By Laksiri Fernando –
Dr. Laksiri Fernando
There is no need to exaggerate or be too alarmed, but there appears to be a state behind the State. Whether it is a shadow state or a parallel one is subject to argument. It has reappeared after a long slumber, and given ‘Notice’ to the government not to inaugurate a New Constitution. I am referring to the new statement by the Thri Nikaya Mahanayake Theras (chief monks of the three Buddhist chapters) issued on the 5th July. The leading section of this shadow state, the Asgiriya Nikaya, previously issued another statement more controversial than the present.
The President appears to have tried to mollify the concerns/pressures, when he met with the Mahanayake Theras on the 6th July, but it is yet to be seen whether the government would succumb to this shadow state, when it comes to inaugurating a New Constitution.
This was not an anticipated hurdle for the new constitution making process earlier. Obstructions were expected from the Joint Opposition (JO) or even foot dragging from some dubious sections of the governing coalition itself. But now the Nikayas appear to be an unexpected obstacle perhaps aggrieved by not consulting them on the constitutional matter earlier.
Importance of Sangha
There is no question of accepting Maha Sangha as an important segment of public life or public opinion. This is apart from their religious role. Even during the Buddha’s time, he was involved in social matters, but not politics, except offering occasional saner advice to the rulers. He in fact left power politics in search of a spiritual life. In today’s Sri Lanka, given that the Constitution accords the “foremost place for Buddhism” and announces that it is the “duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana” there is an implicit role for the three Nikayas and their prelates, if not explicit. But this is in relation to Sasana but not in respect of politics. Although there cannot be Sasana without Sangha, the two are also not the same.
There are over 30,000 Buddhist monks in the country. They are ordained into various levels by these three Nikayas. However, it is not clear how far the Mahanayake Theras represent the opinions and wishes of the general Sangha. On many occasions, divergent views are expressed and that is healthy for democracy and it is also in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings (Kalama Sutta). There are also visible class differentiations within Sangha, apart from caste. There are ‘rich sangha’ and ‘poor sangha.’ There are apprehensions expressed by poor sangha particularly in remote temples who have to struggle for their day to day survival, while rich temples are patronized by the State, politicians and the elite.
Then there are over 14 million Buddhists in the country, young and old, and it is not clear how far they would adhere to the advice of the Mahayake Theras in respect of politics and constitutional matters. From a historical point of view, it is understandable that the Sasana and Sagha had to depend on the State or Kings for their survival and propagation. This patronage was important particularly when there were threats from other religions and other rulers. This is almost common to all other religions. However, there were times that this patronage turned into almost its opposite, in influencing and controlling the state. This may be acceptable as a historical fact and for the past. But this may create problems under modern democratic principles and circumstances of people’s sovereignty.
Mahanayake Theras’ Intervention
Sri Lanka at present is facing multiple crises, economic, social, political and cultural, and one cannot say they are unique to our country alone. From a religious or a moral point of view most alarming are the increasing crime, robbery, social violence, drug/alcohol addiction, and corruption, not only of material wealth, but also of values and behaviour. Many politicians are at the centre of these degenerations. At least they are responsible. If the Mahanayake Theras had intervened to reprimand the politicians on those lines, both in the government and in the opposition, and advice the public to refrain from those ‘evils,’ then it would have made much sense.
There is much hyped talk about adverse international influence or pressure in the country to its sovereignty and politics. Mostly criticised however are the human rights and democratic influences. If specific influences or pressures are unacceptable to the country, of course they could be rejected or negotiated. These possibilities are part of the international rules and norms. Our statesmen and diplomats should have the backbone to do so.
There are so much of other influences coming into the country in corrupting the young generations through websites, literature, movies and the media (particularly social), that our ‘patriots’ (smart or otherwise) are mum about. I have seen more adult content freely broadcasted in Sri Lanka than in Australia. There are many TV programs not classified as adult and possibly both parents and children must be watching them, perhaps uneasily. Sex and entertainment are primary needs of humans, but distorted forms can lead to social dislocation and serious sex crimes. Those crimes are already visible. It is possible that Mahanayake Theras are not aware of them, but those who are behind or advise them, could have brought these matters to their notice without dragging them into politics, unnecessarily.
The Mahanayake Theras have opposed to a New Constitution or any fundamental amendments to the existing constitution except bringing changes to the electoral system without giving any reasons for their positions. Are they experts on constitutions? One would wonder. They can have a valid concern, if the position of Buddhism is changed. If they have had any bright ideas about other matters like independence of the judiciary or the system of devolution they could have expressed them before. The public consultation process on the constitution has been going on since January 2016. The opposition to a New Constitution at this moment even without waiting for a draft, does appear as extremely a political act and not a religious mission. Therefore, all citizens have every right to criticise them on this matter.
The Mahanayake Theras have aired their positions on two other matters: on the SAITM crisis and the Bill to implement the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPAPED). The first one is a valid engagement if the intention is to mediate a solution to the SAITM crisis or to request the government to resolve it as soon as possible. However, it is not clear what the objections are on the ICPAPED as the government has already a signatory to it since December 2015. It appears that the last one is perhaps mooted on behalf of another party to the controversy, or just because the Convention is an international one.
When taken all three positions together, it is very clear that the Mahanayake Theras are entering the political sphere, undermining the democratically elected Parliament and the government with the intention of acting as a ‘shadow state’ behind the existing one. The influence or the perceived influence of the Mahanayake Theras are so powerful, the elected government has already withdrawn or postponed the second reading of the ICPAPED Bill, earlier scheduled for the 5th July.
Previous Asgiriya Statement
The emergence of Mahanayake Theras in politics on the wrong side of the fence, was first marked in recent time by the so-called Asgiriya statement issued on the 20th of June. It was more ‘reactionary’ and more political. It was titled as ‘A Kind Notice to the Government.’ It contained two preambular paragraphs and eight hard-hitting operational paragraphs. It was like a political party manifesto.
It started declaring, “We all know that the Buddhist monks acted devoting life when there was any threat to the security of our motherland, Sinhala nation and Buddhist Sasana.” The threat to the ‘security of our motherland’ that it talked about was largely imaginary prompted by political ends. It mentioned about ‘our motherland,’ ‘Sinhala nation’ and ‘Buddhist Sasana,’ but nothing about Buddha Dhamma.
Most controversial was its endorsement of Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thero’s ideology, while disapproving his emotional behaviour. What it said exactly on the matter was: “Although we don’t approve the emotional behaviour or the style of expressing views by Galagoda Atte Gnasara Thero, we don’t dispel his ideology (mathavadaya bahara nokarannemu).” There are those who have translated the term ‘mathavadaya’ as viewpoint. That is, in my opinion, to paint a more moderate picture to the statement. However, as far as I have used in teaching political science and still understand, ‘mathvadaya’ means nothing but ideology.
Whichever way you argue about it, the Asgiriya statement has declared some affinity with the ideas of Gnanasara Thero and I would at least say the ‘system of ideas.’ They are not only of his own, but the ideas of the Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Force Army – BBS) and other similar organizations. This is what some have even identified as ‘ethno-religious fascism’ (Dayan Jayetilleka), right or wrong.
The statement has also attacked the Leftists, the liberal politicians, social activists and civil society organizations. It is extremely political. A big issue has been raised against the criticism of (political) Buddhist monks, as it says, ‘without respect and addressing them by name.’ I of course would not approve anyone doing so, ‘however emotional or even filthy’ the expression of views by those monks. But what the Asgiriya Mahanayake Theras also should kindly realise is that, if the monks get involved in controversial and rather muddy politics, then they also should be able to face counter criticisms.
What Might be Necessary?
What might be necessary, in my opinion, is the Buddhist monks and other Priests, Bishops and Imams keeping away from controversial politics. They can express social, religious and moral concerns. Of course, there are some valid concerns expressed in the Asgiriya statement in respect of historical Buddhist sacred sites, even identified by the Buddhist Commission Report of 2002 which are in peril and danger. This is the responsibility of the Minister for Buddha Sasana and the government, as I have highlighted in my last article. At the same time, if there are unethical conversions by the Evangelical groups that should be stopped. However, physical attacks on them should be condemned. It is best if some of these matters are resolved through ‘Interreligious Dialogue’ as I have been advocating for some time.
My main concern about the Asgiriya statement has been its endorsement of the BBS ideology, or let me say, ‘Gnanasara ideology.’ When I raised this issue previously, a critic publicly asked me whether I want the Asgiriya Mahanayake Theras to be arrested! Arresting anyone is not my main concern. My concern has been about the evolving reactionary nationalist ideology. It is perhaps along this ideology, that the Asgiriya Mahanayake Theras are dragging the other prelates into politics. More worrying is the emergence of Mahanayake Theras as a state behind the state, dictating terms undemocratically.
I have been appreciating and writing about Buddhism for a long time. I am almost a Buddhist in my thinking, but not a ‘Sinhala Buddhist’ for cheap political gains, political projects or popularity. I am open to both Theravada and Mahayana and also to other Buddhist traditions. In other religions, I don’t see much of a philosophy (or agreeable philosophy), except good ethics which I equally appreciate. Buddhism as a philosophy has a lot to offer to this complicated world, not only in Sri Lanka, but in the world at large. A major damage to this cause would be inflicted, if the Mahanayake Theras get involved in politics or try to act as a ‘state behind the state,’ in partiality to other communities and religions.
sach / July 8, 2017
There is no Sangha state Laksiri, when the mandate of a 47 lakhs of people has been hijacked by the yahapalana government without giving them the opposition’s place the people have left with no one.
So Sanga will be an opinion maker in SL like they did millenias before, it is the opinion maker’s role they are playing.
And I hardly think any australian whose life is not impacted by our constitution has any right to question that right.
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sama / July 8, 2017
I think current day problem lies somewhere else.
I think even if the Buddhist clergy is given the higher place in lanken sinahla community, they should be very careful when making any public statements supportive to any elements that make efforts to work for some political leadership, not thinking twice. If the kind of interpretations would NOT clean, minorities can feel very unhappy. And not they themselves, but the media being together to work for the promotion of extremists, have made the blunder here, having interpreted it and broad or telecasted in their channels. Those folks that heard got hurt so is the minorities. They should avoid bringing their kind of interpretation being biased to their pay masters.
