By Sharmini Serasinghe –
Sharmini Serasinghe
No leader of a multi religious society, can afford the luxury of being seen practicing his religion, in the full glare of the public!
The President of this country is a representative of all its people; Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Therefore, such a President cannot be seen favoring one faith, even though it is his own. If he must, then he ought to pay equal obeisance to other religions as well. After all, he is the leader of all of us, not just the Buddhists of Sri Lanka.
Hence, it is with deep despair, that I as a Buddhist noted, you President Maithripala Sirisena, paying homage to a Bo tree, even though it is venerated by a majority of the Buddhist populace of this country.
Furthermore, by paying homage to a Bo tree, you Mr. President are also openly violating the teachings of the Buddha, who denounced the worship of objects!
Many would argue that such, are harmless cultural practices. But, nevertheless, such practices are associated with Buddhism, and the leader of this multi religious nation, cannot afford to be associated with one set of cultural/religious practices and not the other.
There are many of us who regard our respective faiths as a very private matter, and to exhibit it in public is in poor taste. Unfortunately this ‘culture’ will not take root in a country like ours, as long as our elected leaders such as you Mr. President don’t give leadership to it.
Furthermore, by publicly paying obeisance to a Bo tree; a symbol of Buddhism, you Mr. President are rubbing salt into raw wounds of the minorities, caused by the maniacal Bodu Bala Sena (BBS).
It is yet not too late, for you Mr. President Sirisena to take a cue from former Presidents JR Jayewardene, Chandrika Kumaratunga, and your Prime Minster Ranil Wickremesinghe, and keep religion where it belongs, and governance of the country, as further away from it as possible.
Those of us who voted you in, would much rather see you spend your time fruitfully; putting the country back on track, instead of worshipping trees.
*Sharmini Serasinghe was Director Communications of the former Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) under Secretary Generals Dr. John Gooneratne and Jayantha Dhanapala. She counts over thirty years in journalism, both print and electronic media.
mangala wijesinghe / January 27, 2015
It is a fundamental right guaranteed to him by the Constitution (vide. Articles 10 and 14(1)(e) of Chapter III) as a citizen of this country, although he is also the President of the country.
What the author has written is real bullshit written for the sake of writing, without any legal or rational basis.
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My3 Rectums / January 27, 2015
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Thiru / January 28, 2015
Hats off to Sharmini, for upholding true democratic principles.
I have not read from any other Sinhalese writer such impartial views towards governance of the multi-ethnic/religious country.
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Off the Cuff / January 29, 2015
Dear Thiru,
What advice about governance has Sharmini given?
Absolutely nothing.
Sharmini is a nut case who writes to the Gallery seeking adulation from her idiotic following.
Here are some Public displays of Religion in governance but you wont like it as it has nothing to do with Buddhism.
Can you give your views towards governance of these multi-ethnic/religious countries?
UK – here is an exchange between the Archbishop of the Church and the Head of the state in a very public state function.
Archbishop: Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England? And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of England, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?
Queen: All this I promise to do.
Then the Queen, arising out of her chair, supported by peers and with the Sword of State being carried before her, goes to the altar to make her solemn oath in the sight of all the people to observe the promises by laying her right hand upon the Holy Gospel in the great Bible (which was before carried in the procession and is now brought from the altar by the Archbishop, and tendered to her as she kneels upon the steps), saying:
Queen: The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.
Then the Queen kisses the Bible and signs the Oath
Is this done in private? No it is very Public indeed.
USA
The President takes oaths and it’s televised to the whole world. Please note the the hand on the Bible.
Have you not heard the phrase “So help me God” when the Oath of alliance or office is taken? Just check around the Western World, its in abundance.
These are Constitutionally mandated.
That was just a small sample of the many.
Awaiting your wise and impartial views.
Kind Regards,
OTC
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Javi. / January 29, 2015
Nut butt.,
OTC-Obnoxious Tam`ill` Cockroach (Biscuit Boofer Society)
‘S H I T – Sorry Hypocrite ,it’s Thursday.’
Is it Elli’s toilet I see?
