By Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey – Bishop of Colombo –
Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey
I am deeply perturbed and concerned at the large scale violence unleashed on members of the Muslim community last weekend (15th June 2014), in Aluthgama, Beruwala, Dharga Town, Walpitiya and Welipenna areas. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in their time of sorrow. This violence was wholly avoidable; that it was allowed to happen brings us shame as a country and as Sri Lankans.
God is especially concerned for the victims of this world. Therefore, in the grace of God I express solidarity with all those who have suffered from the violence, and especially with our fellow Muslim countrymen who have been thrown into climate of uncertainty and fear. Many Christians across the country have also been the target of violence in the past and can empathize today with the targeted victimisation of the Muslims in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is home to different communities who have co-existed for centuries, all of whom have partnered in the country’s development and must be allowed to enjoy the right to security and dignity as equal citizens of a united Sri Lanka.
This right is directly and critically dependent on the genuine commitment of the relevant authorities to take honest steps to prevent the denigration of any community by any other. If the law enforcement and security apparatus is prevented from acting in a timely and effective manner to protect any community from attacks, that apparatus will lose their credibility and the confidence of the citizenry. That can in turn lead to a dangerous escalation of violence.
It is a cornerstone of genuine democracy and the right of every citizen not to suffer attacks on the basis of religious affiliation or worship. In fact, the life Gauthama Buddha exemplified that respect for the religions of others, and it is a core tenet of Buddhist philosophy. Hence, it is deeply regretful to see the utter abandonment and denial of this important basic right being propounded in the name of Buddhism.
I call upon true adherents and leaders of the Buddhist community and all other communities regardless of religious, political or other affiliation to unequivocally demand that the extremist perpetrators of the attacks face due justice and that meaningful and effective steps be taken to prevent the recurrence and facilitation of such atrocities in the name of religion.
I call upon the Christians of Sri Lanka to uphold in prayer, to assist and to support all targets of religious and communal hatred. Let us pray especially for the families of those killed, and injured. I also call on Christians to pray every day that God would enable wise and inclusive leadership in our country that would permit all our citizens to secure real justice and enjoy the full complement of their rights as Sri Lankans, without oppression, persecution and fear.
Hatred begets more hatred, on account of which our country has already suffered enough. In the name of Jesus Christ, and together with all the Christians in Sri Lanka, I say, “enough”.
Amarasiri / June 20, 2014
Dear Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey – Bishop of Colombo ,
Thank you for speaking as a human being with values.
The BBS, Their Sponsor and goons do not have human values.
However, they claim to be Buddhists, and it is an Insult to Buddha
Video: Anura’s speech stuns government
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpaICQxJ_w
The speech made by the JVP Leader Anura Dissanayaka at the debate on the resolution presented in Parliament by the government alleging it’s to get Parliamentary approval to oppose UNHRC mediation in Sri Lanka was appreciated by many Parliamentarians of the opposition as well as from the government.
The amendments presented by the JVP for the resolution were rejected by the government. The request made by the JVP that a vote should be taken regarding its amendments was approved.
The JVP participating in the debate stated it presented 6 proposals to protect the country from interference the country is being subjected to internationally. The proposals received 46 votes. As the government rejected the proposals the Members of the JVP walked away from the chambers at the final vote taking.
Mr. Anura Dissanayaka’s speech at the debate:
HON ANURA KUMARA MP. IF I HAVE EVER LISTEND TO A SPEECH , WHICH IS CONSTRUCTIVE AND FULL OF HOME TRUTHS EXPRESSED SO FEARLESSLY, IT WAS THIS SPEECH.
YOU DESERVE TO BE PARTY LEADER AND A LEADER OF THIS NATION.
I WISH YOU WHOLE HEARTEDLY TO NOT LOSE YOUR VISION AND CONTINUE IN POLITICS.
YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT FROM NOW ON.
MAY THE TRIPLE GEM BLESS YOU
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Sven Perera / June 20, 2014
Dear Amarasiri,
thanks for the link.
AKD ‘s speech make it very clear who is behind all these attacks. No more evidence are needed.
This country has now become a pettah market of Rajapakshes. The innocient people should have to pay the price for Rajapakshe political survivial.
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Sama / June 21, 2014
Together with all srilankens that seek peace among all folks say enough.
Now we have not been given a chance to voice but we have to stand against the brutal regime of SRILANKAS – Moda Rajapakshe.
Yesterday in Sirasa Satana programme, they raised the very good question – if the minister of justice of the govt is in the opinion there is no rule of law, disipline or justice within today s context, who else wants to say more about the situation ? There the idiots further coughing for the brutal nature of the MR rule, have of course no good response.
They are just under to anything other than JUSTICE. ….These meeharakasa together with KING meeharaka Rajapakshes will go down soon. That is becoming crystal clear to all and sundry today.
