Dambulla Mosque attack: Is there a hidden hand?
Repost This Article
Image courtesy BBC
The storming of the Dambulla Mosque on Friday the 20th April and chasing away of the Muslim worshippers attending Friday prayers by a mob led by Buddhist priests is epoch making in modern Sri Lankan history. The majority of the people of all communities are shocked and incensed by the way Buddhist priests lead this violent and destructive mob against the Dambulla Mosque.
According to authorities this mosque has been in existence since 1964 and built with the support of the people of the area and the Viharadhipathy, the Chief Incumbent of the historic Dambulla Rajamahavihara. Deplorably the pretext used by the mob led by the Monk is that this mosque is built on sacred land. This casts aspersion upon the goodwill of the people and the then Chief Incumbent of the Dambulla Rajamavihara as lesser Buddhists than the latter to permit the Muslim countrymen to worship in the place they domicile/work. This raises several questions about the authenticity of the Buddhist Monks who participated in this about their true Buddhist credentials.
The Buddhist –Muslim relation in Sri Lanka is more than ten centuries old and this bond has hitherto been not broken despite the 500 years of colonial rule, the post colonial period and beyond. The Muslims did not succumb to the divide and rule politics of the colonial powers and they distinctly identified those that are alien from those that are their countrymen. This is the reason why Muslims did not become surrogate of the colonial masters and therefore bore the brunt of suffering with the majority Buddhists during the colonial period. This is because Buddhist –Muslim relationship is not built on opportunities or marriages of convenience but of sincere understanding and goodwill, time tested by centuries of coexistence. This is the reason why Muslims stood as a buffer against the division of the country inspite of the bulk of them being Tamil speaking, therefore they got battered and butchered when they were praying in the mosques by the LTTE and still, more than 100,000 Muslim IDPs are living in squalid conditions and are deprived of their livelihood and domicile in spite of the end of war, which, neither the GOSL nor the International community shows pity on them. The reason why this bond is stronger is because both these communities strongly believe in the unhindered sovereignty of the Sri Lanka state. A cursory glance at the history of Sri Lanka would testify why the colonial invaders found the Buddhists and Sri Lankan Muslims as their enemy and not otherwise.
Dambulla mosque attack is not a yardstick to measure the strength of the Muslim-Buddhist bond and it is not going to be broken just because some believe that few frictions here and there would weaken both communities by polarization. This attack is not against the Muslims, this is an attack against the sovereignty of the state judging by the way these are emerging. Since Buddhists cannot be taken head-on, the strategy is possibly to polarize the Muslims and the Buddhists so that would create justifications to paint the majority Buddhist community as racist to achieve the grand plans of those who are pulling strings.
Prelude to Geneva Resolution
With the end of the war and elimination of the LTTE, India and the western powers lost leverage in Sri Lanka. India lost its geopolitical spindle and so has the West. Ever since both entities were on the lookout for regaining leverage in Sri Lankan affairs and the hype created by the Channel 4 and the lackadaisical response of the GOSL to the suffering of the Tamil community gave them the opening. In the prelude to the Geneva Resolutions too, the Muslims played a distinct role to safeguard the sovereignty of the state from interference and interventions. The Muslims staunchly sided with the GOSL not because they were against their Tamil brethren but because the sovereignty of Sri Lanka is a shared responsibility. The ministers, deputy ministers and their bandwagon went with fanfare and squabbled upon their return. This shrouded the catalytic role played by the Muslims. Sheik Rizvi Mufthi and Sheik A.C.Agar Mohammed, both senior Islamic scholars from the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulema toured Geneva and influenced and invoked Muslim country representatives to vote for Sri Lanka at the resolution. These are unofficial ambassadors who volunteered to save the sovereignty of Sri Lanka from being tarnished.
Those who harbour ill will against our country know that Buddhist-Muslim bond is formidable and would be a deterrent to their schemes and therefore polarizing both these communities would be the first step. Attack against the Muslims should be viewed in this light. The more we are divided external interventions would become stronger.
Nuwara Eliya Mosque opening by the President
President Mahinda Rajapakshe set a precedent in modern Sri Lanka by opening a Mosque in Nuwara Eliya on the 11th April 2012 . This is the first time in Sri Lanka’s modern history that the Head of the Nation a devout Buddhist inaugarated the opening a Mosque for the Muslims. It is also noteworthy in the President’s speech, that he pointedly mentioned that “the Muslims have always been friends of the Sinhalese historically as well as today and that they have been defending the country together with the Sinhalese”. This is a testimony to the Buddhist – Muslim bond which some can feel disturbed about. Definitely this visible emerging bonding relation between two communities is an eyesore to those who harbour ill will against Sri Lanka and they would go to all means to polarize its people.