Satan oscillate my metallic sonatas!
Do you still want to retain Sinhala/Buddhist origin myth based on bestiality, parricide and incestuous relation?
Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.
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Pakis Pettiya / January 27, 2015
Well said. Real Buddhism is one issue, but he can worship it; A Hindu leader worships multi limbed Gods in India and worships Shiva Lingam. This article of hers is bovine excrement.
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Javi. / January 27, 2015
the practical of construed corrupt constitution to dictatorship via the back door.
When will you ever learn to nip in the bud of any sign of dictatorship moron??
Most folk do the pipee on that tree because it was brought in by a black crow spelling death.- enjoy your stupidity which goes hand in glove with fraud.
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AVB / January 28, 2015
MS is the highest paid Gov servant in the country. We work 8 hrs for the salary we are paid. And We expect MS to do better than that. News we see indicates that MS continue visiting all big temples in business hours regularly. I suggest MS should practice his religion in his weekends and not on TAX payers money. Mangala, you are talking BS, not Sharmini.
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Justice & Fairplay / January 28, 2015
What the writer has written is certainly not bullshit. That is a crass comment. Instead I think it is thought provoking.
Religion is, and should be, a private matter. As President – indeed even as a plain MP – one must remember that such positions call for sacrifices. When you hold public office of that order, you cannot enjoy all the freedom that a private citizen enjoys. That must be understood.
The President could have worshipped the Bodhi just as he pleased, but doing so under the glare of the flashlights wasn’t the best option.
In order to become a truly multi racial, multi religious modern society, consideration must be given to the removal of religion from the school curricula, thereby negating the emphasis on which religious denomination does the school belong. Loud practice of various religions have only helped to divide; not unify.
We are after all, trying to build a modern, enlightened society.
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Viveka_Kandy / January 28, 2015
Have you seen how presidents and all the other members of Senate are worshiping god, and going to church and never forgets to mention how much they love god,and never fails to go to church. It is their culture this is our culture. You guys are going to suggest extreme values for our society when our society is not ready for it. That will be the downfall of the leader. Do you know how much of the population of SL is religious(despite ethnicity)? He has to discard the practices of 85% of the population to pander to the extreme left who are atheists? What nonsense. We are lucky that 51% of the people thought that he is not going to be signing off the country to the west and north. And out of that very good majority is practicing Buddhists. They are politicians for god’s sake, they can’t come to power no matter how good they are unless they don’t understand the beat of the general populous, in what world are you living? I don’t know of any country( except for Sweden) where religious nature of the population doesn’t play a role in elections. Most of the Indian PMs were very religious, there is nothing wrong with that as long as they have the right vision where the country needs to be going. Indians are doing very well globally in every profession despite being strict vegetarians, and god lovers. Just be practical. without being blue eyed, liberal. Only journalism I know this woman is reading news, and the level of knowledge she has on politics, or world is apparent on writing a stupid article like this. Just do what you know how to do read the news that someone else writes for you. The fact that you can pronounce the words correctly, read the teleprompter well, doesn’t make you an expert in the field of news, or politics.
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
kollo goo bayee,
Your fathers never fought for freedom it was a farce hiding in india.
You never know the meaning of winning freedom because you are pin padde atta prikanna ( beggars idling but on commissions on contracts pedos – total narakaduiya (curse).
Freedom has always been plucked. The same way when you leave your job to become your own master as a professional.
___
“”Most of the Indian PMs were very religious, there is nothing wrong with that as long as they have the right vision where the country needs to be going. “
NaMo was not voted because he was hindu. Because he was hindu the western press has castigated him and he had no visa.
He hijacked the Graft protest because there was no organised leadership- the same way at Egypt with the brotherhood.
The people of hindia were sic of 12 terror bombs no investigation etc etc.But bribery was on the rise so much corruption never seen. So he won.
Same way Mati the unknown angel won thanks to the minorities of the majority and minorities.at large.
The idle beggars lead you follow arn’t you the Buro Vass Goda Gamma carted from south india – your sli[p is showing & you fear to check your DNA against mughal hindian DNA We know too well where we come from.
