Sri Lanka’s Media racist towards Buddhists
Posted on May 10th, 2014
Shenali D Waduge
Mass media have a power far more than Governments to tilt public opinion to their line of thinking using a plethora of modes at both international and local levels with a dangerous ability to make mountains out of molehills. The scope of their manipulation is phenomenal and profit driven. Humans are sensitive to emotional blackmail and fall victim to either mind conditioning or the human weakness of money and power. Media stands guilty of portraying situations in worse scenarios for its own gains and is largely accountable for creating tense situations in a country. Sri Lanka is currently facing a combination of these onslaughts. Media can create “victims” and then engage in efforts to slander the target, a combined effort with external forces. Balanced content is nil. Sanity is what is required to sieve the lies from the truth. The current issue is the projection of Sinhalese Buddhists or Buddhist Sinhalese as “racists” – let us see how fair or truthful this is.
When news media control what we see, hear, think, learn and know – it is a dangerous situation. When lascoreens become decision makers in governance they end up compromising the country’s heritage and history. A good look at Sri Lanka’s education system placed under lascoreens has resulted in diluted the true history of Sri Lanka. A group of patriots need to take all the school textbooks and highlight the lies and request the President to correct the status quo before education creates a generation of lascoreens.
The situation in Sri Lanka
There is a proud history that the Sinhela race should not feel shy about which secularism and liberals cannot simply write off, undermine, laugh at or legislatively remove simply because it does not conform to their ideology. Nevertheless, the growing tension is that an increasing lobby is galvanizing the theory that the majority is discriminating the minorities. A lot of effort is been given to shape this theory into acceptance.
Historical evidence cannot be ignored. The prehistoric settlement in Sri Lanka is proved in the discovery of the oldest human found in Pathirajawela in deep South of Sri Lanka who had lived 20,000 years before the Neanderthal inhabited earth. Pathirajawela also exposed a flake and stone tool industry belonging to 125,000 to 75,000 BCE. The 2nd oldest human was found in Bundala again in the deep South. The 3rd oldest Lankan human was found in Fa-Hien the largest natural cave in South Asia known as Pahiyangala which can accommodate over 3000 humans. From 123,000 BCE it was in 546 BC that the Sivu-Hela (Simhala which became Sinhela) tribes of Yaksha, Naga, Deva and Raksha tribes lived. This was the origins of the civilization of the hela people (Sinhela) far before the arrival of King Vijaya in 543BC. http://www.srilankaheritages.com/oldest-human.html
Sri Lanka’s history is chronicled from 5th century BC led by Sinhalese Buddhist kings. There were invasions and incursions of Cholas and Pandyas but these were defeated. Elara (235 BC – 161 BC) ruled in Anuradhapura more or less as a Sinhalese kingdom. There is no Tamil archeological evidence to prove that a long standing Tamil civilization existed in Sri Lanka.
The Muslims in Sri Lanka have different origins. A vast majority of them have their origins in South India which explains why they spoke and still speak Tamil. Muslims that settled in Sri Lanka never had a linguistic connection to Arabs and began settling in Sri Lanka only after the 10th century.
The Dutch brought the Vellalas from South India for tobacco cultivation in the 1700s while the British brought the Indian Tamils as plantation workers in 1800s because the Sinhalese refused to work as coolies in tea plantations that were originally land belonging to the Kandyan peasantry but grabbed from them under the draconian Waste Land Ordinance which was enacted in 1840. Under this law all lands for which there was no proof of ownership or possession were regarded as waste land or Crown land. Vast acreage was thus grabbed by the British Colonial Govt. without taking into consideration the customary ownership rights of the Kandyan people. This bred dissatisfaction among the Kandyan people which was the major cause for the 1848 rebellion.
Of late, the media has become a platform to denigrate the Sinhalese and ridicule Buddhism. As an example a pro-Christian website run by exiled local journalists paid from foreign funds publishes everything that serves this objective. Its article headings clearly show their bias: “Bhikku brigade”, “Buddhist Taliban”, “Attack on Muslims”, “Extremists BBS Majoritarian virus”, “Hamuruduwane Booruwane”, “Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism”, “bigotry of SinhalaBuddhism”, “haunted by the Mahawansa”, … the labels that Sinhalese Buddhists have been tagged with that media enthusiastically promotes are many. It is a gross violation of ethics of Journalism.
Before writing off the Sinhalese Buddhists and believing every word that transpires over the media it is necessary to engage in a content analysis of all the English language newspapers in this country. It is evident that the main feature writers are more or less the same in all the newspapers and saying the same things over and over again and media gives only space for them and it is their views that monopolize what people are made to read and form their opinion upon. There is no room or opportunity extended for alternate views.
The objective is always to make the readers believe that the Sinhalese Buddhists are the cause of all the ills, the source of all the trouble and disharmony between races and religions, and that their numbers in the country (70%) prevent adequate space to minorities from exercising their rights. This is realistically far from the truth.
Who are the real minorities?
On a broadsheet the minorities statistically in religious terms are Hindus, Islam, Christians while ethnically the minorities will be the Tamils, Muslims and Burghers. Yet, in reality when we take the capital Colombo it is these minority ethnic groups and the minority religions that rule – they control much of the commercial sector, they have a monopoly over the wholesale trade, they hold prime immovable property in greater Colombo and form the greater composition of elite in terms of the monetary power they hold. It is for these primary reasons that politicians end up gravitating towards them, for power and money are fatal attractions. It is through these influences that a lot of unwarranted and irregularities have taken place often bypassing customary laws.
What have the minorities not been given in Sri Lanka? Do Buddhists have these privileges in other nations as minorities themselves? Do Muslims not have 3 public holidays, do Christians not have 2 public holidays plus 52 Sundays for Sabbath? While Hindus have 3 public holidays. Places of worship for all religions abound in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka issues stamps in honor of all the faiths every year – which is unique and sets Sri Lanka apart from all the countries in the world. Not a single Muslim or Christian country has issued a stamp in honor of Buddha.
Are the minorities not given recognition in the national flag? Is it not on account of the unmonitored freedoms that we are faced with a situation of conversions to the Abrahamic religions and unnumbered groups of faith healers all over the island spreading the “Word” or promoting ‘Born Again’?
Let’s be candid. The ever vociferous Christian promoters of “freedom of religion” slogans cry “freedom” so long as they can inflict their religious beliefs on others. Sri Lanka has not forgotten the work of Catholic Action and the secret societies that continue to prevail.
The truth is that the role of Sinhalese Buddhists are confined to only bringing politicians to power and these politicians end up deserting the voters that voted them to power. That is the sad reality.
Buddhists have reacted to these rapidly developing scenarios that they have identified as similar to those brewing in other parts of the world. These potential threats to Buddhists and Buddhism in Sri Lanka have been clearly articulated but media has purposely blocked giving publicity to the fears and warnings of future trouble expressed by the Buddhists.
In a population of under 50,000 why should 42 mosques emerge in Kattankudy alone? Is this fair and justifiable? The visible rise in the proliferation of mosques is said to be 5000 throughout the island where the Muslim population is just 1.6million.
Should there not be a moratorium on establishing any more mosques?
Is it wrong for people to object to use of loudspeakers at Mosques that purposely project outward causing noise pollution beginning early in the morning at 4.30 a.m. disturbing the sleep of non – Muslims in the neighbourhood who are forced to listen to the sounds of Islam against their will? Especially when the Government has given a radio channel for people to listen to azan – no media gives space to opinion calling for the enforcement of the Supreme Court interim order given in 2007 which clearly hold that use of loudspeakers is not a fundamental right but the right to silence is! Instead anyone bringing this argument is labeled an anti-Muslim. How correct is this?
When halal method of animal slaughter is banned in other nations and Muslims do not object why is it that in Sri Lanka media jumps to say that any opposition to the barbaric killing through slitting of throats and allowing an innocent and defenseless animal bleed to death slowly, is violation of religious cum human rights?
Is the advocacy for rights of animals no longer accepted in a country that for over a period of two millennium protected animals from man’s inhumanity under the benign rule of Buddhist Kings? Why is the denial of animal slaughter practiced through centuries suddenly being changed in the past several decades and for whose benefit is this?