Buddhist clergy has been placed above everything in this country from that day on. Over the recent years, Buddhist monks too have become part and parcel of active politics. However, where their voices deem necessary in recent scenarios, those MAHANAYAKAs stayed as if they were put to blind and deaf. Most known recent example was their indifference behaviors at the time, Ghanasara’s stage provocations triggered Aluthgama riots and destroyed a significant number of people making them victims. Later those victims were compensated by the state but the harm being made to that community widened the likes of them towards the Sinhala community.
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Silva / July 8, 2017
More like is there a shadow government hiding behind the ‘Sangha State’!?
Using them to block the new constitution!?
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Kapila / July 9, 2017
can you tell me where wassocalled sanga was when Rajapakksha sons played fool in Kandy night races
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Heliotis / July 9, 2017
in perfect harmony with ear plugs on and building a nest like doves do.
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Kumar / July 9, 2017
In Sri Lanka the Buddhist monks are considered almost like Gods because saffron robe that the monk wears is highly respected by the Sinhala-Buddhist society. They are very capable of arousing the emotion of the Sinhala-Buddhist masses. They appeal to the deep-seated fears of the majority community about how its future is threatened by the minorities. The Buddhist monks and their followers are eye-witness evidence to prove that over Two thousand years of Buddhist Culture and very high rate of literacy (above 90%) has neither made the Sinhala-Buddhist society intelligent nor civilized? They have only ruined the beautiful country, like giving a flower garland to a group of monkeys.
The Buddhist monks including the Mahanayakes are a curse to Sri Lanka. Right from Bandaranayake – Chelvanayagam pact (if it had happened at that time, we would have never undergone a 30 years’ war), they are the main cause for all the problems in Sri Lanka. They do not have children, they get their food and everything else on time, they have all the modern facilities other than wives and only the poor people have to suffer, send their children to war, and has to put up with all the chaos that is taking place in the country.
Neither the UNP, nor the SLFP, the two major political parties representing the government, seem to have any capacity (a weak ruling class) to ignore, resist or convince the Buddhist Monks. They are Scared of being branded as traitors to the majority Sinhalese-Buddhist nation? They are scared of losing the next election? The poor country including its people are destined to suffer forever due to the Buddhist clergy.
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kurakkan / July 9, 2017
“The poor country including its people are destined to suffer forever due to the Buddhist clergy.”
You are afraid of your own shadow. Every ruler needed the support of the faith to bring in the emotional and poor together. Her Majesty is the Head of the Church. Hitler respected the church – catholic and christian alike and that above all he respected the islam too in a game of chess. Hitler never bombed a church or mosque (both crusaders) While the Japanese did bomb the western church because it was through it that nations were being captured in the east that has no religion- now its NGO/charity pirates. Just like TRO.!
The dynasty builders or wallawes gave succor to the faith and slept with the goni billas while you arrogant villagers thinking your language is the only language have just come out of your shell to blame the other.
It’s your fault but then you are a villager mingling in the city that created the villages and like the southerner want to take over to run the city in your image.
The more you blame the more the wrath of the majority leading to nowhere.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
It was not just Sangha. It was Three Chief Prelates, Regional/Provincial/District Chief Prelates and other Prelates who conveyed their final decision to the Government on the Constitution.
They are not opinion makers, they are decision makers. — Some ask, what does Three Chief Prelates know about Constitution. In fact, there is no need for anyone to elaborate, the NGO funded traitors who are engaged in the process, tell it all. Ranil has a clear history to be someone against the country and Buddhism.
Sinhalese never asked for a New Constitution, it was a demand of the minority. No Federal Constitution in any form, no Amendments whatsoever and no undermining of the Executive Presidency. Ranil has no choice other than abandoning it.
TNA says the government has given them a pledge. What pledge? It was a personal pledge made by Ranil to gain political support of the TNA and LTTE Diaspora at the expense of the country. —- Well, Sinhalese are not abide by Ranil’s personal pledge to divide the country. He has to sort it out with TNA and LTTE Diaspora at personal level.
The Three Chief Prelates are strongly backed by Sinhalese Buddhist community. There is no going back.
NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa expressed his strong backing to Chief Prelate Theros and Maha Sangha. I have been waiting for this. He has always been with Maha Sangha.
At a very crucial moment like this when Chief Prelates are attacked left, right and centre by JVP and NGO funded hunting pit bulls, Wimal’s backing is huge.
Their caluminous barking at Chief Prelates is sickening. This has to be stopped forthwith.
JVP says the government should disregard Chief Prelates and divide the country as planned (that is what Federal is). Sinhalese Buddhists should remember never to vote JVP again.
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Silva / July 10, 2017
The Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas are inveterate chauvinists who are not prepared for any form of devolution. They are not experts in political science and their knowledge of international political problems and constitutions is poor. Their opinions on the ethnic problem and democratic ways and means of settling it cannot be taken seriously. This probably is the last chance we have to settle this problem by peaceful means. If the government gives into the arm-twisting tactics of the jingoist Sangha our nation will be doomed, economic ruin, and a strangulation of our efforts to rise above third world poverty status, and general ruin.
We have to respect the Sangha only when they teach us the Dhamma in which they are experts and authorities. Their advice can be sought by the government only on matters concerning how to rule in accordance with the Dhamma. In the whole Buddhist world it is the Sinhala Sangha who says that “politics is the bhikkus’ heritage”.
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Buramphisincho / July 10, 2017
I beleive this stupid island has always been under a sanga state which is always above the state.
But that had never been expose d the people.
They being hidden behind the SIVURU, they control everything in this country.
We can only wish THESE men in robes to be EDUCATED.
Until then, nothing can work towards betterment/progress of this nation.
Like EACH AND EVERY POLITICIANS is caught by SANGA Terror.
Not just in Myanmar, but also SRILANKENS too in the same TRAP: There is no easy warout this pit.
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concerned citizen / July 8, 2017
What the Mahanaykes need to understand is that the ethnic problem has to be sorted one way or another, it is not going to go away, thinking otherwise is like the ostrich hiding its head under the sand.
failing to solve the problem has sent the country on a downward trend for the last 70 years ever since the independence, engulfed the country to a 30-year war.
The Sanga and the Mahanayake thinks that by listening to the card board patriots they are saving the country for the future generation ( repeated rhetoric of ganasara) on the contrary they are destroying the country for the future generations.
because the country is continuously going backwards, the good, educated sinhalese are migrating to the west seeking better education and living conditions for the children, if one check the statistics of people migrating they will understand the situation.
if this problem is not solved and the country doesn’t see progress, we will become a failed state and a fragmented country in the near future, this is bound to happen for sure.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Concerned Citizen
This is 2017. What ethnic problem do you have? Is there anything that you Tamils lack in the North?
How many MPP are from North & East?
There are 3 Tamil Cabinet Ministers and 2 Tamil State Ministers in the Government.
TNA has 16 MPP in the Parliament.
TNA has 1 Tamil Chief Minister and 41 Provincial Council Members in N&E.
TNA had 288 Members in LG Bodies.
You have a Provincial Council elected at your own will in the North. They were your choices. There is no restriction of funds. Central Government is maintaining the NPC.
The number of Tamils living outside North exceeds the number of Tamils living in the North. There are more Tamils living in Colombo than that of Sinhalese. (It is time we demand similar number of Sinhalese to be settled in Jaffna).
What else do you need and for what purpose?
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Shenal / July 9, 2017
These people want to create a apartheid state in the North and East entirely devoid of Sinhalese. But, perches reconciliation and communal harmony to the rest of the island.
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kurakkan / July 10, 2017
diaspora is hell bent on promoting violence and peelam in the island that is the patriotic bond. they are generally very selfish folk so this is their bond of friendship.
why is CBK and mangalam in close touch with diaspora – gonibilla funding.
Qatar is getting a lashing for associating with vermin.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 9, 2017
Chumpoo,
” There are more Tamils living in Colombo than that of Sinhalese. (It is time we demand similar number of Sinhalese to be settled in Jaffna).”
O wise Chump,
The difference is that the Colombo Tamils have BOUGHT their land at exorbitant prices. You want the SInhalese settled FREE in Jaffna?
Use your brain .Sitting on it will flatten it.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
LAC3 Buddhadasa
Sinhalese had ancestral lands in the North before they were chased by South Indian invaders. Then a large number of Sinhalese were chased by LTTE savages. Their lands were then took over by Tamils. Sinhalese should be resettled in their lands and it is the duty of the government. Why should they buy lands? Government should resettle them in lands belonging to the government.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 9, 2017
Chumpoo,
” Government should resettle them in lands belonging to the government.”
If you want that, why can’t Tamils be settled in lands belonging to the Govt in the South? Are they foreigners in your esteemed opinion?
“Sinhalese had ancestral lands in the North before they were chased by South Indian invaders. ” Well ,if you are going to talk about ancient history, most of the states on earth are illegal, including USA, Australia, Israel, all of South America, etc. Get real.
Your great god who calls himself Weerawansa nowadays has a real name of South Indian origin. Is that OK with you? Don’t be a racist hypocrite.
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Eagle Eye / July 10, 2017
Tamils working in tea plantations are settled in Government land in the central part of Sri Lanka. When Sinhalese who were expelled from Jaffna by LTTE went back to claim their property, Tamil thugs chased them away.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
LAC3-Buddhadasa
What are you saying? Tamils ready live in the South. They don’t like federal, for fear that Sinhalese will tell them to relocate in the North.
I don’t know what WW’s surname is. But I know people who have the surname “Herath Mudiyanselage Nathan”. Their ancestors have lived in areas where Chola Kings ruled and have refused to relocate in other parts of the country. Cholas have forced them to add a Tamil name to their surname to allow them to stay. That is how “Herath Mudiyanselage” got the Tamil name “Nathan”, too.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 10, 2017
Chumpoo,
Since you pretend not to know ( very odd for someone who practically lives with him) ,WW’s real name is Weerasangilige Wimal Weerawansa
The Weerawansa part was added on later for cosmetic reasons.