Gass Gembo drinking Croacka Cola.
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Gunewardene / January 27, 2015
The UK is a Christian country as are many countries in the world. The Queen is the head of State and the head of the church and attends church regularly. UK citizens who practice all other faiths in the UK accept this position.
Saudi Arabia is a Islamic state totally intolerant of other religions and have this in common with almost all other Islamic States.
India is well on its way to becoming a Hindu State.
I suggest that you desist from making ill considered and irresponsible remarks that may upset the delicate balance in Sri Lanka. I am a Buddhist who believes strongly that incentivised conversation to Buddhism is against the principles of Buddhism and therefore the principles of Buddhism make any such attempt unacceptable.
However, Sri Lanka is a Buddhist state and comments such as yours will make tolerant people like myself intolerant. What on earth is the point.
Just as it is in our interest to marvel at the Christian civilisation and tradition in Europe and help sustain it why cannot people like you enjoy the Buddhist civilisation in Sri Lanka. Countries have a basis to their civilisation. This is what contributes to an interesting world un like your one size fits all intellectual gunge.
In common with many self appointed intellectuals who live in a world of make believe in a westernised cocoon floating around Colombo your arrogance will I suspect in no way allow this argument to persuade you to give up your misguided position.
What an idiotic and irresponsible thing to say!
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
Gunewardena;
“ndia is well on its way to becoming a Hindu State. “
What makes you think you are right, that you know the mind of the mughal Hindias, that you know Hinduism you father. Most and Largest statues are at china but arent they vicious enemies & the Chinese respect buddhist philosophy the more they revive their teaching by civil servant Tao/dao of the mountain who finally went for his shoe at haoling.
Read not to contradict nor confute but to weigh and consider. You can never be wise and loving.Bacon Francis.
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Pakis Pettiya / January 28, 2015
Well said.
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Navin / January 28, 2015
“However, Sri Lanka is a Buddhist state and comments such as yours will make tolerant people like myself intolerant. What on earth is the point.”
Thank all the Bo Trees that Colombo Telegraph is alive and well.
So, Gunawardene, please get “intolerant”, and let’s see how “unbuddhist” you can get.
What makes you think Sri Lanka is a Buddhist “State”? Under the Constitution Buddhism is not the State Religion. It is different in the UK, of which seem to be fond. In Sri Lanka the Constitution gives protection to Buddhism; nothing more. If you can’t understand the difference, please leave this forum.
What is practiced in Sri Lanka by Heads of State and the general Buddhist population is not Buddhism, but IDOLATRY. That is not protected by the Constitution.
Buddhism is opposed to idolatry. It is against the teachings of Lord Buddha to worship bo trees. If the so-called Buddhists of Sri Lanka wish to make their religion the State religion let them make Idolatry the State religion. That is the religion which they practice. Let them not seek respectability by claiming to be practicing Buddhists.
It is valid and relevant to say, as Sharmini has done, that the President should not be wasting the time paid for by the State, doing something prohibited by Buddhism, that is, worshipping trees, statues, ignorant monks, and ticks on the scrotum.
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Native Vedda / January 28, 2015
Gunewardene
“However, Sri Lanka is a Buddhist state and comments such as yours will make tolerant people like myself intolerant. What on earth is the point.”
When did Sri Lanka firts become a state?
When did Sri Lanka first become a Buddhist state?
Sri Lanka had never been a state before the advent of Europeans.
Sri Lanka never been a Buddhist state until Sinhala/Buddhists perceived it to be one. This brought lot of Dukka to lot of people.
Buddha never intended to create one either, in fact he renounced his position, his kingdom and his possessions.
What is wrong with you people?
The only way the country could morally and spiritually prosper is to liberate Buddha’s teaching from Sinhala/Buddhists and rid the country from Sinhala/Buddhists racists.
Hopefully this will help the Sinhala and Tamil speaking people to live in peace and prosper.
If you don’t like people enjoying long term peace and prosperity in this island you are free to go back to either Bihar or Tamil Nadu.