Extremism
Extremism is not a part of the religion of the Muslims or Buddhists in Sri Lanka or the world over. Widespread extremism in modern societies is a modern phenomenon. Extremism is a by product of seeking change at an accelerated pace with emotional overdrive or is an intelligent manipulation of the gullible. Studies indicate that in post colonial Muslim countries, extremism is identified as the product of the Western or proxy intelligence agencies’ manipulations. This was done to hinder gradual transition from post colonialism to nation building in their own terms and choice. So that nation building would take a rational and evolutionary process and result in formulating a peaceful and stable society. Such a stable and peaceful society would effectively discard colonial vestiges and build nations based on their values and ethos. Extremism is an anathema to progress and hinders stable growth of a society. The post colonial societies are not immune from this scourge and in particular Muslim countries are the most spawned to keep them divided. Extremism does no good to a society. It breeds conflict and violence and acts as a barrier to gradual progress and inhibits sustainable development in society. It makes society unstable and contributes to failed state conditions. Religious extremism of any hue or colour is not a positive contributor; instead it destroys the very religion it represents and polarises societies. Such societies will be unstable and vulnerable to external interventions.
Fortunately in Sri Lanka religious extremism from all religious groups is a rare commodity and violent extremism was non-existent. It was only chauvinism that had notoriety in Sri Lanka. The debilitating three decades separatist war brought sense to our leaders about the need for nation building which we should have embarked upon immediate to the British exit from the shores of Sri Lanka and which we didn’t. With the end of the war and decimation of the LTTE, time was ripe for nation building. This includes physical building of the state as a sustainable and stable system and mending hearts and minds of all people across the country and building a single nation of diverse cultures, beliefs and values. Unfortunately at this stage Sri Lanka as a majority Buddhist country is experiencing emergence of Buddhist extremism. The timing of this emergence raises many questions of why it did not emerge during the war and why not immediately after independence from Britain in 1948? Why should it emerge now and who are behind such an emergence?
What national benefits does the country get by Buddhists destroying mosques? Are they going to increase our GDP or Gross Domestic Happiness? Are we not driving our motherland to another abyss? It is very doubtful that any sane Buddhist would embark on such a suicidal mission at a time the sovereignty of the state is questioned and with a partner community that has an asymmetrical advantage to grant to the Sinhalese. This creates suspicions about genuineness of the group that attacked the Dambulla Mosque. Whether they are for a parochial gain or are mercenaries working for agents of a foreign master should be probed into.
Failed State Phenomenon
Sri Lanka is turning out to be a lawless country and a failed state phenomenon. The Dambulla Mosque and similar incidences where mobs led or instigated by Buddhist monks goes unpunished for violating all the legal norms and public decency and the victims are victimised by the state by not providing legitimate protection a state ought to provide its citizens. This is a distinct failure on the part of the state to protect its citizens and their assets from these marauding mobs. If the state continuously fails to provide security to its citizens and their assets, where can the citizens seek protection from?
The Government is caving into extremism; in this case of Dambulla Mosque which is existing since 1964, the GOSL seems weak and has approved the relocation of the mosque to a new site. Is this the right answer, aren’t they setting precedent which would drive score of mosques to seek new sites and create commotion all over the country? Such a move would certainly play into the hands of those who are fomenting trouble in the country using the mobs as their mercenaries to cause division amongst the people and open the country for external interventions.
Would this be a threat to the GOSL?
In the post 9/11 world, the West is in the process of restructuring the architecture of power and global controls. This revivification and realignments are today achieved through some NGOs and Dissenting Groups (DGs) in societies amongst other tools. Therefore the West and regional powers are strengthening DGs & NGOs and surrogating them. At times they provoke the surrogates to foment conflicts within societies and use such artificially generated conflicts as pretexts to intervene in nation states in the guise of Responsibility to Protect (R2P). There are ample evidences in Egypt, Libya and Syria proving the fact of how DGs were used as de-stabilizing forces in countries followed up by Western intervention of some sort. In this scenario, GOSL impotence to uphold law and order and failure to bring quick and effective control of mob pressure and violence at the incipient stage is very dangerous. Such mob pressure if let loose would possibly snowball into a mammoth mob almost threatening the GOSL and swarm and immobilize them as happened in Egypt and other countries.
In light of this, it is recognised how spurious the claim of those who attacked the Dambulla Mosque. Sri Lanka as a historically Buddhist country, any part at any time can become ‘Sacred Land’ and conflict can emerge anytime anywhere. These spurious claims do not help the living to live as peaceful citizens but disturb the stability of the country eternally. This inhibits nation building and peaceful co-existence.
Taking note of these facts, the GOSL should never allow anyone to take law into their hands. Maintaining law and order and civil administration should be the prime prerogative of the GOSL and the state machinery unless the GOSL wishes to abdicate their authorities to the mobs and stamp Sri Lanka as a failed state.
What will happen to the future of the muslims in this country`
this govt is trying chase away the muslims
Unlike Islam, Christianity and Judaism, Buddhism has no precedent whatsoever of violence in disseminating its Dhamma, the knowledge and philosophy of Buddhism. Indeed, there lies a mosque and a Hindu temple next to our Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka for the last one hundred years. Moreover, there are separate Hindu shrine room with many of their deities or idols in most Buddhist Temple premises in the country.
However, a point must be emphasized before talking about this particular incident. After revolting against and handed their king to the British and accepting the English King as their new sovereign in 1815, the terms and conditions of handing-over the sovereignty of Lanka by their Sinhala Kandyan chiefs in writing include several clauses that says new rulers must support and foster Buddhism. And that had been the basis of unwritten constitution of all Sri Lanka sovereigns since Devanam Piya Tissa, the contemporary of Asoka in India throughout our 2500 year history. These can be seen and evident to anyone from artefacts in all surrounding areas to this incident.