Now I am sure you will tell me his ancestors were forced by the Cholas to take Tamil names. Pull the other one dear.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
LAC3-Buddhadasa
Of course, why not, same concept applies to everybody, who have ancestors that go back to Chola period, like Wimal’s.—
If I have such a name, I would be very proud. ——
Why should I pretend? By the way, thank you, that means Wimal’s ancestors have really deep roots, strong connections and a long held right to this land. —
This explains the reason for Wimal always coming forward to protect the country. He never changed his principles. A stubborn, adamant and aggressive fighter. —–
No wonder Wimal ceaselessly, relentlessly and fearlesssly fights to protect the unitary state and Buddhism. The valour is in his blood. He is predestined to fight for the country. With this newly found info, my respect for him deepens.
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yusuf / July 10, 2017
It is very obvious why Wimal W is not using his real name.
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Champa / July 11, 2017
Yusuf
Rubbish. 100% sure, he should have one or two other names. If Wimal’s ancestors got this name, that means they were very brave people who resisted Cholas who were the cruelest on earth and survived.
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yusuf / July 11, 2017
It is a low caste name from Tamil Nadu, that why he is not using it. His dancer ancestors came from Tamilnadu. Learn if you dont know. Chola ha ha ha.
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Punchiburampi / July 11, 2017
even if you would see so, not many I dont think are in the same view okay ?
You would go on doing any low work toWimal who is a school drop out not having the least knowledge about the world but to go after foreign invasion, billa theories pleasing his master MR.
Anyways Champa, name of the gentle buddhism, please try to sense it always backlicking role – for a person of WW grade I don tthink you would.
You behave here as if you yourself met Lord buddha but to be honest, each time, I DONT know from what end I have to laugh reading your comments.
Most commenters stay calm and quiet also sharing the same thoughts, they just question why you the like men to fall that level… to be SERVILE as no others.
May be because of the size of the perks.
May also be something else.
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Champa / July 11, 2017
Got the name. WW has an ancient name “Panikki”. Panikki is NOT a Name, it is a “Title” given by the King.—
Panikki means “Chief” or “Chieftain” similar to “Nayaka”. They are descendent of Kuweni’s fraternal side, Yakkha.
Despite the popular belief, Vaeddas are not the descendent of Kuweni. —-
There had been two different Clans with similarities, thus the confusion. 1. Vyadas (Iyaka – Arrowmen) 2. Yakkha
As the words Iyaka and Yakkha sound the same, it was mistakenly regarded as one tribe (Vaedda) connected to Kuweni-Yakkha. Yakkhas are descendants of Ravana. (I remember something creepy – calling someone Ravana’s spirit).
Wimal’s ancestors have a long lineage that goes back to Ravana. Panikki is a Title given by the King, presumably Pandukabhaya. Title Panikki comes along with a large extent of lands with its inhabitants. The people who were under Panikki were Iyakas (Vaeddas), but they were not from the same clan. Two different clans. However, it was mistakenly taken as one clan.
What happened to Wimal’s ancestral heritage lands?—
WW has no roots in downsouth. His ancestors had been living in Central Hills (Malaya Rata) which was under Chola King for sometime. That makes sense with his other name. Wimal’s ancestors should have owned a large extent of heritage lands in the central hills. It is customary for Kings to gift Titles and lands with a “Sannasa”. May be on copper sheets or written on rocks, stones.
Some people come to conclusions without knowing anything about the Ancient History. WW’s ancestral heritage lands that came with the Title Panikki given by the King, should have been taken over by other people. And I want to laugh at some idiots. Panikki means Chief, similar to Nayaka, a Title given to descendants of Yakkha clan (not Iyaka clan) by the King himself!
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old codger / July 11, 2017
“I don’t know what WW’s surname is. But I know people who have the surname “Herath Mudiyanselage Nathan”.”
FYI, names like “Padmawathi”/ Seelawati / Gunavardhan/ Kulasekera etc and many more “Sinhala” ones are found in South India.
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Champa / July 11, 2017
Yusuf
Yusuf sure has no class and your caste should be the lowest. He is not from Tamil Nadu. If only I know his other name/s, I could tell. I am curious. It is not normal. He should have more names. I have learnt Ancestry long time ago. One of my favourite subjects. You laugh at others because you don’t have an origin. Learn to be civilized.
Hey, LAC3-Buddhadasa, any more info?
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LAC3(rtd) Buddhadasa / July 11, 2017
Chumps,
“I have learnt Ancestry long time ago. One of my favourite subjects. You laugh at others because you don’t have an origin. Learn to be civilized.
Hey, LAC3-Buddhadasa, any more info?
Can you deny that Yusuf is telling the truth? Why don’t you ask WW why he doesn’t use his real name?
Many “Sinhala patriots” have South Indian ge-names, including Nalin De Silva. Surely you know that people migrated continuously from India (and to India) over the centuries. Or do I have to tell you that too?
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 12, 2017
Chumps,
“And I want to laugh at some idiots. Panikki means Chief, similar to Nayaka, a Title given to descendants of Yakkha clan (not Iyaka clan) by the King himself!”
You are free to believe what you want to believe. But why oh why does WW call himself Weerawansa if his real name is sooo noble?
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Eagle Eye / July 10, 2017
Well said Champa. The problem with Tamils is they want to be more than equal. That is the ethnic problem they are talking. Already, Sinhalese in the Eastern province are being discriminated by Tamil officials. What will happen if they are given more powers. If the government can bring a new constitution scrapping Provincial Councils which has become a white elephant sucking scarce resources, that would be great.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Eagle Eye
There is no way Ranil, separatist TNA or any NGO paid puppies bring in a new constitution or even amendments. Maha Sangha should come to the streets along with Sinhalese Buddhists.
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Truth Teller / July 8, 2017
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Thiru / July 8, 2017
The Plot Thickens: Is There A ‘Sangha State’ Behind The State? Of, course that is true.
Sangha is an age old curse on Sri Lanka – hijacking the Buddhist philosophy into malevolence.
They prevent the Buddhist majority community and other communities from progressing with the civilized world to prosperity.
During foreign rule these malevolent forces were kept in check, but with “Appe Aanduwa” they are let loose again, and taken advantage by Sinhalese politicians since independence, thereby undermining harmony among the communities and preventing the people from attaining prosperity.
It is an incurable cancer that seems to be genetically transmitted for at least two centuries.
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Usha S Sri-Skanda-Rajah / July 8, 2017
Being a Tamil, I make no apology when I say Buddhist monks are and have been the Bane of our Existence; they murdered SWRD Bandaranayake, the very first political assassination, for the very reason he may consider some concessions for Tamils; these ultra racists, masquerading as monks, were the instigators of all unjust discrimination and brutal violence against Tamils that gave birth to Tamil militancy. No Sinhala politician with the right mind would defy the order of the Maha Sanga – on the other side of the equation, most Sri Lankan monks have broken every precept of Lord Buddha’s teachings, which makes me believe only a bunch of losers take to it.
So folks let’s not kid ourselves this conflict is going to end; sadly ‘reconciliation’ is a pipe dream for Tamils and has no meaning in Sri Lanka – just a convenient word used only to appease the international community which has its own agenda and slick Sri Lanka knows the art of playing to their fancies. We are not holding our breath hoping for any power sharing arrangements…only, beware there are consequences.
I say stand up any Sinhala politician, worth his salt, with an iota of integrity and fairness who’s willing to stand up to these infidels of Lord Buddha!
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Ajith / July 8, 2017
Time and Time again Sri Lankan Buddhist leaders (both Mahanaiyake’s and Political leaders) interfered in politics since the power of the country given by British in the hands of Buddhist Sinhala politicians. Pada Yatra to Kandy Dalada Maligawa, assaisination of Prime Minister SWRD until recent Pada Yatra by Mahinda Rajapakse tells one and only story is that there is no space in this land for any other people who are not belong to Buddhism. The continued violence against Tamil speaking people (Hindu Tamils and Islamist Tamils) endorsed by Buddhist Mahanayakes is real and it is time for both Hindus, Christians & Muslims to think about the reality and need for unity rather than fall into trap of theBuddhist Sinhala leadership. Tamils and Muslims have the full right to live in this island with lawfully, and morally. This is only possible when there is no involvement of Buddhist Mahanaiyake’s in decision making of the matters of Tamils and Muslims. North and East of Srilanka is the traditional homeland for Tamils and Muslims. This was taken out from us by European invaders five hundred years back. We have to take it back in our hands. This is possible only if we unite ourselves. We don’t need to take up arms to fight against Buddhist military. Only we need to saccrifice our ministerial posts and any other parliamentary positions. Let the Mahanaiyake’s decide the government they need for Buddhist Sinhalese. Why we should be part of the government that is run by the laws of Mahanaiyake’s? Why you should be there when you don’t have the right to decide on that matters to you?
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sach / July 9, 2017
LOL Tamils and Muslims live all over the island idiot, if you are to challenge the leadership of the country how can you do that while living all over the country… and muslims in east have got priviledges in east thanks to your so called struggle against the state. they literally have the east now converting hindu temples into mosques.
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Ajith / July 10, 2017
Yes Tamils and Muslims live all over the island. Sinhalese also live all over the island. Not only all over the island but also all over the world but the fact is that North and East is the traditional homeland for Tamils & Muslims. Nobody wants privileges . Everybody wants their rights, equal rights. How can Mahanayakes get the right to influences governance? How can Buddhism be superior to others? This is about governance not about Buddhism!
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sach / July 10, 2017
1. Muslims do not claim any traditional homeland anywhere. they are smart enough to realise that 2/3rd of Muslims live outside East of SL
2. Tamils never had a separate nation in the country nor do they have a civilisation in SL. That is why everytime I ask for evidences for Tamils’ ancient kingdom in SL every tamil run with tail behind their legs.
3. When a minority asks for minority rule over majority it is not minority rights but a special priviledge. Just like tamil elites had during British times. ( refer to what Real siva sankaran says)
4. Equal rights is already enshrined in the constitution
5. Mahanayas are a main opinion maker in the country and they will have that ability to influence. It has been the practice for millenia
6. Buddhism is not superior to any thing. But it is simply acknowleding the millenia old buddhist heritage in the country!