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justice / January 27, 2015
All religions are not practised in the way the founders of each desired, and, much ritual has crept into worship of all religions such that one can say, “there is today, no religion without ritual”.
The Buddha said that he was a man, and not a “god” and wished his disciples and laity to follow his teachings only, to attain nirvana.
But, ritual is always soul-satisfying, in any religion.
This is more so in Hinduism.
Hence, the presence of (hindu) Vishnu shrines in premises of many Buddhist temples in sri lanka, serves a purpose – that of ‘satisfaction and contentment’ of devotees – who, after obeisance to the Buddha & offering flowers, visit the Vishnu shrines to pray, make vows, ask favours etc.
Some even curse their enemies by dashing coconuts.
Many make donations of cash and even gold.
These shrines are a good source of income to the viharadhipathies.
President Sirisena ‘paying homage’ to the Bo Tree, is soul satisfying to him. He is doing a ritual, like many others.
This is his right.
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Leon / January 27, 2015
What precisely is your motive hugging this tree?,Religion is personal a matter between you and the God that you believe in. Hence there is no need give any publicity as to your believe. You are creating a precedent. Just because your predecessor did it, there is no need to follow him. You as president should set an example and as Ms Serasinge said you are the president of a multi religious country.
For God’s sake keep away from trees. It did not do any good to your predecessor unless you want to follow him and go back to Polonaruwa.
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Village Green Guy / January 27, 2015
I wish to respectfully disagree with Ms Serasinghe.
Look at predominantly Christian countries headed by the United States: the oath of allegiance invokes God. legislative sessions commence with the Lord’s prayer. The state of the union speech ends with the president saying “May God bless you.”
President Sirisena is a Buddhist. Buddhist culture and custom required him to respect the Bo tree. Buddhist phenomenology had nothing to do with it. Neither CT nor Ms. Serasinghe seem to understand the difference between custom and religion.
I ask CT to refrain from practicing postcolonial Orientalism. Always follow Right Speech rather than higlighting trivia to demean people. Your intention is obvious. You cry for freedom of the press whi le applying it negatively.
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Wickramasiri / January 27, 2015
It is one thing to criticize the practice of worshipping a Bo tree as one absent in the Buddhist teaching, and another to demand that the Head of the country desist from public display merely because he is the leader of all including minorities. Should he also desist from public display of celebrating Sinhala New Year because he may offend minorities? I think Sharmini Serasinghe’s logic is warped. I totally disagree with her thinking. I do not think minorities will be offended at all.
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Dr. hifath / January 27, 2015
I don’t understand why hes bowing down before a tree.
But then that is his religious right.
I, whether I am a muslim, christian or hindu have no right to judge him on that.
or to criticize him.
so ” keep religion where it belongs, and governance of the country,as further away from it as possible.” is silly whiteman rubbish.
Colombo telegraph should honestly edit some of the articles it publishes on its site.
Last week some guy said on colombo telegraph that Barak Obama was the epitome of good …lol… specially after the rajapakshe reign.
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lanka / January 27, 2015
[Edited out] woman, please be careful in what you write. Even our great load buddha paid homage to the great bo tree after his englightment. It is a shame to call yourself a buddhist first of all.
Dont you dare insult buddhism in this way, our president or any other buddhist has the right to practice their religion you.
you collect karama through ignorance. Please dont call yourself a buddhist.
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Dhammika Lankagama / January 27, 2015
My Dear Sharmini,
Why don’t you complain to proper authorities if top politician abused the power of authority by practicing his faith instead of you bullshit around media. After all His excellency represents ‘yahapalanaya’ so you will not get revenge.
You like people are shame to SL because you pretend that you are the noble, well educated mass who must guide other ‘game buiyos’ to western civilization you worship. Shame on you for mudslinging. All western politicians are in favor of their religion in public. We see all the time this in western media. Even US President Sunday church visit broadcasts all the time. Don’t pretend that you like people living in absolute power vacuum of ideal world. These days you like hatemongers try to destroy former president good work.