Should people coming from Abrahamic religious backgrounds be allowed to have the last word on how this country should preserve and protect animals and see to their welfare through appropriate legislative reform?
Is it wrong for Buddhists to object to animal sacrifice when the founder of the religion Gauthama the Buddha vehemently condemned it as an evil practice and Sinhalese Buddhist Kings prohibited Animal Sacrifice in their Kingdoms following Buddhist injunctions against such practice until the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815?
Is it wrong for Buddhists of Sri Lanka to object to a takaran shed developing into a Muslim Shrine in Anurdhapura that Buddhists consider their most sacred city when it is right for the Pope and the Catholic Church to claim the Vatican as the Holy City for Catholics, and Mecca as the Holy Land for Muslims where non-Muslims are prohibited from entering? Has the media ever balanced this side of the argument?
When it was clear that the halal certificate and logo on every consumer item being purchased was something illegal and extortion was taking place why has this aspect not got media attention except to convey the impression that the Sinhalese were objecting to Muslims and creating an anti-Muslim story to sell the world ?. Why did the media not speculate as to the sudden demand for halal labels when purchase of foods and items without halal certificates/logos had taken place for centuries – moreover with GMOs which are legally not to be tested before release to market what is the guaranteed that foods we eat have not been crossed with pigs? So much of food-modification is taking place around us all to the profit of the food industry.
When nations are banning burqa’s and niqabs and citing the reasons of unnecessary segregation disuniting people why is it when similar sentiments are expressed in Sri Lanka the media goes to town to again project the notion of anti-Muslim.
When evidence is given of the disregard and disrespect for Buddhist cultural heritage why does that not get media attention? When Sinhalese object to Muslim encroachment of traditional Sinhala Buddhist temple land and demolition of historic sites and archeological remains why does the media project it as anti-Muslim and encourage articles that tow that line of thinking only?
There are enough of sensible arguments and articles available by people who have handled both sides of the issue in order for people to realize the need to balance things and more importantly for people to realize that incursions of the present nature are that which is creating the divides. Should the media not be highlighting the incursions and encourage people to not overstep their boundaries?
In a majority Buddhist country why has no English media dedicated an editorial to the plight of the Bangladeshi Buddhists, the anti-Buddhist happenings in Maldives, or Myanmar who are trying to protect their Buddhist nation from Islamic fundamentalists who have been smuggled via Bangladesh over the years?
Do all these liberals and Human Rights proponents and the minorities simply want the Sinhalese Buddhists to silently watch the take over of a nation that they have defended over centuries? Can they not understand that it is the Abrahamic religious “take over” that the Buddhists fear?
Are the Buddhists only good enough to be sacrificed by the LTTE so that all others can live safely? Was it not 99.9% of the Sinhalese Buddhist soldiers that died in defending the nation and is it not why the people do not want a similar instance where another lot of Sinhala Buddhists may end up in graves?
Given that 74% Sinhalese Buddhists are difficult to annihilate we realize the foreign driven multipronged efforts to break up the foundations of Buddhist nationalism being the last line of defense. This is what Myanmar is currently facing in a fierce competition between the two major Abrahamic faiths for world domination through control of the world’s people and territories.
Do people seriously think that the Sinhalese Buddhists would create situations where it is they who will end up dying?
In reality is it not the Sinhalese Buddhists who are in real terms in the minority? As against 77million Tamils – 72million Tamils who live in Tamil Nadu alone the world has only 14.8million Sinhalese (of which less than 300,000 are Sinhalese Christians). Efforts must be made to protect the Sinhalese Buddhists as an indigenous species on account of the language and the ethnicity of the Sinhalese being spoken only in Sri Lanka.
Religious Freedoms worldwide
Studies show that in a Muslim-majority nation there is a high level of government restrictions. Ironically, in these very Muslim nations Muslims themselves are often the victims of religious intolerance. It’s a battle over what type of Shariah law should be enacted, or who holds the reins of power in government – as Islam and its practice rests on the leaders that call the shots.
Afghanistan – an Islamic Republic….The sacred religion of Islam shall be the religion of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan….No law shall contravene the tenets and provisions of the holy religion of Islam in Afghanistan
Argentina – Article 2 of the Constitution of Argentina reads: “The Federal Government supports the Roman Catholic Apostolic religion.” Article 14 guarantees all the inhabitants of the Nation the right “to profess freely their religion.”
Canada – In most parts of Canada there is a Catholic education system alongside the secular “public” education system. They all run on Catholic principles and include religious activities and instruction as a matter of course. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is entrenched in the Constitution, states in the preamble that Canada “is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”
Denmark – Section 4 in the Constitution of Denmark: “The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the Established Church of Denmark, and, as such, it shall be supported by the State.”
Finland – National churches of Finland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Finnish Orthodox Church have a status protected by law. The special legal position of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is also codified in the constitution of Finland.
Malaysia – Islam is the official state religion and the Constitution of Malaysia provides for limited freedom of religion, notably placing control upon the ‘propagation’ of religion other than Islam to Muslims
Saudi Arabia – Islamic theocratic monarchy in which Islam is the official religion; the law requires that all Saudi citizens be Muslims
Turkey – 99.0% of the Turkish population is Muslim of whom a majority belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. The constitution explicitly states that they cannot become involved in the political process (by forming a religious party. No party can claim that it represents a form of religious belief. Turkey, like France, prohibits by law the wearing of religious headcover and theo-political symbolic garments for both genders in government buildings, schools, and universities.
United Kingdom (UK) – provisions of the Act of Settlement 1701 which ensures that no Catholic shall ever be the monarch of the United Kingdom, nor shall they be married to one. Religious education is mandated in state schools based on a syllabus reflecting the country’s Christian traditions. Britain is a predominantly Christian country with two established, the Church of England (COE), the mother church of the Anglican Communion and state church in England and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Church of Scotland is Presbyterian while the Church of England is Anglican (Episcopalian). The former is a national church guaranteed by law to be separate from the state, while the latter is a state-established church and any major changes to doctrine, liturgy, or structure must have parliamentary approval.
Maldives – the supposed paradise for over 60,000 tourists annually are given arrival cards giving lists of prohibited items (materials contrary to Islam). Saudi Arabia and Maldives both 100% Muslim nations. The 2008 constitution adopted states “non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives”. In Maldives too the Wahhabi Islamic pattern is increasing. Women in the early 1990s did not wear the black burqa and men with long beards – but that is now seen increasing. Many say that these attire changes come with an exchange of remunerations both cash and kind!
Iran’s constitution recognizes 4 religions whose status is formally protected – Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
In Egypt, a 2006 judgement by the Supreme Administrative Council demarcated recognized religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism) and other religious beliefs – other religious affiliations were prohibited which means they including Bahai’s are denied rights of citizenship in their country – they cannot obtain ID cards, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, passports, they cannot be employed, educated, treated in public hospitals or vote!!!
As far as religious freedoms go when it is forbidden for Muslims to convert from Islam to another religion Islam encourages conversions of non-Muslims to Islam. When the Vatican speaks of freedom of religion, equality of faiths – the Vatican will not consider ever putting a non-Catholic structure inside the Vatican City – where is the logic?
Let’s look at the laws in some of these countries.
In France and Belgium students in state schools and government workers cannot wear “conspicuous religious symbols” – forbids Islamic headscarf, Sikh turban, large Christian crosses, Jewish yarmulke. Both countries ban people from publicly wearing full-face veils. France also forbids people from wearing any headgear in official identity document photos. The body covering burqa and face-covering niqabs in public was banned unanimously in France in April 2011 claiming 6.5million Muslims were not integrating into French society – the fine is €150 ($215). Those that force others to cover their faces will be subject to a fine of €30,000 ($43,000) and a year in jail. Human Rights Watch claims that the burqa and niqab do not constitute a religious practices sanctioned or prescribed by Islam but is only a cultural practice. The new law was introduced because French voters are becoming worried that the Muslim minority is building a parallel society in France which was why France claims multiculturalism is a failure.
Switzerland, Netherlands and other EU states are debating similar prohibitions.
In some Swiss and German states Islamic dress restrictions exist for teachers.