Dambulla is neither Mecca nor the structure in dispute is Kabba. Unless for some religious compulsion directed by Allah as read by Gabriel through Muhammad as written in the Koran or interpreted by Muslim scholars in Hadith as statements or actions of Muhammad, in this modern era, I see no crucial reason why Muslims cannot relocate this structure to a new suitable location; meaning somewhere away from the middle of the aged old Buddhist sacred area that is to be developed to former glory.
That doesn’t mean; we Sinhala Buddhists need to resort to Hindu method of razing Babari mosque (to restore Ram’s birth place in Ayodhya), or do as Muslim Taliban demolished Bamiyan Buddhas saying they were only complying Koran verses and following Muhammad’s action of demolition of idols as he did in 624 AD and as his followers did to Buddhist places of knowledge, learning and culture like Nalanda in India during the rule of Moguls.
I thought of pointing out those few nasty actions by Muslims because Muslims that criticize monks’ protest shouldn’t be hazy about killer trait of their ancestors and their stand on other religions wherever they forced themselves to be the majority. Indeed, I am relieved that no Buddhist Monk lead protestors demolished any mosque to date though protested.
Leela
Buddhism is no way immune to propagate violence or aggresive behaviour
Zen-Buddhism for example influenced the most sophisticated warrior philosophy of the East: the extremely brutal and suicidal Samurai Ethics.
Warrior monks of Tibetans past and present
The most concise expression of ethnic cleansing in recent history ib=n South asia is the expulsion of Nepali?HIndus from Bhutan so that thtey can have a pure budhist state
The acts of violence by budhist clergy and Budshist fundamentalist against Tamil HIndus, Christians and recently Muslims in Sri Lanka isn well documented.
Going back to the Harens comments above puts it e;equently
Faith that does not acknowledge its own fallibilities and is restricted by the limited human understanding of the divine, inevitably leads to extremism – if not fundamentalism. No religious doctrine is spared its share of morons.
leela it seems to me you have forgotten all the reply i gave you in lankaweb. lankaweb is a site of few commentators among themselves and not rational thinkers will present in that site, remember they removed all my post.they could not answer my questioned and finally removed me. such a covered website.
if i come to the subject. first of all this mosque is 65 years old and only 20 years back the area was declared as sacred. my questions are
1. in which buddist scripture it is mentioned that this site is sacred?
2. did buddah had any comment over it?
3. who makes the decision of sacredness and from where he/she gets that divine information?
4.if any monk or authority can make such decision based on what it becomes sacred?
5.is there any other places such as bar and hotels where fornication and adultery take place in this zone?
6.where it has mentioned in the buddist scriptures it is forbidden to have other religious places in sacred zone?
if there are rational answers for these then we can discuss further. if answers are NOT supported by the fact, this is a disgrace for budism and motive is to bring division among communities.
It is true that the Dambulla Mosque is neither Mecca or the Kabba. But neither is Dambulla Bodh Gaya or the Sacred Bodhi Tree or the Temple of the Tooth. If the Mosque is asked to be relocated where does one draw the line? How do you judge the competing claims for “sacred territory” which cannot be measured by any objective, practical or scientific means. Does that mean that Buddhist Temples situated in close proximity long standing and established mosques, kovils and churches should also be relocated? On the other hand what is wrong with having places of religious worships belonging to different faiths in close proximity to each other so long as the devotees can practice their respective religions in peace and maintain a cordial relationship with their neighbours? Although Buddhism has enjoyed a privileged position in Sri Lanka during the greater part of its history from the time of King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century B.C. and continues to enjoy such position Article 9 of the Constitution specifically declares that The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(l)(e). Article 14(1)(e) guarantees the freedom, either by himself or in association with others, and either in public or in private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching. The question we all have to ask ourselves is whether we should be bound by nostalgic and sometimes purely fanciful notions of historical and religious sanctity of the days of our ancestors or be more concerned the with the present day demography and individual rights of the living which would ensure a peaceful, happy and content population for the present and for the future. In this respect it is also pertinent to note that history taught to us by our elders and teachers is not necessarily a true and accurate picture of how things were in the past but is very often an imaginary and fantasy world of a golden age which may not have existed in actual fact.
Why do Buddhists always say that this is a Sinhala Buddhist country
Buddhism originated in India, and came to Sri Lanka when Mahinda
came here and”converted” the King at the time.The first”conversion”
Ethical or unethical, it is for you to decide
Sinhalese themselves are from Bengal, descended from Vijaya.
Let us accept the fact that everyone is an “immigrant”
The country belongs to the Yakkas Nagas and Veddahs.
What was there religion?
We have just come out of a 30 year old war,all due to the
foolish political programme of a Christian who converted to
Buddhism, and impatience to be Prime Minister.What happened to him is history; killed by a Buddhist Monk aided by another powerful Buddhist Monk. We Muslims have co-existed with the Sinhala Buddhists.
I see no reason why we cannot continue to.