Jvp LEADER question how can we have a better external affairs by appointing tea business men as US embassador – how can he argue .. how can he be a powerful representative. How can former police offiers do their job as a diplomat if they have no the zero experience in that field ? Pingona and his diplomacy has driven the country to a stupid state, MRS B and all other leaders held a very good diplomatic relations… even today, people talk about them. Even CBK did her best by appoining Kadirgamar… as the Fminister… gone were the days srilanka was seen as an educated state.. today, Meeharaka has ruined it to no go levels. Sad SAD.. ane apoi
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Thondamannar / June 20, 2014
Diloraj….. did you forget to tell S.J.Emmanuel & Rayappu to uphold in prayer to overcome the tigers atrocities and to work towards peace ??
Just retain your two cents worth to yourself. God will take care of Sri Lanka as he has always done.
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punchinilame / June 21, 2014
God will not do harm – he WILL do good, namely replace the present
Leaders in a definite way. May this be the Prayers until it happens.
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Palayang yako! / June 21, 2014
Thondamannar:
I beg to differ from what you say, “God will take care of Sri Lanka as he has always done.”
If He had, we would not have to put up with b…..s like you on CT who would already be residing at the bottom of the garbage dump of history!
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david strange / June 22, 2014
dear thondamannar. Which God — because Buddhism is a great philosophy
but has “no God”..
ds
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Tamil from the north / June 28, 2014
@Thondamannar, you are one dumb mutt. LTTE was not elected by the people. They were created by the Sinhala racists. Rajapukka is an elected thug. He needs to act like one.
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Amarasiri / June 20, 2014
Dera Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey – Bishop of Colombo –
Together With All The Christians In Sri Lanka, I Say, “Enough”
What you see is Sinhala Buddhist racism and lies from BBS and their sponsors.
Video: Anura’s speech stuns government
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpaICQxJ_w
This excellent speech deserves to be headline news on SILLUMINA, every news paper and media outlet. Unfortunately, our masses are too dumb to understand the gravity of the situation in the country.
Moadakama of the MOADAYA, is the malady of the MOADAYA!
The speech made by the JVP Leader Anura Dissanayaka at the debate on the resolution presented in Parliament by the government alleging it’s to get Parliamentary approval to oppose UNHRC mediation in Sri Lanka was appreciated by many Parliamentarians of the opposition as well as from the government.
The amendments presented by the JVP for the resolution were rejected by the government. The request made by the JVP that a vote should be taken regarding its amendments was approved.
The JVP participating in the debate stated it presented 6 proposals to protect the country from interference the country is being subjected to internationally. The proposals received 46 votes. As the government rejected the proposals the Members of the JVP walked away from the chambers at the final vote taking.
Mr. Anura Dissanayaka’s speech at the debate:
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Marwan / June 21, 2014
Dear Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey – Bishop of Colombo ,
On behalf of our Muslim community, I express my deep and sincere appreciation for your kind words of solidarity and concern for the well being of those affected. I believe there are those who are Buddhist, Christian and Hindu casualties too, caught up in this orgy of violence, unleashed by a bunch of bigots dressed up in robes of Buddhist monks. It was a crying shame to see even the guardians of the law made impotent, and sometimes even aiding and abetting in the vandalism, under the cover of curfew. It was well orchestrated to military precision and innocent lives were lost. I don’t see this as a Final, onstead another episode may be on their cards. May be Christians, may be Muslims again, but whatever it is we need to keep our flock alert to these machinations, and put pressure through international support to stop this madness. I pray that a collective effort by all religious leaders may drive the message home.
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paul / June 21, 2014
Marwan weren’t you threatening jihad yesterday?
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Marwan / June 21, 2014
Yes, but our Imam advised us in our Friday to stay calm and watch the situ before striking. The suicide jackets are tested and ready to go.
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Amarasiri / June 21, 2014
Marwan
You guys are stupid. You have no Plan. BBS are terrorists, but they have a plan, and got the police and STF lined up, before the attack.
You have some very stupid youngsters, who are very stupid, in dealing with Monks. They forget they are not organized, and that the Muslims are fighting among themselves with the Wahhabi.
Remember, the Sinhala,m Tamil and Muslims are Para from South India in the Land of Native Veddah.
The BBS is smart. They focused on the Monk who was challenging them and beat him up.They dis not beat all Monks, only that monk. So take a lesson, and attack only those who are directly involved with BBS terrorism. Do not kill the innocents. Only the guilty.
Here is list
1. The Ganadsara
2. Withaage..
3. Others.
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Booo / June 21, 2014
Yes Marwan, The tamils tried those tactics you say and got thrashed by the world. Yes the world. So use your sane heads and try a different approach. Any violence or terrorism will play right into the hands of the BBS and regime and the next minute your highly dispersed community will be punished severely by the regime and their goons. So sanity should be the rule of the day. You cannot resort to insanity because the other side is utterly insane without bringing upon immense suffering to innocent people. Cool heads must prevail.