I agree his entourage may have corrupted the gove, power and funds. Media is not the place to justify that. Every citizens of SL have responsibility to go to proper authorities and give evidence to support on going investigations. Then judiciary of power will investigate using proper internationally accepted law and order. Their responsibility is to conduct fair process and meted out punishments. Law makers must provide proper laws to enhance our democracy. They are not suppose to take over execution of land of the law. Civil professional class must carry execution of those law under established democratic institutions. There are no right for those of who self appointed so called anti-corruption mafia and mobs.
Don’t you think that you come to public square and dance with your nude body.
Why don’t you do something to upheld SL poor’s livelihoods instead of crocodile tears. Again shame on you!
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Citizen / January 27, 2015
I agree with you Sharmini Weerasinghe. Fortunately the Bo-tree is not carnivorous.
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lanka / January 27, 2015
You dont that the scared bo tree is worshipped all over the world even by deity.
Dont you dare write this kind of bull shit you empty headed woman
Please change your religion.
We dont care what you like and dont like, dont dare to critize anyone’s faith and belief. It is a matter of respect.
Please dont show that you are ignorant to the whole world
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Law / January 27, 2015
An individual has the freedom to practice his own religion. As an individual he has faith in the religion he practices. It is upto that individual to decide. Religion is not a public function but a spiritual belief. Therefore no one has the right to claim that a public figure requires to attend functions and or practices of other religions in which his belief is not present.
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Ranjith Yapa / January 27, 2015
There is no harm in following your own religion whether you are president of the country or average citizen as long as you treat all religions equal. What is the big issue in president worshiping Bo tree. Even ex president JR Jayawardena quoted Dhammapada when addressing St. Fransisco convention after world war 2. This writer mind find faults in that too.
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thilan / January 27, 2015
Now people pleaser mr. mithree what would you do? make her happy or continue warshiping ? or mr.Ranil would do?
we know what mr. mahinda would do no question about it? very clear his vision and action.
check your spine (the back bone) mr president. we do not need a puppet we need a leader to the country.
lets see you got it.
by the way stop accusing Mr. Mahinda and do your so called yaha palane! make a difference as you promised. stop blame game.
who’s behind your presidancy – really ?
people will see the results of yaha palane after couple of years. so sad sri lanka !
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thilan / January 27, 2015
Mr.Mithree time to burrow some guts from Mr. Mahinda!
( Mr. Ranil you need to get it in monthly installments)
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Puranappu / January 27, 2015
MY3 is Buddhist. Where on earth have you seen/heard that a person be required to vanquish his/her own belief system ,upon ascending to a high public office? That is his RIGHT! (to worship the God of his conviction, be it a tree, snake or a goat)
This piece you have written belongs in the toilet. Speaking of toilet, I need to take a dump. I am going to take this piece with me. I know what to do with it.
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Javi. / January 29, 2015
“”to worship the God of his conviction, “”
Just like the Macho foxes with cold blood going back into the hole it came from.
aney amme!
Go get another woman of your liking to hug you may be you would see god/dog.
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carlion / January 27, 2015
This woman Sharmini needs to have a head examined. She says she is a Buddhist. Something is fishy here.
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Ambedkhar Reborn / January 27, 2015
Sharmini is not wrong in expressing her ideological view.
It is like Pre 1965 period where comrades like NM Perera, Colvin R De Silva led left parties stood for parity of status and one language 2 nations, 2 languages one nation views. In the end SWRD beat them convincingly with his ideology. Look at the pathetic plight of comrades VASUDEVA, DEW, & TISSA. They don’t have any ideology like the founding left leaders. Why ?
So, We have the case study of SWRD who did so much to uplift the ordinary Sinhalese through religion and language failed or made to fail as a leader despite signing the BC pact based on his conscience.
It is timely that E C Mahinda Desapriya gave a good speech in Wellavaya about honesty and conscience, duty, religion etc.
I think majority of the Sinhalese Buddhists are not yet ready to think like or accept Sharmini’s honesty and sincereity. SWRD could not rectify the mistake he made. So MY 3 has to be cautious.
Therefore the new president has other urgent things to do by leaving this kind of issues to a side.