I just would like to remind Buddhists about “RASPUTIN” who brought about the end of the Russian Czars and brought about the Bolshevik Revolution. SO BE WARNED ABOUT YOUR “RASPUTINS”
Dear readers, please make note of following
1. I have experienced a strong and smooth relationship between Muslims and Sinhalese of this country in the history.
2. Majority of the Buddhist people are close friends of Muslims and respect the religious beliefs of other communities in this country.
3. It is very unfortunate, that a handful number of Racists, who try to bring bad name to Buddhism and this country act arrogantly this way, which may plays the GOSL back in to bad situation at UN council.
4. These racists should realize that, the Muslim leaders of this country supported GOSL at UN meeting by conveying many Muslim/Arab countries to support Srilanka.
5. I still trust the President of SriLanka look into this issue justly and do not allow RACIST of this country do not take the LAW into their hand.
6. Any decision taken by GOSL in this Masjid issue will influence the mind of Muslim/Arab world in their future helping hand with GOSL.
7. It is sham on the Prime-minister of GOSL to openly lie saying ” He discussed the matter with Muslim leader and decided to relocate the masjid.
8. The God who created all of us and this Universe will definitely reply to these mobs (who ever involved) in a proper manner suit to their action.
9. The Srilankan-Muslim community will always respect the LAW- and will serve to protect this sweet-land from the evils and their acts.
10 SriLankan Muslims respect feelings of other communities Buddist, Hindus and Christians of this land.
Dear President of GOSL.. This letter for you notice.
Citizen of SriLanka (willing peace to country and its people)
“The God who created all of us and this Universe will definitely reply to these mobs (who ever involved) in a proper manner suit to their action.”
Then why don’t you let him do the needful and keep quite? Why are you going to give them double punishment?
Thanks!
Riza,
I respect your views but I would like to take the liberty point out respectfully that some of the points you make are a bit exaggerated or rose tinted. Let me point out a few examples for deeper reflection;
- Refer the abundance of historical documentation of the Sinhalese-Muslim Riots of 1915 for but one measly example that proves otherwise. This is not evidence to argue that Sinhalese and Muslims have been adversaries either. Indeed the Spirit of your assertion that there has been harmonious co-existence between the two races is quite true. But both communities remain insulated from each other to an extent that you and I may not find easy to understand. It is ironic that the Muslims in Akurana and Buddhists in Dambulla are a short distance away from each other and linked by one of the best roads in the country – because they couldn’t be further away from each other in every other aspect. There is little or no understanding, empathy or open dialog. Relations between people who speak different languages or call God using different names have much to be desired. There is nothing to be gained from glossing over that reality.
- Faith that does not acknowledge its own fallibilities and is restricted by the limited human understanding of the divine, inevitably leads to extremism – if not fundamentalism. No religious doctrine is spared its share of morons.
- I am tempted to agree, but I choose to be more optimistic. Yes there is much reason to despair, but one positive lesson we learnt for having endured war for 30 years (if we scrape the barrel in search of positives) is that we have found out how resilient we are as a nation. I use that term deliberately because what makes us resilient is our collective identity and collective efforts – of the collective of culture and faith, talent, energy and creativity that’s makes up our nation. We thrive despite ourselves – surely that must be sufficient cause for optimism right?
If I may draw your attention to history, the worst atrocities were committed in the same region during the race riots of 1958. The memory and shame of those events seem to have been wiped clean from the slate of history – paving the way for the progeny of those self-proclaimed defenders of the Buddhist faith and Sinhala race to ruin its pages with yet more black blots of shame – and god forbid – years of attrition.
But we will stand in their way this time. Here’s hoping many more will do so also!
Haren .Well thought through and repectfully argued piece of commentry. Thank you very much
Well structured and very well argued case for ‘Lawlessness in Sri Lanka’.
But one question Riza, if you may wish to clarify. You say;
‘In the post 9/11 world, the West is in the process of restructuring the architecture of power and global controls. This revivification and realignments are today achieved through some NGOs and Dissenting Groups (DGs) in societies amongst other tools. Therefore the West and regional powers are strengthening DGs & NGOs and surrogating them. At times they provoke the surrogates to foment conflicts within societies and use such artificially generated conflicts as pretexts to intervene in nation states in the guise of Responsibility to Protect (R2P).’
Are you insinuating that JHU and their propaganda arms such as the ones on Social Media ie: Maage Herdasaakshiya (https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B7%84%E0%B7%98%E0%B6%AF-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8A%E0%B7%82%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BA/351343628228268) and Budu Dahama Surakimu groups (https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B7%84%E0%B7%98%E0%B6%AF-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8A%E0%B7%82%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BA/351343628228268) etc are the satellites of Western powers?
Thank you
extremism isnt part of islam /
TOTAL FAIL – READ A PAPER.
Do you know that Ahamadiyya Muslim (Sunni & Shiya Muslim sects fight each other and together they do not accept Ahamadiyya as true Muslims) had commented in lankaweb a few days back that in Pakistan, they have a worse scenario; the police stopped members of the Ahamadiyya Muslim Jama’at from performing Friday prayers in their own Mosque in Rawalpindi. Instead of protecting the worshipers from hooligans they simply closed the Mosque.
Dear Leela,
If you try to bring negative evidences to justify a wrong act carried out on this land, hope fully this will not lead to peace in this country.