The restrictions that are rising across the world and especially Europe are due to 2 main reasons : historical and demographic. Western Europe has a history of monolithic state religion and secularism was included as a mere monoculture. No one can deny that Norway treats their official churches as vestigial organs and they would not give that same place to any other religion whatever demands are made. The other factor that the world is now beginning to take serious note of is the rise in the Muslim population which go hand in hand with Islam and visible rise in their anti-secular behaviors and actions drawing rise in public sentiments forcing Western European parliamentarians to review the prevailing situation.
What goes without saying and as the European Court of Human Rights has rightly declared is that religious freedom is a right but not an absolute one. Where an individual’s religious observance impinges on the rights of others some restrictions have to be made. In Sri Lanka our Media refuse to highlight this aspect.
In summary, a very interesting comment on a website by a Tamil Christian (using the name Lorenzo) is being shared to convey the above in very simple terms.
Being a Tamil Christian, I believe Sri Lanka is a SINHALA BUDDHIST country.
Let’s play a game.
1. Show me where is Tamil Hindu country?
Tamil Nadu. Good.
2. Show me a English Anglican country?
England. Good.
3. Show me a Hindi Hindu country?
India. Good.
4. Show me an Islamic Arabic country?
Saudi. Good.
5. Now show me the Sinhala Buddhist country?
????
It is now called Sri Lanka. Correct name Sinhela.
Did God Jesus Christ visit Sri Lanka? NO.
Did Prophet Mohammad visit Sri Lanka? NO.
Did Krishna visit Sri Lanka? NO. (Rama did visit Sri Lanka but to destroy it.)
Did Buddha visit Sri Lanka? Oh! Yes!
So it is a Buddhist country. Sri Lanka is the ONLY country Buddha visited BY CHOICE. He was in Nepal/India so he had no choice there. But the moment he got a choice, where did he visit? Sri Lanka
So this is why Sri Lanka is the Sinhala Buddhist country.
But some foolish Sinhala Buddhists have out of GENEROSITY given up their claims. So all the cats and dogs have started to claim it as theirs.
If you still don’t believe it let me explain from the Bible – Wise King Solomon.
Once upon a time there was a very wise king by the name Solomon
He was the king, army commander, the judge and the jury and the parliament. Somewhat like MR.
One day 2 women came to him claiming ONE baby as theirs. 2 mothers, 1 baby!
King asked, “Yako, whose son is this?”
MINE! Screamed both women.
Then the king asked, whose son is this?”
MINE! Screamed both women.
hmmmm…thought the wise king. He ordered a soldier to cut the baby into half and give each half to each woman. Then ONE woman came to the baby’s rescue and stopped the king. She begged to spare the baby.
So the king found the OWNER of the baby!
And he hacked the other FAKE woman to death.
When Norway, UK, India, USA, UNHRC, LTTE, PLOTE, IPKF, Tamil MODA-RATES, etc. tried to CUT SL into halves, who came forward to defend it?
Muslims? NO.
Tamils? NO.
Europeans? NO.
(Well VERY few of them DID come forward UNDER the leadership of real owners).
Sinhalese. YES. Like the REAL mother of that baby, Sinhalese came forward to defend their baby – Sri Lanka
That establishes who the REAL OWNER of Sri Lanka is.
(I know we are not as wise as King Solomon, but we are enough intelligent to get it, aren’t we?)
May 10th, 2014 at 3:32 am
Shenali D Waduge Being a Tamil Christian !
Let’s play a game. ! Why you want to play with your own Bro & Sis Life !
Why this Kolaveri My Brother ???
We have Lord Bhuddas holy land & We lived together last 2,500 years ( according to great Mahavamsam)!
Now war is over thank to MR & Family !!!
We Thamil have a CM in NP & Musliam have one in EP & Sinhalis have 7 in South & West ,Also We have Head of State Hon MR !
Urudra Devi ( Colombo Godda) & Yal Devi ( from Yalpanam) will meet at Anuradapum in June 2014.
Live happy for ever
Anpudan…
Hela Demilaya ( Eelath Thamizhan) !!!
United Provincial Council of Sri Lanka
Fully implement 13a & 6a !
May 10th, 2014 at 4:58 am
Thank you SW.
The best guarantee of safety and civilization of ALL minority people (Tamil, Muslim, other) depends on SL remaining a SINHELA BUDDHIST country.
Otherwise Tamils will KILL EACH OTHER like they did before 1948 over CASTE.
Muslims will KILL EACH OTHER over Shia-Sunni-Sufi-Salafi.
Christians will KILL EACH OTHER like in Ireland.
Cum-Moron recently declared UK to be a CHRISTIAN country.
Israel is bringing a law to declare Israel a JEWISH country.
Putin declared Russia to be a RUSSIAN CHRISTIAN country 1 year ago.
Modi has vowed to declare Endia as a HINDU country.
Saudi, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, etc. have already declared them to be MUSLIM countries.
SL MUST too. SL cannot be a country without ownership. It must have owners and loyalties.
May 10th, 2014 at 7:23 am
This is why Sri Lanka needs political buddhism. Politically active most – Cheevaradharina talk BS.
Sri Lanka should have media owned by the buddhists. that is the only way.
For the time being push for buddhists to be chief editors. Editorial boards should be buddhists.
May 10th, 2014 at 11:18 am
“When news media control what we see, hear, think, learn and know – it is a dangerous situation.”
YES, BUT if media is not given an opportunity to correct the situation it is still worse.
The fact remains that Lanka is the Land of Native Vedda. The Vedda walked when the sea levels were low. as low as 120 meters 25,000 years ago. Everybody else is a Paradeshi, a foreigner.
The DNA In them proves that.
They all should be sent to South India and India.
May 10th, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Wonderful article. Quoting from the article: ” In a population of under 50,000 why should 42 mosques emerge in Kattankudy alone? Is this fair and justifiable? The visible rise in the proliferation of mosques is said to be 5000 throughout the island where the Muslim population is just 1.6million.”
That is shocking because in the United Kingdom where the population is Sixty three million (63 Million) there are one thousand five hundred Mosques (1500). The saturation level of Mosques in Sri Lanka where the population is 20 Million is 5 thousand. This shows that in Sri Lanka Islam has a greater grip than in London which has an more open immigration policy than Sri Lanka.
One correction. This is NOT a racist issue since Christian, Muslim and Secular Sinhalese are part of the cabal of voices aimed against the Buddhist Sinhalese. This is a SECTARIAN issue and should be called as such.
May 10th, 2014 at 12:12 pm
Second comment:
Any apologist for Islam who points out Indonesia as an example of “Islamic tolerance” must not that in Indonesia “tolerance” is because that nation is made up of thousands of islands and many times Indonesians identify themselves from the island they originate. Thus we have “Hindu Balinese” from the island of Bali, Muslim Javanese from Java, Sumatrans from Sumatra. It is because of the nature of being an island surrounded by miles of ocean did Hinduism survive in Bali. Indonesia’s tolerance emanates from her geography and not her Islamic faith.
May 10th, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Since Sinhalese Buddhist history was written in the article I would like to point the invasion of Kalinga Magha and 250 thousand soldiers. He came from India to plunder and pillage Sri Lanka. It was due to his actions in the 11th century that drove the Sinhalese Buddhists to the far South and allowed the Tamils to establish their kingdom in Jaffna.
Now the history has come to a full circle. Due to the 30 year war against Tamil terrorism waged mainly by Jaffna Tamils and the defeat of them including their dream of a separate homeland which should be seen as an extension of that Tamil Kingdom back in the 11th century, Buddhist Sinhalese must reclaim the lands lost to Kalinga Magha and reclaim the northern and eastern provinces as majority Sinhalese Buddhist provinces.
May 10th, 2014 at 4:20 pm
“Its article headings clearly show their bias: Bhikku brigade”, Buddhist Taliban”, Attack on Muslims”, Extremists BBS Majoritarian virus”, Hamuruduwane Booruwane”, Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism”, bigotry of SinhalaBuddhism”, haunted by the Mahawansa”, … the labels that Sinhalese Buddhists have been tagged with that media enthusiastically promotes are many. It is a gross violation of ethics of Journalism.”
Yes. “Buddhist Extremist” title is used by Lankapage too.
Islamic Extremist are already in Sri Lanka , building 42 mossie factories in Kattankudy.