In that sense comments by Amarasiri and the likes we have to appreciate and follow.
PS :Anyway in the Indian Subcontinent tree likes Bo , Bael ( Bell Gasa ), Margosa ( Kohamba Gasa ) , and Bael ( Belli Gasa ) are not only sacred but also their products like leaves, fruits an barks are medicinal.
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MANO / January 27, 2015
Sharmini you right many sensible things I enjoy reading. But this is full of bovine excrement. I live in the US, and don’t know if you do too. US is the world’s most powerful democracy. YOU CANNOT be anything other than a Christian to be elected President in the US. Some US Presidents have been very overt and public in this multi ethnic now multi religious nation. Bush being one of them and the very popular Reagan being the other in recent times. Obama could not have been elected if he said he was an atheist, or muslim or anything other than a Christian. While there is separation of Church and State are part of the constitution CHRISTIANITY dominates every functional aspect of our governments. Obama uses “God bless USA” all the time and so does every US PResident. He puts a Christmas Tree up like all US Presidents in the WhiteHouse.
This is an absurd article you have written exercising your Post Jan 9th freedom to spew anything. I do not recall any anti MR articles by you anyplace before this date. Please don’t be ludicrous. Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist nation.
when my Grandfather was Governor General William Gopallawa (first Buddhist) he created a small simple shrine room with a simple Buddha statue where he worshipped daily and meditated. Yet he was open to inviting Christmas Carolers and Wesak Bakthi Gee troupes all the time to the Queen’s house as it was called back then. That tradition was continued by all Heads of States since then.
US is a predominantly Christian nation and I see nothing wrong with Bush or Obama being shown going to Church or saying “god bless USA”.
Your credibility has gone down quite a bit in my view with this puerile article. Manel R will probably laugh at this too.
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
BTW your classification is based on folk nowadays voting for `party` dictated by billion dollar funding lobbyist. If you arn’t nominated then its all taboo boo!
Communism and Democracy are similar except the ways of teaching are different that makes one the ant army while the other individual.
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Sean / January 27, 2015
These are the kind of articles that makes me want to block CT from my home Internet.
What in the world is wrong with anyone including a president observing his religion. US president Obama takes his family to church on Sunday in public. Japanese PM goes to temple as does the South Korean presidents. Malaysian, Indonesian and Turkish leaders goes to mosque. That is to name a few.
I think you have mixed up the president’s policy on religion with his personal observation of religion.
This got to be the stupidest article from CT to date.
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Mallaiyuran / January 27, 2015
Kusal Perera suggested CV for 90 EP post to abolish the EP with honesty. The dishonest Sinhala Intellectuals, fearing that the EP post may go to a NON Sinhala Intellectual Buddhist, blamed him as working with the old King to defeat the CC. The truth was CV is not a person pray the tree. So he is not a Sinhala Buddhist. These are same Sinhala Intellectuals now defending that the New King praying the tree is a harmless Buddhist ritual. Shameless lairs!
This is not praying. This is marketing. A man publicly pray another man can never assure the public that he hill exert his authority to deliver the justice equal to all other with the man he prays.
The past election was a pain on the pride of the New King. He was grieving over that from the election victory day. Sinhala Buddhists did not select the New King. They selected only the old King. It was the “Tamil Pariahs” selected him. It was a hateful movement for him, in his life. So, he have to wash off that dirt. That is why these dramas.
Neither the new King nor any other government official are prepared to talk about Tamils’ problem publicly. New King, in his oath ceremony, thanked every conceivable party, but refused to thank Tamils. He selected Dalada Mailigava to his first address. That was a matter should have a been exclusively delivered from a authoritative, authorized place. For example, President Obama never, ever can dream of delivering his union speech from a church. New King has been targeting the coming election.
New King continuously sending off signals to Sinhala Intellectuals that he is open for their propaganda politics. So it is the responsibility of the Sinhala Intellectuals to fool again the Mahawamsa Modayas to vote for him. In fact, the New Royals’ only object is April Election. That is not much different from the old Royals’ popular “Third Term”.