—
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bandito / July 9, 2017
“they murdered SWRD Bandaranayake,”
It was in good spirit to kill the mockingbird the darling of the media that brought a boat load of race and religion differentiation from Oxford like your Terrorist villager hubby from Cambridge
Please feed/care for the 90K widows that your peelam created- we can take it from there.
According to popular european media it is the village Tamils abroad who clamour for militancy, violence and Eelam.
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sach / July 9, 2017
After reading the comment i just checked the name, ah Usha akkka ne…oh my god you are not pleased with our monks…oh very sad…As if we care two hoots what a canadian would say about our country!
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Estate Labourer / July 8, 2017
It looks like the Maha Sangha wants to share equal status with the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary in drafting and approving the basic laws of this country. This is a clear manifestation of religious extremism. Can we permit this?
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Rachel Hill / July 8, 2017
Accept Jesus and be saved. Only nations that have rejected animists, Buddha and Hindu are now prospering in the Third world. Take South Korea. It is now a Christian nation and is a very rich nation where your brown people go to work as laborers. All backward nations have rejected Christianity. Repent, convert and be saved. My travels through Sri Lanka and India where there is so much poverty, and racism has convinced me that Jesus is the way for you people to come out of this mess you have created because of your faiths.
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K.Pillai / July 8, 2017
Rachel Hill. Please do not try to trivialize our predicament. If this is your sense of humour, it is in poor taste.
By the way, Hitler was a Christian and Trump is.
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Pra / July 8, 2017
What about the very old Christian kindoms like Ethiopia and Bolivia ,Uruguay like Latin AM countries which were converted on Sword. Further , most developed countries especially Scandinavian are the least religious.though quoting India for a failed or poor country , it is almost a world power only second to non Christian China. Your argument is worthy of garbage bin.
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Paul / July 10, 2017
And where pray Rachel was Jesus when his fellow Jews were being gassed? Out playing cricket for Heaven XI ?
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Paul / July 10, 2017
And why take South Korea for example which actually is NOT a Christian country? Christians account for 27.6% The majority are Buddhist or Atheist.
Why not take a 99% Christian country like the Phillipines where poverty is rampant and teenage pregnancies are the highest in the world?
Why not take Christian S. Africa with the worlds highest AIDS cases and rapes? Jesus would be embarrassed by your incredible ignorance.
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S.Krishnananthan / July 8, 2017
The framers of the new constitution have miserably failed to learn lessons from our past experience in constitution making.
The first and the second republican constitutions failed to produce an all inclusive constitution. Both constitutions failed to involve all political parties and all communities
.Both constitutions were arrogantly formulated by the ruling political parties and the opposition parties and significant communities excluded.
The public representation committee is a farce and it was a fruitless cosmic exercise.
The join opposition is a separate entity for all purposes.
Why the framers of the constitution failed to recognize the reality, so is the Mahasanga!.
Why not recognize them .Let us not be judgmental and be small minded.
A constitution drafted at the exclusion of the Joint Opposition and other significant interest groups is bound to fail.
The Best Strategy is to be modest and negotiate in good faith for an all inclusive constitution which the people as a whole will willingly pay allegiance.
The framers of the new constitution lack good and effective communicator for this historic role
This is a golden opportunity that should not be missed
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Shenal / July 9, 2017
The real reconciliation comes not when the Sinhalese accept Tamil demands but Tamils themselves realizes that there was no independent Tamil kingdom in Sri Lanka and they were just alien emigrants who happens to settle in the Northern part and then slowly on the rest of the island.
There are no shame in accepting the reality rather than fighting against it believing all the dollars and Western imperialist backing would break the Sinhalese spirit to submit to the Tamil demands.
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Jai_Bolo / July 9, 2017
sinhala pirate: patchwork language, patchwork constitution , patchwork culture- from 1661- 1970 the portuguese had the blessings english east india to transport all south indians to the island as servitude. (catherine of braganza dowry to king charles of england- Bombay.
Scientific test instead of dirty linen, dirty wash, foul mouth talk over the wall,
Let’s have the DNA of 21 million via the 4x4x4 inch OTTAWA innovation and I am sure you would be one of those Hora Oru like them- with 30% bangaldeshi blood eating hot chillies.
We can take it from there as to who owns the island. Nort the west or your passe hitan patch but the mother continent Hindustan.
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Shenal / July 9, 2017
First of all. There was no scientific test done on composition of Sinhalese gene pool. Moreover I wouldn’t even be surprised that it contains large percentage of South Indian DNA.
These things won’t justify Tamil claims to this island nation. Tamil kingdom was in Tamilnadu and the rest of South India. Not in Sri Lanka. Accept the reality and teach them to the confused and perplexed Tamils who are being morally and intellectually hoodwinked by their own politicians.
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Jai_Bolo / July 10, 2017
“Moreover I wouldn’t even be surprised that it contains large percentage of South Indian DNA.””
You are an angry windbag and there are too many windbags.
you can’t wriggle with us Stop getting into arguments, and concentrate on the serious plague!
I am not discussing para-demlas i am shooting para-sinhala patchwork culture patchwork language patchwork constitution down in fact undressing you.
Remember sinhalese never ventured to live in the north or east until the problems started- voter registration proves it.
Till 1948 Ceylon was governed from Madras Presidency where Brahmins and whites ran the administration not a Nadu government.
The Adm definitely were not sinhalese but kallathoni JR, Colvin etc protesters. at Nadu.
Once India US/UK (all 3 right wing unlike libtard sinhalese) decide you become slave state because its a failed state attacking the motherland.
– just become a slave of mother india!
Lanka are no saints but pirates Ravi K promised to make out like Hong kong no one trust his guru Branson the glorified thief not The Donald.
Try to prove something or die baby die.
Enabling DNA testing with unprecedented portability and convenience. A revolutionary device that fits easily into any space, whether in a hospital, doctor’s office, or pharmacy. The incredible power of molecular diagnostics right at your fingertips.
https://www.spartanbio.com/
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K.Pillai / July 8, 2017
Laksiri Fernando: “The Plot Thickens: Is There A ‘Sangha State’ Behind The State?”
No Sir, no no no.
But there is a well established cartel manipulating the Sangha. The cartel is satisfied that human rights violations issue is no longer in the UN radar. The cartel has activated the structure built to show their strength for example the smothering of criminal cases, protecting fugitives and so on. The GoSL of 08 January 2015 has accepted impotency and is on a “make-hay-while-the sun-shines” binge. The language/religion divide is still vote bank currency.
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Ad / July 8, 2017
A very good question. Who gave sanga this power? Looks like the civilization ceased to improve 2500 years ago and got stuck there. Sanga thinks they are controlling lord Buddha.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Dr. Laksiri Fernando, please don’t talk about the things that you don’t know.
And don’t try to undermine the role played by Chief Prelate Theros in protecting Buddhism and the country. I forgive you because you seem to be a non-Buddhist.
Buddhism is protected only if the country is protected.
The timely intervention of the Most Venerable Chief Prelate Thero of Asgiriya Chapter followed by other two Chief Prelate Theros, Deputy-Chief-Prelate-Theros, Regional-Provincial-and-District Sangha Nayaka Theros and other Prelates in halting the Constitution being amended or introducing a new Constitution is something that meant to happen. Sri Lanka is a miraculous country. There had always been someone, someone to protect this country.
Maha Sangha has their own Buddhist heritage, too. It is the Sacred Tooth Relics. Chief Buddhist Prelates are the custodians of Sacred Tooth Relics.
In ancient Sri Lanka, King was the protector of Buddhism thus making Buddhism being protected at the highest level of the authority which had been the immutable tradition for 26 centuries!
Who the hell Ranil thinks he is to change our 2600 years old tradition?
I wish to reiterate this fact, Constitution or no Constitution, don’t even think of changing this tradition. We don’t allow that.
Ranil and the NGO gang’s planned Constitution is not only to divide the country but also to abolish Executive Presidency and make Buddhism unprotected thereby depleting the power of Sinhalese.
Buddhist Priests have involved in politics since 12th Century. There are many Suttas which underlined political involvement. Before taking any decision, Sinhalese Buddhist Kings had consulted Buddhist Prelates. It is a custom, it is a tradition, it is a precedence. Sinhalese Buddhists are warriors too. As per the pre-determined five great perspectives, Bodhisattva was born to a caste called “Kshatra” “meaning “ruler, warrior”.
Continued…..2
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Continuation …….
Sri Lanka’s destiny is already written. Nobody can change it.
Sri Lanka is a miraculous land. It is Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relics that protected the country this long.
Who says Chief Prelates and Maha Sangha have no right to intervene in politics and that it is not Buddhism? They have every right.
Even Lord Buddha himself intervened in Sri Lanka’s politics. I have examples:
Despite the popular belief that Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by “Arahat Mahinda”, it was Gautama Buddha he, himself introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka by visiting the country not once but 3 times directly intervening country’s politics.
FIRST VISIT – 1. According to the ancient Buddhist history, Lord Buddha first visited Mahiyangana to attend a meeting (political?) held by entire Yaksha Clan of the country where he made all ancient Yaksha, Raksha, Deva (Prince Mahasumana), Naga (King Mani Akkikha) Clans embraced Buddhism.
At the request of Prince Mahasumana of Deva Clan, Lord Buddha gave a handful of his hair as a token to mark his first visit, which was then deposited and built Mahiyangana Stupa.
SECOND VISIT – 2. According to history, Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the second time to intervene to avoid a war.
In his visit to Nagadeepa, Lord Buddha settled a dispute between Naga Kings Chuladhara and Mahodara by handing over the disputed Throne to Naga King Mani Akkikha who then built a Chaitya in Kelaniya depositing the Throne and planted a Na sapling in the vicinity which Lord Buddha brought with him.
If this is not politics, what is it? (I wish this to be happened in 2020, the country’s Presidency should be handed over to Asgiriya Chief Prelate otherwise there will be uncontrollable pre and post election violence leading to bloodbath).