These “Extremists” promote Islamic Dress ( black Gonibilla), Islamic Sharia law ( Hallal), closing of shops on Fridays and blocking whole of Colombo to promote islamb, killing animals for Dana etc.
Christian Extremist are already in Sri Lanka for a long time now. Go to Negambo and you can see thousands of Christian statues in numbers never seen even in countries declared as Christian. Many Churches propagating Christianity.
Similarly, “Extreme Buddhism” should promote getting people to become monks and to become Arahants quickly. Extreme way to become a Buddhist is to meditate whole day, don’t even say a abusive word even if some one cuts your limbs off. Is BBS doing this ? BBS is a organised group trying to force politicians not to allow Islamb to pollute Sri Lanka by taking bribes. It is only propagating “Fairness” , not Buddhism.
May 10th, 2014 at 4:36 pm
There are many PEACEFUL means to save SL from the Islam Menace.
There is NO POINT in falling to the LOW LEVELS used by Jihad groups in handling things.
May 10th, 2014 at 6:21 pm
Lorenzo,
“There is NO POINT in falling to the LOW LEVELS used by Jihad groups in handling things.”
That is absolute rubbish. Jihad groups killed thousands. A Buddhist will not kill even an insect unless provoked.
Jihadists cut limbs off, behead innocent people for the reason of not following Islam.
I condemn you statement in strongest possible terms.
BBS is no where near Jihad levels and WILL NEVER REACH even close. They are there because apparent betrayal of Sinhala Buddhist by MR. If MR has followed up as per his words “those who love the country and those who do not” no BBS have ever emerged and gone to the levels of rioters. MT is responsible for bringing insult to pure Buddhism.
May 10th, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Govern Lanka as done in Singapore.
May 10th, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Readers might want to check out what our Indian friend Subramaniam Swamy of BJP has to say .
Mr.Swamy exposes the treat that nation faces from more primitive religions than Hinduism , also he has correct ideas about the way West uses Tamil diaspora and weak Sinhala Kalu suddas etc.
May 10th, 2014 at 7:12 pm
The threat that nation faces I mean. ( India – Subramanium Swamy)
May 10th, 2014 at 7:18 pm
When Israel is accepted and promoted as a Jewish only state , by the west Saudis garland the leaders of the west with gold chains and kiss their bottoms, most muslim nations do the same.
In Srilanka why should you allow two types of civil laws for those people and Sinhalese.
Srilankan government health care, education etc are abused and exploited by those delusional people .
Muslim is not a nation they are free to practice it as a religion but they should obey the regular laws of the nation .
May 10th, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Singapore is a small city state with no history or cultural heritage , Singapore is a tightly controlled supply station or out post of the Brits who caters to their needs , they have no human rights, it is a police state. No eight people can get together there with out a permit.
Singapore law allows abductions, searches , flogging and barbarian ways of punishing people just like Saudi Arabia.
Those who want Srilanka to be like Singapore has never been to that artificial city state concrete jungle.
Srilanka has a history , cultural heritage .
Srilankan tamils and even Muslims have been different and had their unique heritage and culture.
Srilankan muslims should participate in the democracy without hidden agendas or under mining the courteous and patient majority.
They should know that they are Srilankan muslims not muslim Saudi instruments.
May 10th, 2014 at 9:24 pm
@Shenali,
Be truth to the readers,I can agree with you.but can’t agree with your data’s.pls visit http://www.statistics.gov.lk(due to some reason 2011 population report been adjusted-for instance Dehiwela Muslim population on 2001 20500,but 2011 too showing same).
as per the Ministry of religious affaires,10000 Buddhists temple,5000 Hindu Kovils,2500 Mosques and 2500 Churches are available in Sri Lanka.if you make comparison between Mosque and Kovils Muslim population is almost equal to Hindu population of Sri lanka,but Kovils are double.same time if you make comparison with Churches still churches are more than it’s Christian population.
But when you make comparison with Buddhist temple verses Mosques,Mosques are quite high.(But real Muslim Population of Sri lanka is 2.8 Million-it’s really shocking is’t it?).
May 10th, 2014 at 11:40 pm
Govern Lanka as done in Singapore !
We all can live happy forever !
United Provincial Council of Sri Lanka
Fully implement 13a & 6a !
May 11th, 2014 at 2:15 am
Nanda,
That is NOT what I meant.
Islamic groups are BARBARIANS.
e.g. Abducting hundreds of school girls in Nigeria
We have to AVOID their barbarity. By PEACEFUL I did NOT mean good, righteous things. I meant AVOIDING a conflict but using ALL other means to BUST them.
Agree BBS is NOWHERE near Jihad barbarians. Lets keep it that way.
May 11th, 2014 at 2:22 am
We should COMPARE abduction of hundreds of girls in Nigeria with abduction of THOUSANDS OF GIRLS in SL by Tamil terrorists.
Now the world is shedding crocodile tears for these girls including Mitchell Obama. Now is the time to RIDICULE its gravity by comparing it to Tamil girls abducted by LTTE not just to be sold for prostitution but also to be turned in to SUICIDE BOMBERS.
May 11th, 2014 at 5:35 am
“The truth is that the role of Sinhalese Buddhists are confined to only bringing politicians to power and these politicians end up deserting the voters that voted them to power. That is the sad reality”
Absolutely correct and that is nothing but the TRUTH. While we could hail that as the “Truth”, what our Buddhist voters are doing over and over again is very painful. As Buddhists, we are in the least expected to be MINDFUL and that is the seventh step of the Eight Fold Path shown by Buddha; (SAMMA SATI meaning Right Mindfulness). Since a majority of our Buddhists are not “mindful” of or least bothered of what is happening within and around, certain groups have emerged to press for exposure of things that are permitted and being done in a wrong way that destroy the very roots of our culture and religious teachings. I see BBS in that perspective, although their way of handling matters are not to my liking.
A case in point was the UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION of a Prayer Hall and a Church at Thalahena, Malabe. The Local Authority and the UDA, both designated Governmental authorities did not approve the building plans to construct this facility; but the person who bought the plot of land ( a mere 4 or 5 perches) ignored all such authorities and built the prayer hall. He next started attracting the so called “Buddhists” in an around the vicinity by starting a “Montessori” for children. I know of so many who converted themselves with this person’s promise of entry of their children to “prestigious schools” “Good Jobs” etc. In the absence of the “Authorities” and the residence to be “Mindful” of what was going on, it was BBS who took up the problem to their own hands and created that “Big” protest.
The “Truth” that the Buddhists have to realize is to be at all times to be MINDFUL of what is going on “WITHIN” and “AROUND” you. If all cultivate this quality of MINDFULNESS, and do things accordingly NO FORCE, however forceful, would be able to undermine the rightful place for the large majority of the country. This FORCE that I refer to includes “Corrupt Politicians and the Clergy” too.
May 11th, 2014 at 7:44 am
How do other countries manage similar problems ?
They let the Law of the Land prevail. The the Law of the Land in Sri Lanka is NOT Buddhism. The Law of the Land in Sri Lanka is a mix of Roman Dutch Law with some British Law. Lanka Laws have to be upgraded to the suit the times to protect the Land and the People. Next, let the Laws prevail and be carried out without fear or favor.
Due to some 500 yrs of Colonisation, Cold War infringements and internal strife due to JVP political ideology & LTTE Terrorism/Separatism (due mainly to Tamil Caste Wars imported form Tamil Nadu), the Sinhala/Buddhists have been conditioned to ‘accept’ Laws been broken. This situation cannot continue if the country is to remain whole and peace/prosperity prevail.
The BBS must expose the facts of each case to be faced by the Nation, and solutions found within the Law by adding or subtracting from existing Laws.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:14 am
Shenali D Waduge..
RE: Sri Lanka’s Media racist towards Buddhists
Will the Buddhists, give up their Buddhist myths and Accept Christian Myths, will the media Racism go away?
Will the Buddhists, give up their Buddhist myths and Accept Hindu Myths, will the media Racism go away?
Will the Buddhists, give up their Buddhist myths and Accept Islam Myths, will the media Racism go away?
After all, the the land of Native Vedda is full of Myths.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:47 am
Lorenzo: to quote you: “There are many PEACEFUL means to save SL from the Islam Menace.”