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sach / January 28, 2015
you got it right baby if one forgets the vitriol that comes with your comment…
This is just a PR stunt to win the hearts of the rural buddhists
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / January 27, 2015
[i]No leader of a multi religious society, can afford the luxury of being seen practicing his religion, in the full glare of the public![/i]
LOL
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.politicsdaily.com/media/2010/04/obama-easter-2.jpg
Do I even need to bother with the rest of this garbage? :D
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AVB / January 28, 2015
Look again at the image you posted. Obama with his family at church, it Looks like a personal religious visit to me. What SL presidents usually doing is flamboyant official pilgrimages. Couple of them per year is okay, but not couple of visits per week in weekdays.. MS can do this in every weekend with his family.
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / January 28, 2015
So I checked the article again, and yes this is definitely what it says, no mistake :D
“No leader of a multi religious society, can afford the luxury of being seen practicing his religion, in the full glare of the public!”
Maybe they closed off the church so that Obama could practice his religion away from the full glare of the public. Too bad there was a hidden camera somewhere and this ended up all over the internet anyway, despite his best attempts to keep things private :D :D
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Pakis Pettiya / January 28, 2015
Well said again.
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Sunil De Zoysa / January 28, 2015
I am agreeing to disagree with SS comment on the issue raised. It is highly inappropriate to discuss about ones religious beliefs and cultural followings in the civilised world under any circumstance. Did SS write publicly about MR taking a plane load of his henchmen to Thirupathy Kovil . And also MS paying highest respect to His Holiness Pope.
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
we and the world especially the yankees who called him rustic are watching we know where he comes from manioc and has a duty which is now under question..
he has 3 urgent items to attend to but like the fox that comes from a hole always looking for a hole he is been shown a hole to hide is not very nice- you know fox hunting is contagious.
The day you know my language sanskrit you may understand hindu rituals not religion from it- isn’t hinduism your father who most don’t know over there.Then go learn it 2nd hand from mainland china where its respected of an hindian man.
He has already relived himself of some responsibilities and associating with the idle seruva is food for thought.
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Ruwan Ranawake / January 28, 2015
In a democracy; ‘all and sundry’ including the Head of State have the right to observe his religious practices, privately and or publicly and no one should be offended by it. Also, this President is someone who has always practised his belief whole-heartedly and not ‘just for the show’. In fact, he has public indicated that after his first term of Presidency he intends retiring from politics altogether and spend the rest of his life in religious activities.
Although Buddha’s teachings recommends that one should not pay homage to objects of any kind, there is no harm in continuing with such historical / traditional practices.
‘How on earth’ could this be ‘rubbing salt in anyone’s wound’, I simply cannot fathom.
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
ruwan ,
Pls tell us what you invented in 66 years or in 2500 years of gautama. Don’t talk to me about north hindia its culture traditions etc. sanskrit is my language.
I believe 2 things 1. your DNA is south and there is no elemant of european by and large except borrowed names like all your presidents.
Your clothes are borrowed attire like dance music etc.
Do you still want to retain Sinhala/Buddhist origin myth based on bestiality, parricide and incestuous relation?
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jay gunasekara / January 28, 2015
Public display of ones religion is pathetic. In the political arena it is a must for support of the majority of Buddhists.There was a Indian PM who drank cow urine in public and caused quite a stir.Religion is a private affair like sex and should be kept private.The Mahanama buddhism is a pervertion of the philosophy and most recite like parrots with hardly any undestanding.There is a long way to go guys.I hope they wont issue a fatwa against me as I intend writing a book like Salman Rushdie on the common practice which has nothing to do with the philosophy.
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MANO / January 28, 2015
Sharmini: I said “right” instead of typing “write” in my previous reaction. Again, stop trying to be a pseudo intellectual. I am agnostic not atheist. I live in the US and here in the US Christian symbolism accompanies the President. Not one person can be elected as President if he/she says he/she is an agnostic or atheists publicly. Even Obama practices Christianity perhaps not as militantly as Bush did or Reagan did. So once again I say in this instance you spew garbage. I do not worship inanimate objects or a gods or gods but I defend a person’s right to worship a tree, a cross, a Lingam like Tamil Hindus do, etc. That is his or her right. Sirisena was just doing the same. So stick to stuff you may actually know and care about instead of creating waves to get attention.