If you bring one example from what happened in Pakistan, then another one can bring one more example that will also be another negative approach.
Please do not try to cover a mistake by pulling matters all around the world.
Let us work in a positive manner to bring good for this land and its people.
Let the LAW of this country in the hand of Authorized body, rather than it goes to handful of Racists hand.
For your note:
Buddhism considers Alcoholism as a major sin in its scripture, am I correct ( hope you say yes), if so why not Thee monks try to close the Alcohol-shops in this area.
Buddism never considers , other religious places as a Major sin, if so why they act this way.
Further: The masjid was built in 1960s how come a Law is made in 1982 this area to be sacred place only to Buddhism. If you say it is acceptable…… Do you mean in future.. this HOLEY land concept can be implemented to any part of this country and then remove the religious building of other communities? If you are faithful to your heart.. take your time to do not hurry with words to hurt other communities.
We respect the beliefs and feelings of other communities,
I am born in SLK, I am a citizen of SLK.. I have the same rights as you have on this land.
Let us respect each other and live peacefully.
May God Guide you and me.
The author must be living in a another country than Sri Lanka. The strategy of the Muslim leaders was divide and rule and so they supported the Sinhala/Buddhists hoping to cash in on the Tamil exodus from Sri Lanka. Infact they have cashed in quite a lot.
The Muslim leaders knew that there was little love lost between the Muslims and Buddhists…in fact Buddhism is a greater threat to Islam than Hinduism since it is similar to some extent and therefore it is not surprising that the first major riots in Sri Lanka was between the Muslims and the Buddhists in 1915.
What the author has to realize is this opportunistic politics by Muslim leaders have come home to roost.
As for Muslims respecting Sri Lankana soverignity, the sad fact is that Saudi money is fuelling Islamic fundamentalism in the East like never before. Muslims are loyal to the Pan Islamic world rather than to any nation which is the sad reality. .so stop pulling a fast one on the Sri Lankan’s mr. riza
Looks like somebody is trying to whitewash MR & put the blame on scapegoats. If there’s a problem with the ownership of this land it could get solved in the courts. But that’s not the way this got solved. President tells the Muslims to leave the place. That means the country is lawless, which ultimately turns this in2 a failed state
“Sheik Rizvi Mufthi and Sheik A.C.Agar Mohammed, both senior Islamic scholars from the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulema toured Geneva and influenced and invoked Muslim country representatives to vote for Sri Lanka at the resolution. These are unofficial ambassadors who volunteered to save the sovereignty of Sri Lanka from being tarnished.”
To save the sovereignty of Sri Lanka? What we all know is that they went to talk to the representatives of Muslim nations in Arabic to explain how nasty the LTTE is and the Tamils are. Can you tell us please why these Muslim scholars are against the implementation of LLRC? Are they not interested in solving the problems of Tamils, and save Sri Lanka from becoming Zimbabwe, by implementing LLRC?
cant help bbut think that the writer is trying to find unity with the Sihalese by saying both the Muslims and Sinhalese were the underdogs during colonial times and Tamils are the ones who soleley profited from the colonial encounter. Sounds the like divide and rule scapegoating the Tamils type of view point to me
There was Buddists in Maldivs/Afghanistan/Pakistan look what happened to them.
What happened to Buddha’s statue in Afghanistan.
Buddha is also a god in Hinduism,they also worship them But can Muslims warship Buddha.
Too right TheDark; better send the Sinhala Buddhist to re-occupy those countries like in the case of North & East. What do the Muslims know about Buddha? What do we do with the Christians?
Buddha never lectured anyone to teach Buddhism in his name.And he never created Buddhism.Buddha never taught to buid stupas in his name.
Buddha never taught to find an identity in his name.He never taught how
to earn luxury in his name.HE NEVER TAUGHT TO ENGAGE IN PREACHING.
Interesting point. Of course pre-historic and proto-historic archaeological evidence clearly suggests that people of Dravidian origin were occupying this island before the Aryans migrated here. Question is how far back can we go with the argument that original settlers of ancient times should be allowed to resettle in the same lands once again. We will probably have to end up in the barren grasslands of the steppes where we Aryans had our original home
It is sad to see the author’s spin to curry favour with Rajapaksas and the Sinhala chauvinists. I can’t say whether the British had a divide and rule policy in Sri Lanka or not, but their administration favoured qualified and committed employees – on merit basis. If the Muslim, Sinhalese or Tamils didn’t have the basic qualification required for joining the government services, or if they had no inclination to join the services, they were not given appointments. Full stop. To try to paint a picture that all those who didn’t get into the services were doing it to fight the British is the best joke I have heard so far. Another joke, if you care to know, is your assertion that the Muslims endeavour to protect the country’s sovereignty; anyone who watched Sri Lanka host Pakistan or Bangladesh in cricket know that the reality is different. Unfortunately Pan Muslim Identity is enshrined in most Muslims, and this is evident not only in cricket, but also in other sports and in world forums.
What is a sad fact is that both the President and the Defense Secretary knew that the protest was going to take place and decided not to prevent it.
Dear Vadhur;
Do you really know it or are you just suggesting it with some other bitterness in your mind which has no connection to this particular act, expecting some other result? Do not pour petrol into the fire, please act as a responsible person.