“There is NO POINT in falling to the LOW LEVELS used by Jihad groups in handling things.”
Yet you did not give any examples of a peaceful means that would be successful when Islam has created 5 thousand mosques in Sri Lanka (compared to 1500 Mosques in Great Britain whose population is 63 million).
Please elaborate on these peaceful means that would be a success in curbing Islamic expansionism in Sri Lanka?
What I find difficult about your second statement “there is NO POINT in falling to the LOW LEVELS used by Jihad groups in handling things” I agree on principle. But could you explain why 52 Muslim nation have SUCCESSFULLY maintained Islam in their nations using Sharia law (which goes against every human rights principle and also goes unchallenged by the UN) and Sri Lanka is losing the battle to keep Buddhism alive using the supposed “civilized” laws of the Western nations such as Secularism, multiculturalism, Liberalism, which have back fired on Europe to the degree that Islam is now the fastest growing faith in Europe.
Why should Sri Lanka embrace philosophies, doctrines and laws imported from the West that DO NOT WORK? why can’t Sri Lanka look at her own Buddhist past to realize that the Buddhist Sanga did a great job along with the Buddhist rulers in developing and exporting Buddhism and in creating one of the world’s most brilliant civilizations under the Buddhist ethos.?
May 11th, 2014 at 1:28 pm
If there are any others good at COMPLAINING FOR EVERYTHING and claiming other people’s land as theirs (apart from Tamils), it is Palestinians!!
“Four Palestinian refugees have been detained in Sri Lanka for more than two weeks and risk being expelled back to Syria, according to a human rights group.
The Palestinian League for Human Rights – Syria says the four men were stopped at Sri Lanka’s international airport on April 26 on suspicion of presenting false passports, and transported to a detention centre in the capital Colombo.
“They were directly taken to the military prison, where they described the treatment as inhuman,” league spokesman Salim Salamah told Al Jazeera. Citing communications from the detained men, Salamah said they were being held in a cockroach-infested warehouse that heated up “like an oven” in the scorching sun.”
– adaderana
We must STOP all these ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO SL.
May 11th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
BW,
Some examples.
1. NO MORE MOSQUES, KOVILS, TEMPLES, CHURCHES, etc. policy. Do a percentage calculation. Out of all places of worship, 70% should be Buddhist, 9.2% Muslim, Hindu and Christian their population percentage. ALL additional ones should be DEMOLISHED on a LIFO basis.
2. SCRAP Muslim law that allows special rights to Muslims other don’t have.
3. STOP screaming in loudspeakers
4. ENFORCED population control by legal and other means on ETHNIC GROUP level (copy from Israel – I cannot elaborate these. Some involve halal beef, Ramadan dates, etc.)
5. STOP drugs. ALL drug imports are from MUSLIM countries or by MUSLIM connections.
6. PUNISH anti-SL ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS who discredited SL at the UNHRC, etc. One is a GOVT minister.
7. PIT Wahabis against other Islamic sects. This is peaceful from a SL point of view.
8. STOP illegals coming to SL from Pakistan, Endia, Maldives, Palestine, etc.
9. RESTRICT HAJJ pilgrimage to stop the spread of the CAMEL FEVER now spreading in Saudi like wildfire. STOP subsidizing it!! Muslims plan to BRING the CAMEL FEVER to SL!!
10. JOIN countries like ISRAEL (experts in handing Muslims) to CONTAIN Muslim population.
11. Spread SOLAR ENERGY.
May 11th, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Lorenzo,
OK (except 9. ). But BBS cannot implement these. MR & Co can but they do the inverse of you examples. BBS met MR many times, nothing happens. When they take law into their hands Gov is thinking how to bust them, not implementing those hypothetical rules of yours.
BBS has become the only voice of Sinhalas ( not Buddhist) and the way they are forced to do is detrimental to Buddhism and MR appears to be enjoying it.
May 11th, 2014 at 2:52 pm
“The Director of the Species Conservation Centre, Pubudu Weerarathna told The Divaina Sinhala newspaper that about 80 baby elephants that were captured illegally from forests had already died in the hands of the unscrupulous captors due to lack of proper care.
He said there are powerful individuals like politicians behind the illegal capture of wild elephant cubs and the law is not implemented properly due to this reason. ”
Politicians are the Enemy of the Sinhala Buddhist, not LTTE any more. Politicians ( even the ones in the MR’s gang )represent LTTE. They are so greedy that they consume everything including elephants and Buddhism.
May 11th, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Nanda,
Why EXECPT #9?
HAJJ is the main drug networking annual event. Drug lords from Afghanistan, Pakistan, SL, Endia, etc. CONVERGE in HAJJ!!
We CANNOT use sniffer dogs to snif out drug in the returning pilgrims because they consider dog to be a satanic animal!! Nice excuse!!
This is how ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS also get to know about SL.
Now there is CAMEL FEVER too.
Foot and mouth disease (NOT BBS) has CLOSED DOWN MOST cattle killing joints in NP, WP, SP and few other districts. Now no beef for Muslims. Why not release foot and mouth affected cattle beef for greedy beef eaters?
May 11th, 2014 at 5:15 pm
If Sinhala people BLINDLY VOTE for MR he will do WHATEVER he wants.
Tamils and Muslims NEVER vote for a party BLINDLY. They ALWAYS vote for BENEFITS for their community.
That USELESS WEERAWANSAM, GAMMANPILLAI, RANAWAKAM should be kicked out! IF they were true to their word, there is no need for BBS to get involved.
SLFP high level meeting on last friday discussed elections. They decided NOT to have a PE or GE soon because Tamils and Muslims are NOT with the govt. So the DAMN FOOLS decided to GIVE MORE AND MORE to Tamils and Muslims to win their votes BEFORE holding a PE or GE!!!
Nawfer Fowzi told MR recently “Muslim golla yenawa ape buriyani kanna vitharai. Kaala kaala yenawa. Apita chande denne ne.”
Douglas Deva told MR a year ago “Thamil gattiya ape meeting walata yenawa jobs ganna. Chande denne TNA ekkata.”
Sinhalese should be like this. GO AFTER MR to get jobs and benefits BUT vote for BBS FRONT. There is an attempt to get BBS register a party (BODU HELA PERAMUNA) and contest AGAINST MR at the PE.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:20 pm
Lorenzo,
Before you were born 2 planes from Indonesia going to Hajji crashed in Sri Lanka. Allah knows how to bring back fools to heaven. He has a problem with too many virgins there. No need for gov to get involved in stopping Mecca bound fools.
All viruses are welcome but make sure they are screed at BIA if come back.
That is why no need for #9.
May 12th, 2014 at 3:54 am
TYPICAL Tamils. Now the remaining Tamilian women will also LEAVE the army.
When the NANTHIKADAL DEFEAT celebration draws near Tamilians go MAD.
“A man has reportedly stabbed and killed his wife with a sharp object, for allegedly enlisting in the army, before committing suicide himself in the Wallipunam area in Mullaitivu.
The murdered woman had recently enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army despite strong objections from her husband, which had led to countless arguments and squabbles between the two.
However, last evening while the woman had returned home on leave, the husband had stabbed her to death with a sharp object and then committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree behind their residence, Ada Derana reporter said.
The couple are said to be the parents of two children, a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, while Pudukuduirippu Police are conducing further investigations.”
-adaderana.lk
May 12th, 2014 at 5:44 am
Leave aside the mossies, this is what Christians say.
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
sri-lankaThe government of Sri Lanka has created a religious police unit to settle disputes arising from an increasing intolerance against minorities by Buddhist groups, according to AsiaNews.
However, many Christians and Muslims in Sri Lanka think that the new unit is disingenuous as it answers only to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, which coincidently is tasked with furthering Buddhism. And members of Sri Lanka’s Christian clergy told AsiaNews that the government’s decision to help solve religious disputes was misleading since many Buddhist nationalists are already under the protection of the Sri Lanka government.
Last year, Sri Lanka’s Christian communities were targeted by vigilante groups acting on behalf of the country’s Buddhist Sinhalese majority. These groups have destroyed, or closed down numerous churches, notably Evangelical congregations whose preaching is perceived as a threat to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist majority.
