to the Independence of Sri Lanka, it was granted in 1948, only after the British were forced to leave the region due to Gandhi’s struggle in India. When the British gave independence to India, they found that it is time to leave this region and it is pointless keeping a tiny country like Sri Lanka. In 1948, we got it free on a platter, thanks to Gandhi and the Indians. Go and listen to Nanda Malini’s song ‘Nidahas baila’, it is very well composed with the facts. (Read the article written by Malinda Seneviratne “The Baila Of Independence”).
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aratai / February 4, 2014
.
Author has a point, and he seems to be right.
Unfortunately he is from minority community and therefore…….
:-)
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yapa / February 10, 2014
“….he is from minority community….”
Do you think that is the reason for the validity of the point?
Thanks!
/
Upul / February 4, 2014
A little learning can be a dangerous thing!
Moors are not a race. Actually they are a hodge-podge of people from North Africa, Arabia and of course different parts of India. The term ‘Moor’ was used on brown/fair skinned North Africans of Arab ancestry.
The national flag was designed to recognized the different communities but could also serve to identify the differences. No one behaves like a racist or bigot based on their national flag design. The national flag is more a symbol of national pride. Some might claim to have more of it than others!
Of course the Lion is a gross misrepresentation of bravery at least in the context in which it was used.
We have managed to mess up a country so badly in 65 years, and we still have people insisting racial superiority is important.
I have spoken to chaps who think highways and luxury malls show how far we have come. One is infra-structure and the other is a luxury we can ill-afford unless it is privately funded.
That is not the case. State assets are being sold to the highest briber and the bribe is being deposited in Singapore!!! Then an off-shore company incorporated in Singapore invests its ill-gotten money in the Sri Lankan stock market and projects. Talk about money-laundering…. The FBI would have a field day. But then, we do not have a FBI.
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Anpu / February 4, 2014
Excellent Muhammed. If Rajapaksa continues for another term, he might design the flag with his picture in the centre, sons and brothers scattered around…
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Rationalist / February 5, 2014
Anpu Don’t give them any more cockeyed ideas! They are Cockeyed enough already!
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Rambuka / February 5, 2014
This writer makes a valid point about the flag, it is the symbol of the original invading clan from India. It is a foreign symbol. But ge is historically inaccurate in other parts. As a native Ceylonese, I have no historic roots in India (maybe some due to historic invasions etc) but we have our own culture and religions dating from prehistoric immigration drom Africa and Oceania.
The Mahavamsa has historic value but is the source of this false Indo-Centric view of our origins. It is biased because it tells history from the point of view of Prakrit speaking Indian Buddhists, later described as “Sinhala”. Yet, even the Mahavansa records the first Indian and rapist and genocidist on the island was Prince Vijaya, who is treated as a hero by the Sinhala-Buddhist establishment! King Pandukabhaya forced the indigenous Yakkas, Nagas and others to assimilate into a Prakrit speaking Indian-Buddhist culture. They had no choice. If they did not accept Buddhism, they would have either been killed or driven to the jungles like the ancestors of the Veddahs. Now the Tamils, (also either descendants of Indians or their rape victims) from India are fighting with the Sinhala-Buddhists, also from India. The lasting solution for peace in this country is to eliminate preferential treatment for any language or religion. All must be treated equal under the constitution. The original Yakka, Naga and Veddah languages and religion must be made state religions, even if in a symbolic way. The ethnic origins of the peoples of the island must be recognised as at least partially non-Indian. (ie migrants came directly island hopping from Africa and Oceania). Only the can we eliminate discrimination in the island. Not only Ceylon, but everywhere people are tracing their original heritage and seeing it in a positive light. It is yet to happen on a large scale here, but with increased education, knowledge and self-respect, it will happen.
The forced under the King Pandukabhaya regime and loss of indigenous culture has been done, but its not too late to be undone. Steps to be taken: 1. Repeal the special status of Buddhism and the Sinhala language. Recognise the latter as one of the many imported dialects into the country, alongside with Tamil and other community languages should those communities want to maintain their language and culture. 2. Elevate Vedda language and research and ressurect the murdered Naga and Yakka languages and make them symbolic national languages. 3. Remove the Indian name “Shree Lanka” and replace with Ceylon, which is more acceptable as a ethnic-neutral name. 4. Recognise that all the major, organised religions in Ceylon including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, are imported religions. 5. Recognise human settlement on the island started around 100,000 years ago, not 2,500 years ago by an Indian rapist and genocider. If Sinhalese and Tamils want to kill each other, please return to your respective homelands in India. If you want to put Buddhism or Sinhala language before Ceylonese unity in diversity, please return to Bihar or Bengal or whatever culture you are putting first. That applies to any other type of communalist also.
Us Indigenous Ceylonese have had enough.
/
lip / February 5, 2014
Rambuka,
You arguments are irrational.
1)
All most all Sri Lankans are a progeny of Indian migrants (proven beyond doubt by molecular anthropological studies ). We are predominantly Bengali, Odisa and Tamils. All most non of us belongs to negroid, or australoid race inhabited here. Read before comments. dont say lies here.
2)
National symbol or Flag dose do not needs to represent all the religious group and ethnicities in the country. Most of the countries actually use symbols related to main ethnicity and religion in their flags. This includes super democracies in Scandinavia to stone age middle east.