Thanks!
Dear Yapa,
Not suggesting. It was based on what a muslim friend of mine told me when I asked him if he is aware of any moves to inform the President.
He referred to the ‘Minnal’ program in which one MMC Sally had publicly stated that he had called the President who had responded by saying ‘the mosque is only two years old’. The program clips are available in youtube and with the help of a tamil translator any one could listen.
The friend also mentioned that a Muslim politician (he did not say the name) had stated that he had contacted the defense secretary through one Mr. Ali Sabri (a lawyer). Apparently the def sec was some where in a airport or transit in Malaysia. The Def sec had asked him to get in touch with the Ministers in the area (apparently Janaka Bandara Tennakone).
It is based on this conversation, and exasperated, that I had written the comment. I still believe that the only two people who could reverse the trend are the President and Def Secretary. The fact that they don’t seem to be doing anything is very sad indeed.
Of course a perceptive mind like yours could ask if their inaction is suggestive of anything!
Dear veedhur;
I thing putting out the fire is the first priority, not planning the postmortems of the people living inside the house.
Many media institutions too worked in that manner. They enjoyed an unfortunate incident of the nation.
Thanks!
Riza’s circumlocution only serves to undermine the seriousness of this issue. In time to come, it may efface the memory of what actually happened.
Riza is also beginning to sound like Fr. Tissa Balasuriya. When the cistern in his toilet doesn’t work, he will claim that there is a Western conspiracy behind it!
Thank god for trusty buckets!
Peace loving people all over the world condemns the attack on Dambulla Jummah Masjid by some gangs.
No faith teaches violence, its the acts of the follers who act violent and we should know that there are black sheeps in every community, so we don’t blame the Buddhist community of Sri Lanka as a whole..
Thanks for all the Buddhists friends who condemn these actions of those who try to disturb the peaceful brotherhood between Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka.
I read and re-read it this post after reading all of the above comments.Clearly The Writer is not saving the face of the Rajapakes. If perused carefully, he is in fact talking of something more vicious. If this mosque is indeed a big deal, why are the rest of the Buddhists of this buddhist majority land are not incensed about it and taking to the streets all over the country insisting the mosque to be demolished?Surely there is something fishy going on. The only way to find out is to advocate Rule of law.Living in Sri Lanka,it may sound utopian to say this, anyone, monk,minister,drug-lord or priest, I repeat anyone,who disturbs the peace of the country with malicious offensive hate speech must be brought to book.
“If this mosque is indeed a big deal, why are the rest of the Buddhists of this buddhist majority land are not incensed about it and taking to the streets all over the country insisting the mosque to be demolished?”
Interesting point.
Sinhala Buddhist state killed 100000 Tamils over the years. At least 40000 were killed on May 18th 2009. Muslims are next on line. International community must take the necessary steps urgently to protect the non Sinhala Buddhist people in Srilanka
Mala’s unprejudiced mind is pouring out with honesty.
Thanks!
Mala, can I burrow your clculator? I want to see whehter my little savings cn get multiplied like the way you have done the maths.
On a different note, if the Muslims are really peace loving and magnanimous, for once they can twell the Buddhists, okay we will relocate somewhere else, and then the Buddhists on their part can volunteer in the construction of the new mosque. This is the way we all – Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and the rest can look for a better future for our children.
As a budhist can I ask why the Mosqueue needs to be relocated at all? The Vihare is on top of the Dambulu Gala. Why cant the Kovil and Mosque function unmolested at the foot of the Rock? Why should the whole country pander to the whims of a greedy thug? Why shouldnt we resist like we resisted the other thug Prabakaran? If one day the whole country was designated as sacred will it mean that all mosqueues and kovils will have to be demolished?
What the problem with the mosque near the Dambulla Temple I really don’t know. They have the call for prayer 5 times a day over the loud speaker. We have the pirith every morning and evening (used to be the whole night until Sarath Silva stepped in…thank god) over the loud speaker. As long as people of each faith can discern one transmission over the other. And since we Buddhist rarely hang on to every word of the pirith which we don’t understand since its in pali and the muslims don’t hand on to every word of the a Azan (i believe that’s what its called) since they don’t understand arabic, I see no objection having to temple and the mosque in close proximity. The rest of the religious activities are performed within the walls of each place of worship and cannot possibly disturb the other. If the muslims decide to have a beef stall near the mosque or the buddhist take to selling pork at the foot of the rock that’s a different matter altogether.
@yapa,
I still think that the two people capable of putting out the fire are the President and Def.Secretary. They are not doing it is sad. When I learn’t that they are not doing anything even after being told is worse.
I am also not an ardent supporter of either of them, still it is not a reason for me to resort to irresponsible behaviour as well.
No debate about their irresponsible behaviour, that is not confined to this incident alone. Either they are intellectually incapable of handling the matters of governance or some other mysterious matter seems to haunt them behind. Anyway, they are no better irresponsible than many others, who are supposed to behave better, in this country.
Thanks!
Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) destroyed idols from Ka’ba in Mecca after he returned back to conquer his birth place Mecca from where he was chased down by his own people. The point I want to highlight, for a comment made in this article, is Mohamed (PBUH) destroyed the Idols that were being worshiped by the Arabs along with Allah. Arabs were worshipping Allah as God along with these idols.