“The special unit will not solve the crisis we are experiencing,” Rev. Emmanuel Sebamalai, a Tamil Catholic priest and human rights activist, told AsiaNews. “Its creation proves that there is a problem between Buddhism and other religions. However, the government supports Buddhists and helps their radical elements when they attack minorities with impunity.”
Related News Stories:
1.Buddhist monks Vandalize churches in Sri Lanka
2.Debate Continues on Sri Lanka Anti-Conversion Law
3.Buddhist Extremists Force Churches in Sri Lanka to Close
4.Sri Lanka: Pastor and Wife Attacked for Defending Right to Worship
5.Sri Lanka: 146 Places of Worship Closed in Last 4 Months
6.Violence Against Christians Escalates in Sri Lanka
7.Anti-Christian Violence Continues in Sri Lanka
May 12th, 2014 at 5:45 am
“Its creation proves that there is a problem between Buddhism and other religions. However, the government supports Buddhists and helps their radical elements when they attack minorities with impunity.”
Actually the government supports Muslims and Christians.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:19 am
BASIC NEEDS of all people are the same viz Food, clothing, shelter, add : Education, Jobs etc.
Why bring in illegal migrants to Sri Lanka ? Free Education & health care in Lanka with lax laws (e.e. SAARC visa on entry rule), allow this to go on.
Tough thinking needed here for survival of local people, especially the Sinhala/Buddhists. Buddhism and State ought to be separate, or else Lanka will be rendered a poor state very soon due to large numbers dependent on State land, housing, education, health care, etc.
BBS however is needed to point out the facts and suggest solutions.
May 12th, 2014 at 8:44 am
Lorenzo: Thanks for answering my question. Good examples and I fully support them. One step further and that is my personal opinion. Make Buddhism a state faith. By doing so it eliminates Secularism, Liberalism etc. and places the values of Buddhism above all.
I also found out that in Japan there are only 60 Mosques, most built in the last 20 years. There are an estimated 100 thousand Muslims residing in Japan, most of them not citizens but on Visas. There has been a rise of Japanese women marrying Muslims but when compared to Japan’s 125 Million population that is negligible. Japan has done a great job of keeping alien faiths from her shores.
I also learned from Asia Times that Israel is becoming a power with Asia against radical Islam so your reference to Israel is on the point.
May 12th, 2014 at 11:15 am
Thank you Shenali as always.. Very thorough expose of the situation. NOW if ever we question, criticze or write about BUDHHISTS in Sri Lanka, everybody find falults with us. Some might say we are RELGOUS EXTREMISTS, by saying such things & they try to SUPPRESS any critiizm which is the SLOGAN & intent of Muslims & Christians.
Our politicial leaders ALWAYS worry about getting elected the next election comes along & never take an unpopular stance EVEN if it DOWNGRADES SINHELA BUDDHISTS.
As Shenali pointed out in Eastern Province she stated that 42,000 people of Mulim origin needs SO MANY MOSQUES to worship? What is going on with our Govt. Leaders who are elected to SEE SINHELA BUDDHISTS must have the say in these matters IF NOT WE ARE losing our own country to outsiders WHO practce & preach different idelogies & customes foreign to ours.
WHY so many are complaining that we are ERECTING Buddha statues in Trico & other Northern Cities where we have every right to do so. As the major religius group we aare entitled to. WE NEED not ask any other group if we feel a BUDDIST SYMBOL is appropriate for the area.
MUSLIM bashing or Chritian BASHING is not the issue, the ISSUE is our relgion & our race will be gradually WIPED OUT by over population of NEW COMERS mainly from Arab & Christian countries. Just beacuse we complain do not make us RACISTS, that is what others SAY to counter our claims……..Regardless, SPEAK UP & take action before its too late……J
May 12th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
To clarify : I am saying that Buddhism and State ought to be separate because a Buddhist State is expected to be ultra ‘kind’ and accommodate one and all from the SE Asian region who are disenchanted with their own countries, especially Tamil Nadu, who want to settle down in Sri Lanka. Such folk invariably bring with them all the baggage that made them flee their motherlands in the first place and will most likely use Lanka as a base to fight such problems, as done by the Tamil Tigers. Even worse, demand separate states in Lanka, powered and used by outside sources. The anger they manifest will also affect the general population of Lanka.
30 yrs of LTTE terrorism ought to be lesson enough.
For these and other reasons, deport all illegal migrants and do not allow any further influx of same.
May 12th, 2014 at 9:04 pm
Fran,
I too agree with BW that it is sensible to declare Buddhism as the state religion which will give a proper legal basis to action against Arabs and the Euros.
May 12th, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Shenali D Waduge Being a Tamil Christian !
Let’s play a game. ! Why you want to play with your own Bro & Sis Life !
Why this Kolaveri My Brother ???
We have Lord Bhuddas holy land & We lived together last 2,500 years ( according to great Mahavamsam)!
Now war is over thank to MR & Family !!!
We Thamil have a CM in NP & Musliam have one in EP & Sinhalis have 7 in South & West ,Also We have Head of State Hon MR !
Urudra Devi ( Colombo Godda) & Yal Devi ( from Yalpanam) will meet at Anuradapum in June 2014.
Live happy for ever
Anpudan…
Hela Demilaya !!!
United Provincial Council of Sri Lanka
Fully implement 13a & 6a !
May 13th, 2014 at 7:10 am
Nanda,
As far as I can remember, even west bound JRJ wanted a ‘Dharmishta society’. Well, we all know the results of his well intended declaration.
Anyway, my main concerns are about :
(1) ILLEGAL MIGRATION INTO LANKA : Protection of Buddhism or any religion starts at Kindergarden level where a child is taught to value human life and the environment, not exploitation of life and nature, only to take what is necessary for life only.
(2) The ECONOMY : As things are, Sinhala/Buddhists are ‘taken for a ride’ where various economically strong groups with strong outside influences are pushing the local folk aside. We have to get Self Sufficient in every way possible.
Example : Buddhists & Hindus are howling about beef eating. What are they doing in a practical way to come out this habit which in the end causes diseases in the human body whilst misery for poor animals ? Are we growing more Soy and making Soy products such as Soy milk and Soy burghers which replaces the cow killing ?
Nanda, needless to say, I am for full protection of BUDDHIST archeological sites, Buddhist temples and schools via the State machinery and laws made to do so. The various Nindagan can be used constructively to grow organic produce, particularly soy and soy products, so as to keep to the Buddhist ethics in a practical way and also generate funds to the various temples.
——-
Buddhists are expected to behave like priests whilst others can play ‘pandu’ ! End result is endless ‘Kallthonis’ and an attitude of ‘kindness & compassion’ toward any rogues/pirates that land on Lanka shores. These folk will reman loyal to the various religious bodies that protect them. That will not work in the practical sense for the vast majority in Lanka.
It is pointless howling after the misdeeds are done as Sinhala/Buddhists are wont to do. If necessary, new Laws must be made to protect the land and the people and the Laws upheld. Various religious bodies offload dissidents who are, if necessary, converted in foreign countries and brought into Lanka. Who ends up spending and looking after these folks ? It is the hapless taxpayer and the State of Lanka who will have to give them land, homes, jobs, education etc. whilst these folk remain loyal to outside foreign sources.
Buddhists of Lanka have to learn modern economics and get more practical about life in Lanka.
May 13th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Sorry, the paras got mixed up. Wrote in earlier in a great hurry ! Here is the corrected version :
Nanda,
As far as I can remember, even west bound JRJ wanted a ‘Dharmishta society’. Well, we all know the results of his well intended declaration.
Nanda, needless to say, I am for full protection of BUDDHIST archeological sites, Buddhist temples and schools via the State machinery and laws made to do so. The various Nindagan can be used constructively to grow organic produce, particularly soy and soy products, so as to keep to the Buddhist ethics in a practical way and also generate funds to the various temples.
Anyway, my main concerns are about :
ILLEGAL MIGRANTS : Buddhists are expected to behave like priests whilst others can play ‘pandu’ ! End result is endless ‘Kallthonis’ and an attitude of ‘kindness & compassion’ toward any rogues/pirates that land on Lanka shores. These folk will reman loyal to the various religious bodies that protect them. That will not work in the practical sense for the vast majority in Lanka.