If you like or not Sri Lankan History is basically revolved around sinhala Buddhist civilization.
/
Rambuka / February 6, 2014
@lip says ” All most all Sri Lankans are a progeny of Indian migrants (proven beyond doubt by molecular anthropological studies ). We are predominantly Bengali, Odisa and Tamils. All most non of us belongs to negroid, or australoid race inhabited here. Read before comments. dont say lies here.”
Just because you identify with your Indian side, doesnt mean the majority of Ceylonese do. I certainly dont. So speak for yourself please. What is your source that “all” Sri Lankans originate (100%?) in India? I dont. Latest research is toppling all the myths, especially mitschondrial dna. Ceylonese indigenous are related to Indigenous throughout India (where they are known as “tribals” and routinely discriminated and raped) and other indigenous throughout Asia. This is a fect. Go and research it objectively, if your Sinhala only education equips you to be objective about such things!
It is widely accepted that all humans (including Indians) originated in Africa. Different groups emigrated at different times. The majority of the Brahmin type North Indian (who control India) arrived via the Middle East. Veddahs and other indigenous beling to another group that left Africa and ended up in Sri Lanka. Check a map and you will see that Sri Lanka is further south than India and these people arrived here before reaching India. Some went on to Oceania, bypassing India altogether. Instead of spouting the same old Sinhala (Indian) Buddhist myths here – state what academic research you are relying on.
In any event , most of the north Indian establishment that runs India have non-Indian origin, usually Persian, Afghan or Moghul. If you doubt this, go and learn about the Nehru Gandhi dynasty, for instance. Learn objectively, if your Sinhala only education enables you to see things objectively.
Good luck.
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2014
Rambuka
“Us Indigenous Ceylonese have had enough.”
Please count you out.
/
Fathima Fukushima / February 5, 2014
Now BBS will start burning Quran!
Hate breed more hate but there will be a winner like in 2009.
/
yapa / February 5, 2014
They are asking again. Don’t blame the results of your actions later.
This is a hate campaign.
Thanks!
/
aratai / February 5, 2014
.
And the winner is China.
:-)
/
JimSofty / February 5, 2014
This [Edited out] look like a Wahabi.
Mohammad was a Wahabi.
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Abhaya / February 5, 2014
[Edited out] , England never had lions either and nor did China have dragons . ugh .
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Karen / February 5, 2014
The person who has written this article calls others racists and condones Buddhism and monks when he himself is from a culture and religion that has made not only controversial but unprecedented narcissistic behavior. Being a hypocrite is the norm for people that feel the need to write these types of things and then also reply to every single person that has chosen to disagree with him by writing things such as “Rain or shine let the vermin come out and learn one or two from this forum”, “Your original national dress is Amuda. Take your lion flag, fold it well and use it as an Amuda if you do not want to dump it in the bin” and “The most popular saying for the Sinhalayas is Kavum kana Modaya. However, there is also another saying “Modayage Ratee Murugayage Kodiya” meaning a Beast flag in a country of fools. The Lion flag is the most appropriate for the Sinhala-Buddhist Barbaric fools” etc….this is a classic case of inferior superiority complex gone wrong. The new generation spreading such hatred can only lead to more problems in the future. If this time is used to do something useful perhaps may benefit everyone rather than spreading hatred. It wouldn’t surprise me if there is a derogatory comment in response to my reply as the person who’s written it only wants everyone to agree with him and does not want to accept or respect opinions of others as he himself is in denial
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sach / February 5, 2014
Exactly the one with the name Mohommed and write racist drivel in the comment section is the writer himself
/
Paul / February 5, 2014
‘…to tear up the national flag & dump it & demand a new one to be designed so as to create a state of unity, equality & justice…’
Changing the flag won’t make any difference. There is a Sinhala saying ‘Changing your pillow to cure your headache’, its like that, a waste of time.
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Rationalist / February 5, 2014
You are right Paul ‘Changing the flag won’t make any difference’
It is the mind set of the People that has to change. And it needs the proper Leadership from the Top to change that!
HAVE WE GOT ANY LEADERS WITH THE CHARISMA of MAHINDA and the IMPARTIALITY of MANDELA, left in Sri Lanka, to lead such a MOVEMENT?
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yapa / February 5, 2014
Dear Burning_Issue
“What aspect of decency you used when you made reference to Muslim because the author of the article has a Muslim name?”
I have a good sense to identify the difference between the sound of fart and the sound of the door. I always hit on the nail, when it is necessary to hit, irrespective of whether it is a Sinhalese nail or a Muslim nail. This Muslim nail to deserve that treatment irrespective of the ethnicity. Being Muslim is not a reason to have blame for blameworthy actions.
This guy is a [Edited out] who wants disharmony among the communities in this country. Such [Edited out] should be eliminated at the first instance.
Thanks!
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yapa / February 12, 2014
If Muhammed Fazl is ready to debate with (without hiding behind the cyber space), I will eliminate his ideas right away.
He is avoiding me. I invite/challenge him to come for a debate with me>
Muhammed Fazl, are you dare to face me (You myth creator)?
Thanks!
/
yapa / February 5, 2014
An auspicious day to publish this article, the independent day!
OK, move on!
Thanks!
/