On a separate occasion when a dignitary of Christians visited the prophet in his mosque in Medina and the time approcached for the prayers for these Chrisitain dignitaries, Mohamed (PBUH) prepared a location in the same mosque for their prayers.
Mohamed (PBUH) was sent to change a society and make them respect human rights rather than break down societies. In Sri Lanka, Co existence of Muslims, Hindus, Cristians and Budhists is what we expect at this critical juncture in the history of the country than dividing the socities and fighting for an endless period.
These are all very unnecessary problems.
For a Buddhist, I despise the conduct of these monks. Because of them, the Buddhists, the Sinhalese, the Sri Lankans all of us are been shamed. The pictures don’t lie. Their conduct looks more like that of JVPers than that of monks. These people are abusing the saffron robe and are clearly uneducated. Which is very sad state of affairs for clergy from a religion that preaches enlightenment. But not surprising though. History of Buddhism is littered with examples of monks unfit for the job. This is probably the beginning of the end of Theravadha Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The monks are suppose to be wiser and level headed than the laymen. These people are worse than the laymen. Religious fanatics with nothing better to do. What is the fate of people who worship these maniacs?
According to Colombo Mayor Asad Sali, the Mosque is over 60 years old. But then Dambulla has been a place of antiquity over many hundreds of years. I have been to Dambulla myself and I want that place to retains its Sinhalese Buddhists charms. I do not Muslims or Catholics going and putting their religious structures near that place. I also do not want Buddhists priests putting up all kinds structures in the name of development.
This mosque though it has been their for 50+ years, it seems to have assumed greater prominence only in recent times. 50 years is nothing compared to history of Dambulla. Though we have many thousands of temples in this country only a handful may not be demolished or moved to another place. By all accounts, I don’t see any reason why this mosque cannot be moved to another place since it seems have no historic value. Clearly, you cannot have a mosque broadcast prayers to Alla over Dambulla temple. Its like putting Vatican and Mecca next to one another. You will only have chaos.
However, there is no reason to blow this out of proportion. The mosque is a recent structure and has been a small place of worship and if that is to change now, then that could be moved to a more appropriate place where it could be developed beyond its current state.
Readings the headings of many articles, I see many people making hay while the sun shines. The usual Sri Lanka bashes are in full swing accusing Buddhists and Sinhalese of everything under the Sun.
As much as I don’t like these monks, I also do not want journalistic of other religions to come and talk of monks in disrespectful ways. Buddhist problems are for Buddhists to deal with.
Today, in Sri Lanka there is a clear need for monks to reflect on their behavior and status of Buddhism in this country. How many Buddhists temples have Hindu Shrines inside them? When did Buddha say to appeal to gods to solve one’s problems? What is happening to Vesak? Isn’t it being turned into a huge birthday bash? If anyone thinks it will be the encroachment of other religions that will destroy Buddhism, he is very wrong. It would be the Buddhists themselves not adhering to values of their own religion that will one day make it fade off.
All those who defend the action of the ‘Most Venerable’ monk, argue that there is a ‘problem’ when you construct a mosque near the temple…but how come we had no ‘problems’ all these years until the monk started messing around? May be the problem is not the mosque or the temple but something else.
Buddhism has taught me to respect all communities. There is no “hatred” in buddhism. Can’t understand how buddhist monks who preach buddhism can act and persuade people to act in this manner.
The muslims under Sharia laws need two witnesses in case of a non-muslim giving evidence. Also they don’t allow nor recognize the rights of a anothe religion. So on what basis are the muslims ask for any rights when they don’t recognize other rights.
This country has been too tolarents of these hypocrites
What shall we do Sanjeeva? One way to deal with the Muslims is to drive all of them to Nanthikaddal and drop bumbs on them. Problem is solved. You will have no issues with that would you?
Mr.Hettiararachi N is the one bulling here and what has given here is truth. Mosque was there for last 50 years and but the land became sacred recently. my question is in which budist scripture it is mentioned this land is sacred and who has the authority to make such decision. Did buddah preach no other religious place should not be there near Buddhist temples? its really a disgrace to buddism if we look what is happening here. buddah left politics to learn the life and these mobs are calling themselves as followers of buddah and doing the opposite of it. What a shame.
A week ago, a violent a mob of about 2,000 Sinhalese, including a group of Buddhist monks led by the Mahanayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu chapter Inamaluwe Sumangala thero, stormed and vandalised a mosque in Dambulla. The mosque was declared an illegal structure, but it is unclear how this far this is accurate.
The shameful behaviour and expression employed by the Mahanayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu chapter Inamaluwe Sumangala thero, along with the monks he led and the crowd of thugs is not remotely associated with or reflective of the philosophy of the Dhamma, the teachings of the Buddha, or the way in which a Buddhist monk is supposed to behave and speak. Many online have already expressed their dismay and deep concern over the actions of a few, placing Sri Lanka in the media spotlight again for all the wrong reasons.
We have a choice, but time is running out. Speak up. Put your name in a comment below and say that this violence was not in your name, and that more calls to violence are futile. Renounce a fringe lunacy and resist extremism. By putting your name below, you are opposing mob violence and bigotry as ways to resolve disputes.