It is pointless howling after the misdeeds are done as Sinhala/Buddhists are wont to do. If necessary, new Laws must be made to protect the land and the people and the Laws upheld. Various religious bodies offload dissidents who are, if necessary, converted in foreign countries and brought into Lanka. Who ends up spending and looking after these folks ? It is the hapless taxpayer and the State of Lanka who will have to give them land, homes, jobs, education etc. whilst these folk remain loyal to outside foreign sources.
Case in point was the LTTE padded up through illegal migrants. In the end, Lanka had to go to war with the terrorist group, and thus Buddhist values are compromised.
(2) The ECONOMY : As things are, Sinhala/Buddhists are ‘taken for a ride’ where various economically strong groups with strong outside influences are pushing the local folk aside. We have to get Self Sufficient in every way possible.
Example : Buddhists & Hindus are howling about beef eating. What are they doing in a practical way to come out this habit which in the end causes diseases in the human body with misery for poor animals ? Are we growing more Soy and making Soy products such as Soy milk and Soy burghers which replaces the cow killing ?
Buddhists of Lanka have to learn modern economics and get more practical about life in Lanka.
May 13th, 2014 at 1:25 pm
Nanda: you say BBS cannot do what Lorenzo suggested. The Buddhist Sanga can. The BBS to date has created a very popular internet paper that has an international reach. One point of the effectiveness of the BBS is the negative articles and comments written about the BBS by her opponents.
The Island has mentioned the BBS in numerous articles addressing many issues, including the Wilpattu national part, so has the Tamil Diaspora to the Muslim leaders. They DO NOT mention other Buddhist orders because unlike the BBS they are willing to play it safe. If not for the BBS the Sinhalese Buddhist nationalist movement would be limited.
The BBS and the Buddhist Sanga can do many of what Lorenzo suggested when they become the “voice of the Buddhist Sri Lankan people”. When the BBS takes on social issues neglected by the government to other issues that do not need any confrontation they will win the hearts and minds of the Buddhist people of Sri Lanka.
This is not new or unique. That is how the Pope to Mother Theresa got world attention. They used their power to deal with the myriad social issues confronting them. By their deeds they gained more power. In Sri Lanka’s long history the Buddhist Sanga has shared power with the Monarchy… till the age of Colonialism. The Buddhist Sanga acts like a counter weight to Colombo. The less Colombo does to the people and the greater the Buddhist Sanga takes up the slack, it is logical to believe that the ordinary Buddhist person will look towards the Buddhist Sanga to address the everyday problems of his life than to Colombo. When that happens then the “Saffron power” becomes greater than those in Political power.
May 13th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
AS we expected. MONSANTO (one of the MOST powerful companies in the world) bribed GOSL. Now CKDU will spread like wildfire. SL will need KIDNEYS.
“Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that it has officially lifted the ban on glyphosate with the Registrar of Pesticides as no justifiable reason has been found to impose a ban.”
– colombopage
May 13th, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Lorenzo,
Monsanto belongs to worst enemy of humanity, American Jews. They are bribe kings. This is a proof of unprecedented corruption.
Why shouldn’t we condemn MR, I ask the readers ?
If not for GR, who convinced Ranee after showing her possibility of death, LTTE is still running Vanni. It is GR’s shrewdness and young soldiers love of motherland that defeated the murderers.
May 13th, 2014 at 2:43 pm
BW,
What I meant, literally, they are not the government.The way BBS monks behave will bring disrepute to Buddhism and gradually they will loose respect and good for Maha Ranee to keep on bashing Sinhala people.
Did Sangha topple the Myanmar Junta ? MR will shoot Sangha one day and he will go down leaving UNP to ruin all the gains. Bloody greedy fools.
May 13th, 2014 at 2:53 pm
There is a brand new Jaffna-Killinochchi Water Treatment Plant planned , tendered and possibly under construction.
I did not hear a Single new WTP for Sinhala people affected by USA’s killing Sinhala strategy, except some patching up of existing plants to serve urban residents of Rajarata area. Now, after accepting bribes, Maha Ranee is bashing officials and engineers.
Quoting Lanka Page
“May 13, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the officials in charge of the country’s water supply to establish and an advanced water supply network in the entire country.
President Rajapaksa issued these instructions during a discussion held at Temple Trees this morning with the officials of the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.
The meeting was held to evaluate the progress of the water supply projects which are currently being implemented and to review the projects that are being planned for the future.
At the meeting the President asked the officials to focus on providing pure drinking water facilities to the people living in the areas with a high risk of kidney diseases.
He pointed out to the officials that the government has improved the road network in the country with a systematic plan and the water supply problem should also be resolved in a similar systematic manner.
Work on a number of water supply schemes is planned for this year, the officials informed the President. “
May 13th, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Monsanto patent on Glyphosate expired in 2000. Now there are many companies all over the world producing Glyphosate and marketing it as a weedkiller. China also produces Glyphosate.
It has been proved that Glyphosate by itself is not dangerous. When Glyphosate mixes with Arsenic, Cadmium and other minerals, then dangerous compounds are formed which lead to CKD. Some of these compounds are absorbed through the exposed skin when the compounds are suspended or dissolved in water. Rice paddies are particularly vulnerable because of the presence of water, with fertilizers, insecticides (Arsenic and other minerals) and Glyphosate combining to form compounds. In Japan, rice farmers use galoshes and gloves to prevent absorption of Glyphosate compounds . Sri Lanka farmers should copy this.
Re Glyphosate : Let the buyer beware.
May 14th, 2014 at 3:41 am
Fran,
Still Monsanto owns Roundup which is exported to everywhere and some package it with different names.
As for the argument it is dangerous or not will depend on the publishers, media which are run by the same mob.
If you followed Lankaweb, our researchers who visited US met another Sinhala researcher there and they concluded the main reason for CKDU of rajarata people is Glyphosate.
It was banned but never implemented and now ban gone.
May 14th, 2014 at 7:55 am
Sri Lankans must stop purchasing any product with Glyphosate. Nanda, as you say, Glyphosate is the culprit, whoever produces it. Read article below. It is also true, as you say, that Monsanto’s Roundup started the sale of Glyphosate. Lankan have applied the weedicide accepting it as safe. Henceforth, we shall have to test chemicals ourselves before using them ?
there is no other way to safeguard the health of the People.
Other aspects we continue to use daily which endanger our health :
* We still continue to fill our teeth with Silver fillings which is in reality Mercury amalgam. Mercury is deadly to our health.
Read up on effects of Mercury on health.
* We still use Margerine in Lanka. This is a trans fat also endangering health.
Lankans have to learn to live safely with the Glyphosate ALREADY in the soil. That is the present challenge here.
Article :
” Sri Lanka lifts ban on sale of glyphosate
Tue, May 13, 2014, 12:13 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
May 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that it has officially lifted the ban on glyphosate with the Registrar of Pesticides as no justifiable reason has been found to impose a ban.
Sri Lanka in March this year banned the sale of Monsanto’s “Round Up” glyphosate weedicide after a study found that the weedicide is responsible for the increasing number of chronic kidney disease patients.
The decision to ban the weedicide sale was based on a directive of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who appointed a committee to look into the chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu).
The research study conducted by Dr. Channa Jayasumana of the Rajarata University found that while the weedicide itself is not nephrotoxic, when it combines with hard ground water containing metals such as cadmium and arsenic, either naturally present in the soil or added through fertilizer, glyphosate becomes extremely toxic to the kidney.
However, since then the validity of Dr. Jayasumana’s research had come under question as the manufacturer Monsanto and other agrochemical producers have raised objections to the findings saying that there is no evidence to suggest the conclusion that glyphosate is responsible for CKDu.
A European glyphosate task force also has concluded that there is no true link to the kidney disease.
Starting in the mid-1990s, CKDu was discovered among the rice paddy farmers in the North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka and over the years since then, the disease spread rapidly to the other farming areas of the country, especially in North Central, North Western, Uva and Eastern Provinces.
A World Health Organization (WHO) reports estimated 15 percent of the population in North Central and Uva Province, about 60,000 people, had CKDu, and that 22,000 had died in the past 20 years in Anuradhapura alone from it.