Continued ….. 3
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Continuation….
THIRD VISIT – 3. Lord Buddha’s third visit to Kelaniya was at the invitation of King Mani Akkikha. The 500 disciples who visited with Lord Buddha didn’t return to India.
As requested by Prince Sumanasaman, to mark the third visit, Lord Buddha placed his left Foot Imprint on Samantakuta (Samanala Kanda), which is believed to be the residence of Deva Clan and appointed Prince Sumanasaman as the Guardian of his Footprint, who later became a deity.
There are other beliefs that Samanala Kanda would have been an active volcano thus Lord Buddha placed his imprint on the mountain to protect the country.
Lord Buddha then travelled around the country visiting 16 places (Solosmastana) in addition to Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Digawewa and Tissamaharama where Deva Clans were appointed as Guardians.
It is believed that it was exactly the same place where Lord Buddha sat and meditated in Anuradhapura where later Sri Maha Bodhi was planted.
(About Deva Clan – According to the ancient history, Deva Clan was the present pure Sinhalese Clan whereas other Clans regarded as mixed. This phenomenon was proved by Lord Buddha himself by appointing all Guardians of the places he visited, from Deva Clan. There is no indication in the history appointing any guardian from other Clans).
It was in 18th Century, Buddhism was re-discovered in India by Emperor Asoka who embraced the new faith after the carnage which led him ordained his own son and daughter and sent to Sri Lanka with the message of Buddhism.
Continued………. 4
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Ah…no, no, there is a TYPO in the last para (surely not 18th?) I saw this only now.
It was in “2nd Century” (263 BCE), Buddhism was rediscoved by Emperor Asoka.
(He was born in 304 BCE and died in 232 BCE – Before Common Era is counted in negatives)
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old codger / July 9, 2017
Champa,
“Although, Gautama Buddha had meditated under a Bodhi Tree in Uruvela, it is believed that at the time he attained Enlightenment, which was an extremely rare auspicious time in an aeon (5 times in this Kalpa), where all “universal energies are centred”, was located somewhere where Sri Lanka is, given the fact that Sri Lanka is situated in the Centre of the Earth.”
Champa, you have finally flipped. Even the Buddha would have been mighty uncomfortable at the centre of the Earth at a temperature of 6000 degrees, let alone finding a tree to sit under.
“universal energies are centred”,? So Sri Lanka is now the centre of the Universe too?
Champa, please spare us your (and your school dropout WW’s) profound philosophy. No wonder people like you can be taken in by feudal charlatans in yellow robes pretending to be Buddhists.
Oh, and I often wondered why the Portuguese, Dutch, and British use Sinhala words for toilet/hospital/ table/shirt/shoes/windows/paint, etc. You ought to sue them for stealing our inventions. Obviously they had none of these things when they invaded us.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Old Codger
Centre of the Earth, does that mean underground? You are right, you have a super brain.
I always pity people like you. No origin, no religion, no roots. What to do. Nobody can decide one’s birthplace.
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old codger / July 10, 2017
Champa,
Google “centre of the Earth ” and see if it refers to Sri Lanka.
It’s got nothing to do with religion/roots/origin.
I personally pity people who can’t think for themselves and swallow whatever is fed into them in infancy.
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Punchiburampi / July 10, 2017
Old Coder,
when overreading all the verbal diaahrea added by Champa, I feel LORD BUDDHA should have paid a visit to CHAMPAs, him to insist these points this way.
What do you think ?
He challenges former Prof of Political Science (University of Colombo) to have written here without focusing on the bits well.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Old Codger
I have done my own research, which is second to none.
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old codger / July 10, 2017
“I have done my own research, which is second to none.”
You mean you found a copy of a visa issued to one S.Gautama by SL immigration, and his Ravana Airlines ticket? How cool!
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Simon De Silva / July 11, 2017
I have no doubt this backlicker definitely had his research in the Wimal Weerawanse palace.
How come he escaped not being caught by death ? That poor young boy to have been found dead in the den – was not burried for some reasons.
This country dont consider HIGH PROFILE murder cases as high crimes.
This is the standard of LANKEN courts.
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timbuttu / July 12, 2017
“”which is second to none.””
Champa you are brain dead!
letter to your guruvarya, : anyone “who resorts to the formula:
‘It’s so, because I say so,’ will have to reach for a gun, sooner or later.”
Kim Jong Un(horns)
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Appuhamy / July 11, 2017
“He challenges former Prof of Political Science (University of Colombo) to have written here without focusing on the bits well.”
Champa is a very good piece of comedy/entertainment, a jester/clown in this forum. He will challenge anybody and everybody but many seems to be having fun arguing with him. Do not worry, Prof. Laksiri Fernando will never even bother to waste his time reading what people of Champa’s caliber write here.
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Champa / July 11, 2017
Who cares? Commenters are not the only readers.
CT Discussion Forum is super animated now, before there were only boring Native Vedda and Old Codger and wise Jim Softy.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 11, 2017
“before there were only boring Native Vedda and Old Codger and wise Jim”
What about me?
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Champa / July 11, 2017
Oh, yeah you! At least you are not boring.
Hey you, do you know WW’s other names? He should definitely has deep roots somewhere. A Sinhalese can’t just get that name.
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LAC3(rtd) Buddhadasa / July 11, 2017
Chumps,
” He should definitely has deep roots somewhere. A Sinhalese can’t just get that name.”
Yes , he has deep roots (everyone has), but in India.
Well, you seem ready to learn something, for a change. It is very useful to know recent history as well as ancient history. You should know that people didn’t stop freely moving both ways between India and Sri Lanka till 1948. There was no passport control during early colonial times. All 3 colonial powers brought down labour from India for various purposes. The last lot was the plantation Tamils. But earlier groups who were brought for cinnamon plantations became the Salagama caste . Some of them still have distinctly South Indian ge-names. You can look up Gananath Obeysekera’s writings on the subject.
Your Wimal’s ancestors too belong to one of these groups.
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Abimanasingham Sitthawatthai Uthayakumar / July 10, 2017
So dear Champa!
Buddha went to Lanka by air and preached only to the Lankans!! By the way Champa in what language did Buddha Preach to Lankans? Sinhala? Oh no!
Lord Buddha went to Lanka long before Sinhalese got created in the island!!
You say “Sri Lanka is a miraculous land. It is Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relics that protected the country this long.”
Champa! can you tell us why the Sacred tooth is placed in the building of regular Octagon shape?
The Most Venerable Chief Prelate Thero of Asgiriya and other Chapters have not analyzed scientifically Symbolization and Symbolization of Buddha and Buddhism. Thus they do not know about this or what the “Lion flag” captured and later found at Chelsea Royal military Hospital in London!!
Dear Champa! “Theravada” Buddhism rejects symbolization of Buddha and Buddhism. It also rejects Puranas, literature,music, dance, iconography, fine arts etc. “Mahayana” Buddhism only accepts it and utilized it in ancient time.
By the way Champa. Did you know that in ancient time, the Tamils of Lanka and South India were “Mahayana” Buddhists?
All what you “Theravada” Buddhists get as archaeological finds in Lanka are actually designed and produced by the “Mahayana” Buddhists!!
Please re-examine all the archaeological finds of Lanka after analyzing scientifically Symbolization of Buddha and Buddhsm.
Your “Most Venerable Chief Prelate Theros” have no knowledge on these. They have not raised their analyzing power enough to understand symbolization of Buddha and Buddhism.
They cannot safeguard and maintain Buddhism in Lanka. Only rituals and physical symbols are maintained by them dear!!
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sach / July 10, 2017
LOL knows nothing about Sinhala, mahayana or Buddhist at all…
One of the earliest inscriptions of Sinhala is found in Devanampiyathissa period and guess what we have no tamil inscriptions that early.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Continuation ……
Of all the countries, how did Sri Lanka involved with Lord Buddha and being in possession of Sacred-Tooth-Relics of Lord Buddha?
According to Ancient Indian Scripts, Sri Lanka is situated in the “Centre of the Earth”.
All Enlightened Ones, since Kakusanda Buddha, attained Supreme-Omnipotence in a place where all the universal energies are centred (Madya Mandalaya).
Although, Gautama Buddha had meditated under a Bodhi Tree in Uruvela, it is believed that at the time he attained Enlightenment, which was an extremely rare auspicious time in an aeon (5 times in this Kalpa), where all “universal energies are centred”, was located somewhere where Sri Lanka is, given the fact that Sri Lanka is situated in the Centre of the Earth.
I am telling all political-jokers-NGO-puppets-and-the-PM, BACK OFF!!!
Sinhalese have a history that is directly connected with Buddhism and the miraculous land of this country. No joker can break this chain.
Nobody can undermine the involvement of Chief Prelates and Maha Sangha in ruling the country. They are following the footsteps of Lord Buddha.
Every time there was a threat to the country, there was someone there, including Wimal Weerawansa (2002/2007/2015), to protect the country.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was there to protect the country from Prabhakaran’s bloodbath who stood on guard for the country like an ancient warrior king.
Same way, today, President Sirisena is there to protect the country from being divided by Ranil Wickremasinghe.
President is “single handedly” protecting the country.
If it was not for the President, PM would have divided the country in 2015 itself, converted to secular and sent our troops to galore.
It is time Sinhalese Buddhists recognize and appreciate the crucial role played by the President and rise to protect the Executive Presidency which is our only saviour at present.
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Kumar / July 9, 2017
The Buddha’s 3 visits to the island is nothing but a myth created by the Mahavamsa author. The account given in the Mahavamsa has no historical evidence what so ever to support the proposition that the Buddha ever visited this island.