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Maveeran / June 21, 2014
Stick a dynamite up your butt Marwan. You spineless bunch of cowards cant blow up buddhist temples or kill Buddhist Monks.
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SameOldGame / June 21, 2014
Dear Bishop, thank you for your well meaning comments. I also suggest you forward your comments to the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith who spoke so eloquently about saving the motherland and covering the regime’s rear from international scrutiny when the thugs in the regime unleashed there venom against democrats, independent media, minorities and all those who choose to make a stand against regime atrocities. Please refer to Cardinal’s statements made in March and earlier and shake his conscience (if he has any).
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KR / June 21, 2014
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith suffers from a serious case of “see no evil, here no evil, speak no evil” when it to comes to Rajapaksa’s and their tactics.
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Peace Lover / June 21, 2014
This is not good.
We should follow peaceful Ghandhian ways.
NO attacking Muslims – instead boycott Muslim shops peacefully.
NO burning their shops – instead boycott Muslim shops peacefully.
PLEASE.
May Allah, Buddha, Krishna and Christ save SL people from monsters.
Boycott not burn.
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Gas Gauge / June 21, 2014
Thank you Bishop.
But why “Enough”?
Does “Enough” not mean that what was needed has now been adequately delivered?
They may consider this and perhaps agree with you for a while.
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JimSofty / June 21, 2014
This is typical Catholic and Christian way.
Making hay out of other’s mayhem.
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ramona therese fernando / June 21, 2014
Agreed!
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kp / June 21, 2014
Says the guy who applauded when the news was published here that kids at a govt. hospital had died through negligence. [Edited out]
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Peace Lover / June 21, 2014
Jimbo so what do you want the good bishop to do sit silent and masturbate all day like the Mahanayakes of Asgiriya and Malwatte? ;)
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jan / June 21, 2014
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Saman / June 21, 2014
This is a wake up call to everybody including the Majority Buddhist Sinhala and Christian Sinhala/Burgher/Tamil community, Muslim community and Hindu community and politicians to unite to save our country.
Soon Rajapakses who have embraced Sinhala Buddhist Racist BBS/ Rawaya/ JHU will be after everybody who oppose their racist dictatorial rule.
Therefore this is the time for all including Sinhala, Muslim and Tamils of all religions to unite and protest each other against these types of fanatics doing arson and vandalisms.
First they came for my neighbour. Soon they will be after me and my family.
Dictatorial fanatics do not have boundries. They divide and rule everybody.
Wake up every patriot. Protect your neighbour. Pray for peace.
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kali / June 22, 2014
Revd Canagasabey:
Just hold your breath. For you it may be Enough is Enough but not for Mahintha. From his Words and Deeds it is obvious and crystal clear that that he condones the actions of BBS.
From the Leader of a so called Civilised Country you would expect utter condemnation of the actions of BBS but instead of that what we have from the Leader is denial of everthing that has happened under his watch.
The future is BLEAK.
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joshua / June 22, 2014
Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Please do not sell the image of Christianity using your Bishop hood. Tamil Christian clergy have always misused Christian identity over the decades to safeguard Tamil Tigers, internationally, now looking for a different route. You fellows come forward all of a sudden like mushrooms, only on selected issues beneficial to certain opportunistic minorities.
Please concentrate on religion, not biased politics under the mask of Christian church.
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hannah rajaratnam / June 22, 2014
Joshua – send the last sentence to the Budhist Clergy,advise them to stay in the temple,preach damma and come out only at 4.00pm with their bowl asking for food.
Dear Bishop Dhilorj Canagasabey,thankyou for your valuable words.
ENOUGH is not a word most in Sri Lanka want to hear.Other’s possesions looted brings them comfort,blood and fire feeds their hatred for fellow human beings.
Whatever relgion we follow to encourge blood,looting, murder and fire will bring the their downfall.
Adios to the ones who support the mayhem and the circus.
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mechanic / June 23, 2014
Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey,
Did your reverend say anything like that or at least opened your mouth when LTTE was blasting 384 human bombs killing and maiming tens of thousands of civilians? People like you wanted to treat for the root cause for it. So, start looking for the root course for these troubles as well. As usual it’s Muslim extremism.
What none sense; “God is especially concerned for the victims of this world.” Quran 9:5 and 9:29 “Sword verses” advise Muslims to “…Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the last day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and his messenger (Muhammad) have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth (Islam).”
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TT / June 25, 2014
Rt. Hon. Bishop,
Bishop Heber wrote in 1825 of Sri Lanka:
WHERE EVERY PROSPECT PLEASES, MAN ALONE IS WILD.
These were no idle words as the history of your island is proving to us.
You have much work to do.
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”
Our prayers are with you.
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