Manel R might agree with me on this. Ask her what she thinks of this article.BTW, what are your credentials?
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
Us is not Agnostic but the philosophy is from very femanine Ayn. Why do we say mother earth not father earth?? Bill and Mark Murdoch are characters that Ayn
described in her second best seller while Atlas Shrugged her first.
You living in the US does not make sense. For every Indian in the west American pie has been a dream for its objectivism.
When you become younger get in touch douchebag.
Happily Agnostic
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Naga Ramalingam / January 28, 2015
I somewhat agree with the writer. The head of a multi cultural and multi-religious country like ours need not show his/her religious affiliation and prayers openly in the media. Religion is a personal matter that one should practise privately and in a quite atmosphere, not surrounded by party supporters and security personnel. Respect to diversity means treating all cultures and religions alike.
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The Witness / January 28, 2015
As long as the President adhears to and practices the core teachings of the Buddha he will not and cannot hurt another community.
I as a muslim dont mind him practising his belief openly because we all have to learn to accept anothers freedom of worship. Let the developed world see that at least we are one step ahead of them in this issue. Let whoever … be he a public prominent figure or not have the freedom to seen in public practicing his or her faith. Lets show the world that we are also the most tolerant people on earth contrary to what had been portrayed of us in the past couple of years.
Good Luck and may this country be blessed.
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Confucius / January 28, 2015
@ The Witness
“Let the developed world see that at least we are one step ahead of them in this issue”
Yes, by worshiping a tree. What a joke!
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The Witness / January 28, 2015
@ Confucius
Yes. but they too worship sand and stone (statues) don’they?
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The Witness / January 28, 2015
By “one step ahead” i meant the tolerance of all communities in Srilanka of a public figure to be seen in public practicing his/her religion.
Not what object he/she worships.
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viveka / January 29, 2015
Have you heard there is a religion called Bahai, they do worship trees to show respect, love to trees that gives us so much. It must be laughable for ignorant people like you. You are offending some people’s honest faith. Never laugh at another person’s faith. they have a right to believe what they want. I am an atheist by the way but I respect others right to believe who they want and respect their belief. This lady has mixed up custom, cultural practices and religion. This must be the stupidest article I read in CT besides DJ’s ones. In this one she tops DJ. Birds of feather. I am seriously considering self blocking of CT, for the not so intellectual articles they publish recently, DJ, Mahindapala, and now this new latte drinking, from the drama and speech crowd, Buddist Sharmini. This is about religious freedom, so you mean the leader of the country doesn’t have any right to believe/practice a religion.Out of all the countries in SL? Dumbest thing I heard in years.
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BBS Rep / January 28, 2015
Sharmini,
It is heartening to know there are Sri Lankans who think the way you think and willing to say it in public.
Sadly MS is following on the footsteps of his predesessor rather than otherwise. He appointed his brother to a cushy job when most Sri Lankans voted for MS to end MARA’s nepotism. MS’s picture of paying obiesance to the bo tree is almost identical to the picture taken at the same spot of his former boss. Hoodwinking the gullible was MARA’s forte and now MS is making it his forte as well.
What MS is doing is nothing new, he is a Sri Lankan politician after all. The slide down the slippery slope has once more begun.
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Geoff Balgams / January 28, 2015
SS is religiously stupid to advice Maithreepala Sirisena to practice his religion. You cannot keep the Sri Maha Bodhi inside. So any worshipping has to do be done in the open. From where did your theory come from? Anybody including the president can practice his/her religion inside or in the open.Do not show your nakedness!
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Javi. / January 28, 2015
“Do not show your nakedness!“
Geoff Balgams says
Why have you never asked your mother sister or daughter what is nakedness, show me? That you are soooo ignorant of your own nakedness??
Do you still want to retain Sinhala/Buddhist origin myth based on bestiality, parricide and incestuous relation?
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