On the Pali chronicles of Ceylon (Dipavamsa – 4th c AD & Mahavamsa – 5th c AD), Buddhist history Scholars who analyzed it like Dr. V. A. Smith, Dr. B. C. Law, Dr. B. M. Barua, Dr. H. W. Codrington, Dr. Oldenberg, Dr. S. C. Seth, et al described the various Buddhist legends as historically untrue, silly and mendacious fictions, fabrications by unscrupulous monks, etc. They have styled the stories by these Buddhist writers as “silly monkish fictions of mendacious monks”, “tales told by Buddhist/monkish romancers”, etc. They have been invented for the purpose of possessing a history of the Buddhist intuitions in Ceylon and to connect the royal family of Ceylon with the most distinguished person conceivable–the great Emperor Ashoka.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Kumar
What logic is there to believe Dr. V. A. Smith, Dr. B. C. Law, Dr. B. M. Barua, Dr. H. W. Codrington, Dr. Oldenberg, Dr. S. C. Seth’s analyses are correct and Mahawansa is a myth? Are you asking us to take your word?
Lord Buddha’s every visit to Sri Lanka was inscripted! There are archaeological evidences that goes back to 5th Century that nobody can deny.
However, it is interesting, there is nothing, nothing whatsoever to prove that Lord Buddha lived in India during his period.
There are no inscriptions at all in India that belonging to Lord Buddha’s period. Strange. There is nothing belonging to 5th Century. (563 BCE and 483 BCE)
All the inscriptions were made by Emperor Asoka as from 263 BCE, after he embraced Buddhism.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 9, 2017
Chumpoo,
“However, it is interesting, there is nothing, nothing whatsoever to prove that Lord Buddha lived in India during his period.
There are no inscriptions at all in India that belonging to Lord Buddha’s period.”
It is obvious then that the Buddha never existed.He was invented by King Asoka.
The person who visited Sri Lanka 3 times using Ravana Airlines was a fake kallathoni.
“Lord Buddha’s every visit to Sri Lanka was inscripted! There are archaeological evidences that goes back to 5th Century that nobody can deny.”
Anybody can make up stories 1000 years after the fact.
What did you smoke today dear?
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Appuhamy / July 10, 2017
Buddha has come flying to Sri Lanka secretly without even telling his close associate Ananda Thero. All of Buddha’s movements were known to Ananda but flying to Sri Lanka was a top secret. Mahavamsa author has fooled our Sinhala-Buddhists to an extent that they believe the Mahavamsa more than the Buddhist scriptures. LOL!
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Same like Appuhamy and some others above, Amarasiri raised the same question last month and I gave a lengthy answer. When I found it, you will get the reply.
I don’t get angry for comments by people like you rather take them as rubbish written by empty minded people who have no knowledge of Buddhism or any other religion.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Appuhamy
Abimanasingham Sitthawatthai Uthayakumar (part reply)
And some others —-
Lord Buddha said “You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.”
About Lord Buddha “flying to” “Samanala Kanda”.
There are “Meditation Techniques” that Lord Buddha practised through which he attained 6 supernatural powers .
1. Iddividha 2. Dibbasota 3. Cetopariya 4. Pubbenivasa 5. Dibbacakku 6. Asavakkhaya. ——–
This will enlighten you as to how Lord Buddha appear on Samanala Kanda. ———
Supernatural power – “Iddividha” is explained as follows:
The Lord Buddha said<<<
Quote:
"If a monk should frame a wish as follows:
"Let me exercise the various supernatural powers,
let me being one become multiform.,
let me being multiform become one,
let me become visible become invisible,
go without hindrance through walls, ramparts or mountains as if through air,
let me rise and sink in the ground as if in the water,
let me walk on the water as if on unyielding ground,
let me travel cross-legged through the air liked a winged bird,
let me touch and feel with my hand the moon and the sun mighty and powerful though they are,
and let me go without my body even up to the Brahma world,"
then must he be perfect in the precepts (Sila),
bring his thoughts to a state of quiescence (Samadhi),
practice diligently the trances (Jhana),
attain to insight (Panna) and
be frequenter to lonely places."<< Unquote: ——
Hope this will be a treatment to your "luminous vacuity".
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Kumar / July 11, 2017
“About Lord Buddha “flying to” “Samanala Kanda””
This is just another Myth. Buddha Never had any supernatural powers to fly.. What you have quoted above is an imagination of some monk who has written this after smoking Ganja. This is not from any Buddhist scriptures. Please tell us, where in Tripitaka you find these verses?
This is called “silly monkish fictions of mendacious monks”, or “tales told by Buddhist/monkish romancers”.
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Champa / July 11, 2017
Kumar
Oh my god, the word “flying” is a word used by others to insult Lord Buddha’s visit to Samanala Kanda.
Man, you show your true colours in this comment.
May you devoid of hatred and May the Triple Gem Bless you!
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Kumar / July 11, 2017
So, after all Buddha did not fly to Sri Lanka. Neither did he swim. Did he walk? Did he use teleport? LOL!
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Kumar / July 9, 2017
Champa,
“Lord Buddha’s every visit to Sri Lanka was inscripted! There are archaeological evidences that goes back to 5th Century that nobody can deny.”
Please cite evidence of at least one archeologist who saw this inscription/evidence. Even the famous archaeologist Dr. Senerath Paranawithana once said that the Buddha never visited the island.
Could you please tell us where it is inscribed and who (which archeologist/epigraphist) analysed it? Until today, the archeologists could not find a single evidence (inscription or anything else) to prove that Buddha visited Sri Lanka. It is ONLY mentioned in the Mahavamsa.
There is a clear record of all the main events of Buddha, the places he visited, with whom he was, where and what he preached and to whom he preached, in the in the Pali Canon (Buddhist scriptures Tripitika), but nowhere it is mentioned that the Buddha visited or even spoke about the island of Lanka. There are no archeological or epigraphic evidence what so ever to support the claim that Buddha made three magical trips to Sri Lanka, it is just a Mahavamsa Myth. Even the footprint of Buddha at Sri Pada (Adam’s peak) is only a myth. The Buddhists in Sri Lanka are made to blindly believe the fairy tales of the Mahavamsa myth as truth.
The Mahavamsa author has added his own imaginations and myths. He has introduced many events concerning Buddha which never took place, things that Buddha has never said or done, events which are not mentioned in any of the Buddhist scriptures (Theravada or Mahayana).
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Kumar
You must be joking. There are stone inscriptions in Mahiyangana, Nagadeepa and Kelaniya all three places! I bet you have never visited them.
Have you ever heard Vallipuram Inscriptions about Nakattivu (Nagadipa)? Please read Ancient Inscriptions in Ceylon – Dr. Edward Muller, there is another, I cant remember the title and Part II of Senerath Paranavithana’s Ceylon Inscriptions —-
Non-Buddhists take pains to taint our history. And not believing Mahawansa is also famous. How about all those archaelogial facts proved by ancient stone inscriptions, pillar inscriptions, rock inscriptions, cave temples, graffiti and pottery? Please name any other countries which have this type of inscriptions and chronicles like Mahawansa, Chulawansa and Deepawansa?
For your information, some people believe that Jesus Christ is a brown skin, middle eastern refugee whose pictures were painted making him a white. Other believers say Islam is an ancient tribal religion in Africa and that Allah is of African origin.
I can see that you have a difficulty in believing our Buddhist heritage and the fact that Lord Buddha himself brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. In the same light, I am sure you don’t believe Bible and Koran, too as there is the same chance that the contents in which are imaginations and myth! And rogue Vijaya never visited Sri Lanka, right (which I like to believe) ?
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Kumar / July 10, 2017
Champa,
I have visited these places several times. The recently built Buddhist Chitiya at Mahiyangana, Nagadeepa and Kelaniya (none of them are ancient) and the recently written inscriptions on them (NOT ancient Brahmi inscriptions) does not provide any evidence to prove that Buddha visited this place. All the archeologists know this fact very well but they are not allowed to do any carbon dating on these Buddhist Chitiyas or to say the truth because the authorities and the Maha Sangha do not want the people to know the truth. It’s only a myth created by the author of the story book ‘Mahavamsa’ and the Buddhists blindly believe it as truth.
At Vallipuram in Jaffna when the land around the Vishnu temple was cleared, a Buddha image of stone in the Amaravati style and a gold plate with Brahmi inscription came to light in or around 1936. All those were remains of the Tamil Buddhists of the past. It has nothing to do with Buddha’s visit to the Island.
Continued…
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Kumar
Your own comment disassociates you. Eg: “..”recently” built Mahiyangana Chetiya and “recent” inscriptions…….” There is no point of me presenting my facts anymore.—-
Brahmi is not a language. It is a script, a code. You can translate any language to Brahmi. No big deal.
The most ancient inscriptions in South Asia were found in Sri Lanka dating back to 5-4 BCE parallel to Lord Buddha’s time.—– Indian inscriptions were only belonging to 2 BCE (Emperor Ashoka). —- Some people make mistakes in this time period. BCE goes backwards, meaning after 1 BCE, it is 1 AD. And there is a dispute about the “century”. After AD, century is 100 years, however, it is believed that during BCE, a century is 150 years.
Your comment: Why should I care what Carlo says? In my comments, I didn’t quote Mahawansa as it is. I have done my research and I presented my points which of course many others also have done before me. I don’t believe I am a descendent of rogue Vijaya. In ancient Sri Lanka there had been a pure Sinhalese Clan called “Deva”. Many people only talk about Yaksha-Raksha-Naga. Deva doesn’t mean deity, it is a name of a Clan who have done greater good to the people. After their death only they became deities (Devas). —–
There are two distinctly different groups among Sinhalese. One section fights to protect the country-Buddhism-and-everything-that-comes-with-it. It is in their genes, in their blood-flesh-and-veins. Other section who have no love for the country are descendents of rogue Vijaya who betrayed the country. His similarity with the second group of Sinhalese is amazing. If all Sinhalese have same descendents, they should have same traits. It is obvious we don’t. I don’t see this in any other nation. They all are the same.
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Native Vedda / July 10, 2017
Champa, the first ape spoke Sinhala, wrote in Brahmi and practiced Buddhism well before Buddha was born. Any donkey knows this for a fact. I wonder why you failed to grasp this fact. you are not an authentic Sinhala/Buddhist hence you have no right to speak for them.
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old codger / July 10, 2017
Champa,
looks like you have got Native Vedda on your side. Congratulations!
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Native Vedda
I have no objection you calling yourself a donkey. Cheers!