The Agriculture Department, while noting that they have not found conclusive evidence which relates the kidney disease to pesticides in general, say that a glyphosate ban will affect the tea plantations and also the paddy cultivation drastically as it is the only effective weedicide for paddy and other commercial crops like, tea, coconut and rubber.
The Department however, cautioned that any pesticide/weedicide use has adverse effects on health and advised the farmers to use them in a controlled manner, according to a report in Ceylon Today.
Special officers will be deployed at Provincial Council levels to monitor and train farmers on the proper usage of glyphosate, the Department said”.
May 14th, 2014 at 10:36 am
in a Free Market, it is Demand & Supply that governs the marketplace. The BUYER of goods and services has to be well informed to make the right purchases. Do we have proper Consumer Associations in Lanka ?
In the Free Market, the BUYER HAS TO BE AWARE.
May 14th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
VERY ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT!
“The ban on 16 Tamil Diaspora organisations and 425 individuals deemed to be pro-Tamil Tiger, which was imposed by the Sri Lankan government in March under UN Security Council Resolution 1373, has begun to split these organisations and scare away individuals from them, a source close to the Lankan security establishment told Express on Tuesday.
“Colombo has been sending to various countries, dossiers on the designated organisations and individuals about their terrorism-related financial transfers, to enable action under UNSC Resolution 1373 of 2001,” the source said. He maintained that countries are duty-bound to act on the Lankan request because Resolution 1373 says that “States should afford one another the greatest measure of assistance for criminal probes or criminal proceedings relating to the financing or support of terrorist acts and prevent the movement of terrorists or their groups by effective border controls as well.”
While political leaders in the West and Tamil Nadu may criticise the ban, the security agencies there are taking the Lankan demand very seriously, the source maintained and this is taking its toll. The arrest of Nandagopan, the Norway-based LTTE leader Nediyavan’s second-in-command, in Iran in March, has weakened Nediyavan’s group.
There is a “remarkable drop” in public participation in the activities of the designated organisations, the source said. “Where earlier 300 or more Tamils used to attend a meeting, only a few dozen turn up since designation. The main reason for this is that Tamil expats do not want to be banned from entering Lanka,” he said.”
-adaderana
May 14th, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Fran,
It is not just the buyer who is affected. UNRELATED people are also affected because these get into water.
Govt. has let down the people AGAIN.
When people protest against CHEMICAL in water, they get KILLED too!!
May 14th, 2014 at 1:58 pm
Nanda: Now that I read your second comment in reply to mine I agree with you. Yes any excess actions will be used by the BBS’s opponents against them. That is why I also suggested a hands on people’s approach to address the daily problems of the Buddhist people. The BBS will gain more traction if they addressed the social issues such as education, family problems, child welfare, old age social problems, or everyday issues that government bureaucracy cannot do by the nature of it.
As far as your reference to Myanmar Google “Saffron revolution Myanmar”. Yes the Buddhist Sanga in Myanmar took a stand against the now defunct military junta of that nation. It is estimate thousands of Bikkus died in that uprising. It may have contributed to the demise of that military Junta. I am not suggesting such behavior in Sri Lanka by the BBS or any Buddhist Sanga for it is not needed. But to defeat the spread of Islam to radical Hinduism a proactive Buddhist movement at a grass roots level will help
May 14th, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Fran Diaz: when the US did have a free market (we no longer have that) yes the LET THE BUYER BE AWARE or the Latin term “Caveat emptor”. BUT the US buyer or consumer had the full protection of the Food and Drug Administration for many decades. That department would screen both domestic and imported products for their safety. Now they hardly function and the American consumer is often exposed to toxic Chinese products.
May 14th, 2014 at 3:59 pm
Lorenzo,
Yes ! very encouraging indeed !
We can see a living proof that the ONLY firm action government took is creating havoc among the enemy.
Our buggers MUST wake up and behave like Rajas , not Ranees.
Ballless behaviour will bring the demise in the end.
May 14th, 2014 at 4:23 pm
In the modern market systems operating anywhere in the world, the BUYER must be aware or even wary. Or else even thousands of innocent bystanders get affected (as Lorenzo says). The unwary BUYER can ruin the food, water, air and the environment, affecting both rich and poor. No one will be spared if the environment goes off balance and poisoned. It will serve the entire island nation to have Consumer Associations. As well, GoSL (and any GoSLs of the future) will have to be super careful with chemicals imported into the country. Sri Lanka is a small country and cannot afford a poisoned environment.
The Food & Drug Administrations of other countries may flounder and falter, and for that very reason Lanka should keep her guard up on such matters in order not to repeat past costly errors, both in term of lives and funds.
May 14th, 2014 at 6:11 pm
Lorenzo,
Re the Weliweriya so called ‘water protests’ : It was a Riot in the making, just like the 1983 Riots – a trumped up affair to enable Tamils to go west, (esp to Canada), as Refugees.
We went through this whole episode before and analyzed it and came to the conclusion that even the wells of Rathupaswella may have been deliberately contaminated to create an issue >>> Riots. Riots had become a means to go west as Refugees – a ruse thought up during the Cold War years.
Let us close that chapter now and move on to bettering life for all in Lanka.
May 14th, 2014 at 6:17 pm
Furthermore, in Sri Lanka, the actual CKD diseases started over 20 yrs ago. The present GoSL had nothing to do with it !! In fact, it is the present GoSL that sat up and took note of it and is taking action to correct the situation, after much analyses.
May 14th, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Fran,
That is true. We should value that, yet now it is back to zero on CKD issue.
May 14th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
Fran,
Where is the solution?
Where is clean drinking water for them? Now CKDU will spread like wildfire. When people protest govt. will shoot them DEAD even at churches and shout filth at the clergy!
WRONG IS WRONG no matter who did it.
May 15th, 2014 at 7:39 am
Nanda,
What more can be done re the CKD issue ? The govt. has started free treatment clinics with expensive dialysis treatment at the outset of discovering the massive proportions of the problem. Now they are registering the affected folk and more clinics are to be opened.
The actual Glyphosate IN THE SOIL & HOW TO NULLIFY/AVOID ITS EFFECTS is a problem for our scientists to solve. The foreign scientists have not solved the problem either. Here a Global effort is required, probably through the UN.
Delivering Clean Water has become a top priority for Pres MR (per a recent press release, Lanka Page).
———
Lorenzo,
In Sri Lanka, at present, only PEACEFUL protests are allowed.
At Weliweriya, it was not a protest done peacefully. It was deliberate violence using the dark of night as cover. Rioting using any issue (water or otherwise) will NOT be allowed in Lanka. The 1983 trumped up Riots were lesson enough for us all.
We are paying dearly for not being aware of past imported chemicals. Get aware. No point rioting now. The damage is already done and will continue for some time. There are other countries in the same bad situation.
PEOPLE OF LANKA SHOULD STOP USING ALL CHEMICALS THAT DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT. Laws to protect the Air, Water and Soil a must.
May 15th, 2014 at 11:12 am
Anti-Muslim not new to the world,even Zionists fail…………
May 15th, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Fran,
It was a protest done PEACEFULLY. Even the govt. ACCEPTED the response was WRONG and SACKED the persons involved and REMOVED the MOD from law and order.
The bigger problem is CLEAN DRINKING WATER. That is NOT fixed still.
Now the govt allows CKDU causing chemicals again. HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE.
Environment is totally disregarded, EXCEPT IN THE VERY NORTH. Muslims clearing forests, elephants used as personal items, water is poisoned, etc.
May 15th, 2014 at 2:51 pm
Lorenzo,
Bottles of kerosine fired up and thrown at soldiers cannot be from peaceful protestors ! It was shameful rioting with a larger agenda. The govt. took action in order to prevent further trouble. It was unfortunate that 3 people got killed. The fault lies
with the protestors who went out of control. The police could not control the situation and called in the army.
Re CKD : It is the so called free market. Glyphosate is the culprit but only in combination with other chemicals. The problem is weeds. How do you propose to get rid of weeds in plantations ?
If people do not BUY the Glyphosate, then the Demand and Supply mechanism goes into action and no Glyphosate will be sold. Again, how do you propose to get rid of weeds.
Repeat again, Laws to protect the environment have to be enforced. If certain items must be imported that are hazardous I would like to add that only very limited amounts ought to be imported into Lanka.