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / July 10, 2017
Chumpoo,
It seems even good old Sach is too embarassed to support you re. Buddha’s visits. I think I have under-estimated his intelligence. Not even Jim Softy is taking your side.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
LAC3-Buddhadasa
Who cares? I never had any reason to seek the support from others here especially from non-Buddhists. I have always being solo.
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Kumar / July 10, 2017
Champa,
“Your own comment disassociates you. Eg: “..”recently” built Mahiyangana Chaitya and “recent” inscriptions”
If someone goes and build a Chaitya and write an inscription yesterday, for people like Champa, today it turns into Ancient. LOL!
Where did I say Brahmi is a language, it is an ancient script used to write inscriptions. The inscriptions in the Buddhist Chitiya at Mahiyangana, Nagadeepa and Kelaniya are not ancient because they are not written in the Brahmi script. They are very recent.
“The most ancient inscriptions in South Asia were found in Sri Lanka dating back to 5-4 BCE parallel to Lord Buddha’s time”
This is another big joke, could you please tell us in which script they were written?
“I have done my research and I presented my points”
Your research is purely based on Mahavamsa author’s wild imaginations and dreams. The Buddhist scholars called it “silly monkish fictions of mendacious monks”, or “tales told by Buddhist/monkish romancers”.
Yaksha-Raksha-Deva has nothing to do with Sri Lanka. The Mahavamsa author copied them from Indian history books and pasted them in the Mahavamsa.
The same Mahavamsa says descendants of rogue Vijaya are the Sinhalese. Why only reject that? LOL!
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Kumar
Really? Could you please name any such “vamsa” written about Yaksha, Raksha, Naga and Deva clans in India?
I already provided you names of books I remember about ancient inscriptions.
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Kumar / July 10, 2017
Champa,
If you read all the ancient Indian (Hindu, Buddhist & Jain) texts you will find Yaksha, Raksha, Naga and Deva as ancient Indian tribes. If you cannot find the ancient Indian literature, just google for ancient Indian tribes and you will find many including Yaksha, Raksha, Naga and Deva.
“I already provided you names of books I remember about ancient inscriptions.”
None of them say anything about Buddha’s visit to Lanka.
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old codger / July 11, 2017
Champa,
I really pity you:
Read and LEARN. Don’t wallow in your ignorance.
“Exotic tribes of ancient India – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exotic_tribes_of_ancient_India
The classic Indian epics, such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, and the Puranas, refer … These groups include Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnara, Kimpurusha, Rakshasa, Naga, Suparna, Vanara, Vidyadhara, Valakhilyas, Pisacha, Rudra, Aditya, Danava, Marut, Nivatakavacha, Daitya, Kalakeyas and Vasus.
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Kumar / July 10, 2017
Champa,
Believing Mahawansa???
Professor Carlo Fonseka wrote:
“I do not find that reading the Mahavamsa enhances my self-esteem as a Sinhalese. On the contrary I feel greatly embarrassed and deeply humiliated when I learn that we the Sinhalese are the descendants of Vijaya, the banished profligate son of an incestuous marriage between (Sihabahu) and sister (Sihasivali) whose mother was so exceedingly lustful that only a real lion could satisfy her sexually. Moreover, Sihabahu killed his leonine father, the king of the brutes […] Thus, according to the Mahavamsa, brutishness, bestiality, incest, patricide and profligacy, were the stuff of our genesis […] of the 54 rulers recounted in the Mahavamsa, 22 were murdered by their successors; 11 were overthrown; 13 killed were killed in battle and 6 were assassinated” (The Island, 22 October 1995).
“ancient stone inscriptions, pillar inscriptions, rock inscriptions, cave temples, graffiti and pottery, Please name any other countries”
This proves that you do not know anything about any other countries, even your neighbouring India. It is good to educate yourself, no need to travel, just watch at least the u-tube documentaries. Do not live and die like a frog in the well.
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sach / July 10, 2017
yes there are no substantial evidence to Buddha’s 3rd visit…
So Kumar are there any substantial evidence for an ancient tamil kingdom in SL? Even it does not have any evidence ne.
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Kumar / July 10, 2017
“yes there are no substantial evidence to Buddha’s 3rd visit…”
There is NO evidence what so ever to Buddha’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd visits. It was Mahawamsa author’s dream that he wrote in the chronicle.
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sach / July 10, 2017
So is there any evidence for a millenia old Tamil nation in SL?
You did not answer that.
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Champa / July 10, 2017
Kumar
Quote: “..It was Mahawamsa author’s dream……..” Unquote: About Lord Buddha’s 3 visits to Sri Lanka part only, right? You seem to believe the rest, except that? :D
Oh, yeah, even Bible and Quran are also dreams of their respective authors right? Watch out, Native Vedda and Old Coder might dispute you.
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Punchiburampi / July 11, 2017
Champo,
when you would be enough having licked the asses of the idiots, then the day dawns impartial CT readership to feel comfortable . Wimal Buurwanse/a school dropout (formerly known as Thunmulle Wimale) – who cant know the difference between millions and billions- is so wise as much as his Guru who looted the country to the core. Numerous projects that costing the state few hundreds of billions, they have taken away. Even today MR prevarications seem to do the job through biased TV senders such as Derana and Hiru (please get more info from Derana s Dilip Jayweera how he was offered over 50 millions at the time, the abusive sender was introduced to Rajapakshe Gobbel MEDIA units). So I am no against introduction of some guide lines to shape up media by today. Else, Rajaakshe would handle this country to the levels of Mugabe whose rule has been named after most abusive in Africa.
HOW COME A mediocrite such as Wima Buruwa WHO IS PROVED TO HAVE JUST ENTERED THE PARLIAMENT POLITICS WITH NOT A CENT- NOT HAVING EVEN FEW HUNDREDS OF RUPEES TO HAVE BUILT UP A PALACE the size of ones seen in Colombo 07 BY TODAY ? how can this ever be possible Champa ? Not to that particular scholar from Bangaladhesh, but MR’s -Mugabe Style authoritarian regime should have been awarded that prize. …. My foot !
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Punchiburampi / July 11, 2017
To be contd…
Wimal Eunach’s political birth was in JVP- so called LEFTISTs but MIRACULOJUSLY ending up so rich by today ? His illiterate woman behaves as if she was an actor of that film -KolambaSanniya -remember guys ? Godayata Majic stories ?There are various sources to prove Wimal Buruwas general knowledge about the world.. and are sufficient to name as the most abusive RABBLE ROUSER of MR propaganda. Had MR been away, the bugger WW would not even come to levels of Ghanasarasa boy- not being able to get chances to be above.
Today with prima facie EVIDENCES keep revealing , be it Srilanken airlines, Hambantota harbor, Avangarde,Mattala Airport or Umaogya or Ginganga projects, there is no doubts anymore, but they have plundered the most of the funds not forgetting Tsunami embezzlement ( simply raw murderers ): All these were mastered as nothing can be easy to get them even if rumours would have been in the air – anyway, all is like as a bad soldier abused the powerful weapon. All these prove how patriotic they have been from the day one. Even today, shameless buggers to allow roaming the city is my pain. Besides, Ballige putha had been in lanken politics for over 4 decades, but nothing like his mediation gave something to the country until he became President in 2005.
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Punchiburampi / July 11, 2017
To be contd…
Cham should have other reasons to work for Rajapakshes this much… Today that former Tea taster /Rajapakshe cousin/so called Ambassador to the US is paralyzed not being able to reveal as to why and how his mediation made over 0.3 milllion of US dollars missing …. Can you come with answers Mr ?
Get them from me Champa… world knows it very well, followings were the realities of LTTE defeat to lanken Army in 2009
1. Late Mr Kadirgamara did the yeoman job having LTTE banned on any rich soils fo the earth by 2005
2. And the CFA signed by RW-CBK govt paved the way to the cease of the war and Indian TN sought the destruction of LTTE for any costs – all these were more instrumental in elimination LTTE terror in 2009 – no means magical power of an fund embezzeler, but they painted it as on Sigiri frescoes, using all the MEDIA and local artiste on their side, that they did the job. Even today,Grass eating folks as is the case in Zimbabwians, are made to believe, Rajaakshe did it. HA HA ::
How come even a sportsman to turn out to be a world champion, if his past was no that ouststandard ? If Rajpaakhe magical powers saved the nation, Grass eaters dominating srilanka were fooled as no others, by using a man called former Thunmulle Wimale to consolidate Rajapakshe tyrannical politics.
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Jim softy / July 9, 2017
What I here that Sri lanka is governed by three special interest groups christian/Muslim NGOs, Western interests in the country chasing out China and taking Over Trincomalee and India is intersted in building ther sattllite state.
[Edited out] It says some powerful politicians responsbie for looking after buddhism is actually christians who parying to the almighty inside their mansions. Besides, the person is trying to be muslim too because it is money. It is time Mahanayake theras came out and Other sanga members should come out too. If the buddhist politicianse silent, they also should be chased out from the parliament because they are silent and they are part of the ploy in eliminating buddhism from Sri lanka. It looks the prominent Yahapalana politicians are scared to these special interests groups and they are not willing to take any drastic decisions. All the prominent politicians whether they are oppostion or govt, they are scared to special interest groups. some of the govt politicians are lackyes of the west. they are interested only in staying power and building their family dynastics. If Sinhala buddhists keep their mouth shuts, Sri lanka will be adifferent country pretty soon. Sanga members should the public as advisers.——————————————————– On the other hand, what ever govt does the most important part is with the sanga members. The example, Itis Lord buddha who converted HIndi India to Buddhist India and not the kings or the govts.
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arancha / July 9, 2017
Jim softy,
“”The example, Itis Lord buddha who converted HIndi India to Buddhist India and not the kings or the govts.”
that is purana kattha for the have nots to gather around.
Nothing like laughing Buddha the darling of the Chinese people – Fat Chow Buddha the bringer of wealth and health to a nation.
China is adjusting to the reality of Sea Belt Road which is full of piracy unlike the Railway Belt Road that has been experimented and completed – from China manufacturing hub to Spain and beyond to South Africa- cheaper, faster, no carbon imprint, and no terrorist indulgence. the belt road to Kathmandu has been signed ($8 billion ) and that would connect to India at a subsequent date( India’s main private sector imports come from China) once China experience the state of the art Drones in operation at Andaman. Above all China is have a wail of time calming Kim Jong Un’s china pattas and the American fleets moving around the new islands of South China Sea.
no more card games – the indians created the game of chess and they know how to tame the runaway people and take back control of the island that they governed to 1948 as prosperous and picturesque from madras presidency- bhrama rules so please pull those dung carts.
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Jim softy / July 9, 2017
Arancha:: Indians are so divided over caste and are too greedy, I don’t think they ever subjugate any powerful countries except Weak countries like Sri lanka, Nepal and bhutan. India instead taming Runaway people should tame their own states who are trying to break up the country as well as ask people to be tamed. they have inferior complex so they think Western habits are better than Indian culture. Grow up.
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arancha / July 10, 2017
“Weak countries like Sri lanka, Nepal and bhutan. “
Jim softy: you don’t understand chess the indian game. but know only draughts- black and white game like the magpie that we kill in a game of chess.
you go get a life under the stone with your gonibilla marakale funders.
the indians you know and see are gandhi malabari south block foreign office scumbags like you the patchwork culture, patchwork language, patchwork ambode.
gay hegel thickhead!
always it’s jambugasmulla bedenava like your libtard amma cbk..?
para sinhala dushman is para demala and also gotabaya savodaraya when the horses are trained for war- para demala kp, daya master, douglas. karuna.
palyan yakoooooo!
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John / July 9, 2017
Fernando,
You may be trying to be Buddhist in your thinking but you don’t mention that you are a Christian from a Christian family. Sri Lanka is not a ” Sangha state” but a Buddhist state. “Buddha Sasanaya” is superior to the parliament.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 9, 2017
Prof. Laksiri,
A note: There is an insidious but persistent effort by some Tamils to make the head of the Nallai Atheenam head, the Mahanayaka of the Hindus. There was never such a hierarchical arrangement among the Hindus. The Hindus – however misplaced the term is- are a diverse group worshipping largely as they wish, while believing in some common concepts. Hindus are not spiritually led by anyone and they are independent of priests and swamies in their political affairs.
The Nallur Atheenam head was recently actively participated in the conclave to resolve issues in the NPC. Who invited him? What right has he do so?
Let the Hindus, who are also mostly Tamils, continue to be unfettered by organized religion and a consequential religious hierarchy. Let the tragedy that befell the people’s of many organized religions befall the Hindu Tamils.
Dr. Rajasingham Narendran
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Hela / July 9, 2017
We can understand why Laksiri [Edited out] got agitated. His pet yahapalna project is under siege. The failure of governance in SL since Jan’15 is remarkably evident to everyone else in the world other than the blind yahapalanistas. It is evident when The Hindu says “There’s something rotten in Colombo”. When SL is progressing in the wrong way in the world corruption index. When tragedies after tragedies which could be either prevented or managed by a capable government continue to occur. When govt health minister declares dengue epidemic is a sign of development of the country!!
When the country is in such a sorry state what are the priorities of the govt? Trying to force a constitution down the throat of the populace while passing supplementary estimates in the legislature for more and more perks for it’s members when the entire country is in dire state. It is clearly evident that there is a well planned and sustained assault on Sinhala Buddhist nature of the state by attacking the central pillars of it in taking away the foremost position of Buddhism, and the unitary character of the state. The other strategies include defaming and arresting members of sangha, trying to take control of finances of temples etc. LTTE was the violent manifestation of that project though since it’s defeat, yahapalana project counselled by the likes of Lakiri maha nayaka has taken it’s place.
I was really surprised that the three nikayas took so long to voice their unanimous concern. I don’t think a discerning analyst will simplify this to conspiracies of some individuals. We need to understand that there are significant underlying forces that have propelled the three nikayas to make unanimous statements. It doesn’t occur that easily. Laksiri [Edited out] appears to be wishing and praying that the chief prelates of the three nikayas would not have the support of 30,000+ monks in the country. Laksiri should very well know what happens to theories built on incorrect underlying assumptions.
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Ad / July 9, 2017
If Sri Lankan Buddhism is suspended for one month and if law enforcement is carried out to the letter, the result would be that almost all the politicians and many public officers get executed for their crimes while most of the monks and public officers together with many judges sent to prison for their crimes. Buddhism and the prelates are the mother of all the causes for the misery faced by the Sri Lankan’s. There is nothing wrong with the teaching of Buddhism, but it is the deceivers who are causing the mayhem. Those who claim to protect Buddhism, first uphold justice before preaching.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Ad
What kind of justice are you asking? To be savages? Chola type?
What kind of misery did Buddhism brought you?
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Ad / July 10, 2017
Buddhism or any other religion does not bring misery to anybody. As long as clergy stick to their religious activities and politician stick to their political activities, the society will co exist harmoniously, like Ghana for instance. Both Religion and Politics cannot mix as one is based on belief and the other on facts. This, both the clergy and the politician should accept without any doubt. When politician interfere with religion and clergy interfere with politics they form the 3rd dimension in the society. This 3rd dimensions is formed to rob the treasury by deceiving the public. We don’t need 2500 year civilization to understand this, just pure common sense would do. It is the members of this 3rd dimension who are in the parliament, and includes sympathetic clergy.
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Kumar / July 10, 2017
By looking at how things are happening in egalitarian (Buddhist) Sri Lanka with 2500 years ancient history and heritage, it seems Gautama Buddha gave all his wisdom to others and gave his begging bowl to the Sinhala Buddhists, or rather the Sinhala Buddhists have taken only his begging bowl leaving the rest to others, that’s why they have been begging every country on earth for loans and aid. They are not only begging the West but also China and India for aid, grants to save their sorry asses and their poor women folks are slaving in the Arab countries.
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Champa / July 9, 2017
Ad
What kind of justice are you asking? To be savages? Chola type?
What kind of misery did Buddhism bring you?
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Jim softy / July 10, 2017
Ashoka, also spelled Aśoka (died 238? bce, India), last major emperor in the Mauryan dynasty of India. His vigorous patronage of Buddhism during his reign (c. 265–238 bce; also given as c. 273–232 bce) furthered the expansion of that religion throughout India. Following his successful but bloody conquest of the Kalinga country on the east coast, Ashoka renounced armed conquest and adopted a policy that he called “conquest by dharma” (i.e., by principles of right life).
Above is for Those who write wrong information about King dhrmashoka. It says King Ashoka also died about the time When Lord Buddha passed away. You can verify this information.
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Billa / July 10, 2017
Buddhism is a good philosophy. That’s all ! It can only be preached but cannot be practiced in reality.
It’s tough for anyone to follow or practice Buddhism but good for just preaching, reading, listening to, which may be useful for any one who can understand the value of it. Sri Lanka has no true practicing Buddhists but just fake ones pretending to be so. The most intolerant people are the so called “Sinhala Buddhists” of Sri Lanka and some of the violent Burmese Buddhists could also be included. Such a good Buddhism has done nothing good to Lankans or Lanka, but brought lots of misery & calamity for all the people. The country has gone to ‘dogs’, people are divided, violence on the rise, corruption, murder, abduction, sex crimes, racial riots, organized gangs, drugs, dirty politics, abuse of power, indiscipline everywhere, chaos in every sector, torture of human, you name it and Lanka has it all in plenty. Do not pat yourself, wake up and smell, without just believing in the fictional stories of the glorified ancient myth. Be real and face the reality for a change without dwelling in the small well. The fake Buddhism practiced (or not practiced) in Lanka is not the real one. No one can practice the true Buddhism except the Lord Buddha because it’s not at all an easy thing.
So, please leave Buddha alone without dragging his name in your filthy cesspit of dirty politics. Let the pure
philosophy be clean since it’s not a religion to be practiced by ordinary people. Stop fighting in the name of religion.
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sach / July 10, 2017
It is thanks to the Buddhist ethos the country has been able to bear all the trouble it went through as a country. Indian cross border terrorism, tamil terrorism, Sinhala marxism, traitors like ranil and american regime changes.
I remember reading it even in Jane Russel’s book.
Murder, abduction, sex crimes can be observed in all other countries as well. Somtimes inside the white house sometime back. Do you think just like you, rest of the people in SL live under a rock?
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Jim softy / July 10, 2017
It looks Laksiri Fernando writes TABLOID (American Style) Articles in order to score points. what is focus mney for you ?. Otherwise, if you are an educatd man who uses his brain and lives like a gentlemen or at least as an academics, you would not write this type of Crap.
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Bunjappu / July 10, 2017
Why do you think so if you woud pleaee check his archives ?
I think Dayan Silva Aka Jayathilaka s articles are of american style.
JIM SOFTY, you should be an idiot…. how dare you call him ” if you are an educated man:::: bla bla…, Prof Fernando has proved not just once several dozens of times that he has been scholar.
Just because you JIM are upto lick the balls of any abusive men, please dont disgarace a senor scholar of Prof. Fernando nature.
I thnk, DJ the most abusive in today spot light deserves to be put down that way.
No means Prof. Fernando.
What an idiot who knows nothing but to add his two cts worth.
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Jim softy / July 11, 2017
Bunjappu: Long ago, I stopped responding to Braying Donkies.
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Jim softy / July 11, 2017
Laksiri Fernando: This attack is like you leading the Christian Onslaught of Sinhala buddhists particularly Buddhist Establishment in Sri lanka. You may be working for christian. The attack by Muslims in CT is silent for the time being. Now, it is Evangelical christians attacking buddhism in Sri lanka. How come your crap Democracy, freedom of expression, equality.. Sri lanka does not need a new constitution. what we need is going back to the constitution that we had before 1972 and Complete that constituion with what we got good in this contitution. Parliament should be curtailed drasticzally. Instead have a Senate. What you christian -NGOs and another time what Muslims talk here is not what buddhists want. Sri lanka is a Sinhala buddhist country. Now, christians, muslims and Tamils think differently and try to destroy buddhism and Sinhala buddhists in order to fulfill their desires. what we think, hell with you. and we have to be like you people and fight for what is ours. Go for it.
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