If we have to fight, let’s fight to keep Sri Lanka free of extremists who threaten not only what they seek to destroy, but also who and what they claim to represent. Add your name below, and please pass the message on.
Read and sign up today – http://notinournamesl.wordpress.com/
PAROCHIAL MYOPIA WILL UNHINGE MULTICULTURALISM
When a community collectively turns a blind eye on injustice to a minority, the recipe for future turmoil is complete. The Sri Lankan community must maintain hope that Sri Lanka will not descend to that abyss and work together to prevent lawlessness, which has a habit of leading to anarchy.
The average uninformed Sri Lankan, casually hearing various versions through the media that either serves as propagandist or acts irresponsibly with short-term self-interest, and being ill-equipped to challenge the vilifying assumptions against an enemy of choice, will be inclined to embrace or tolerate a rationale for prejudice or unfair decisions. Fear and ignorance, not countered by a rational presentation of historical fact, become the basis of any future attitude.
As during times of war, disinformation and deception can be cleverly used to frame the public’s attitudes. These sorts of claims, even if later disproved, can effectively set up targets for attack.
Take the following facts for example. Many Sri Lankans, as are those influenced by Western media, are ignorant of the fact that Hezbollah, which represents the Shia in Lebanon, is a popular political party (with no record of “terrorism”, by the way). It is highly valued for its efficient dispensing of myriad social services to all Lebanese. As a resistance movement it was instrumental in evicting the Israelis from the water-rich south, more than once.
The international media has conditioned us to perceive Muslim hostility towards Israel as religious animosity, anti-Semitism and intolerance rather than justifiable anger at the occupation, annexation, abuse, displacement and oppression of Palestinians. Atrocities are committed against Palestinians in order to provoke revenge attacks termed as “suicide terror”, which ostensibly justifies perpetuation of coercion and lack of diplomacy.
A popular myth perpetuated in the West, that of establishing an Islamic caliphate that spans from Indonesia to Spain, drives the public conscience to tolerate injustices against Mulim minorities in Europe, for example.
Hamas, widely acknowledged as pious, capable and honest in contrast to the corrupt, inefficient but secular Palestinian Authority is portrayed as “terrorist” although it won a democratic election conducted fairly and reflecting the aspirations of the Palestinian people. Do we question the refusal by Western governments, to recognise a democratically elected party while preaching about democracy?
Public paranoia enabled a crazed, blood-thirsty and greedy US/UK alliance to wreak havoc on Afghanistan and Iraq, whereas, especially in the case of Iraq, there was absolutely no justifiable rationale for the extermination of two million innocent Iraqis and destruction of the cradle of modern civilisation. However, the publics of the western countries largely tolerated the massacres.
Similarly, one must become cognizant of facts before allowing oneself to be influenced by innuendo, deception or campaigns for vilification. Popular sentiment against a minority can be instigated at the will of a party with a variety of political interests. As in the case of geopolitical manipulation of sectarian differences and the fomenting of violence, to cause instability within an otherwise independent nation, forces within a community can also act with similar motivations in order to use the ensuing mayhem to their own nefarious advantage.
As to the conduct of the monks, the Buddha has already listed out subjects that they are not expected to discuss.
Samannaphala Sutta (Fruits of the Homeless Life) of the Digha Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka of the Tripitaka (the Buddhist Scripture) the Buddha states to King Ajatasattu as follows:-
“And how Sire is a monk perfected in morality?…Abandoning unedifying conversation as about kings, robbers, ministers, armies, dangers, wars, food, drink, clothes, beds, garlands, perfumes, relatives, carriages, villages, towns and cities, countries, women, heroes, street- and well- gossip, talk of the departed, desultory chat, speculation about land and sea, talk about being and non-being the monk refrains from such conversation. Thus he is accomplished in morality” (Verses 43-69)
It seems our monks love to indulge in putting their two cents into the very things the Buddha has asked them not to discuss. Especially the subjects of armies, wars, dangers, villages, towns, cities and countries. The JHU monks seem to be talking about little else. So much for a monk perfected in morality… and so much for the teachings of the Buddha
Is this another attempt to blame “evil forces” for the disgusting acts by thugs? This is racism plain and simple. The head monk who shamelessly led this mob, now claims all the videos going viral are “doctored”, perhaps he has learned from the leaders of this country, that any “gotcha” videos showing horrible crime can be dismissed as “doctored”. It does not matter what other countries do, or what has been done, we should show the world we are above racism, and that we are genuinely making an effort to live in harmony.
Places of worship have to be respected by everyone, especially ones that have stood there for nearly 50 years.
It was shocking to see these thugs, disrespect another religion with arrogance and racist comments.
What the heck is wrng with our prime minister ?
Let the mosque stay!
I’m budhist btw
These are not budhdhist monks but thugs in robes. Let the course of justice deal with those who take law to there own hands. Police and the army are watching. Come on you inspector do the right thing and take him in to custody.It is not the politicians who fail the law but the executive arm of the police for not doing what is right.
Take action against your man IGP.
If all the Govt servants do there duty well politicians will have to fly a kite.
Do you remember
“Ignoring an international outcry, Afghanistan’s Taliban Islamic militia began demolishing statues across the country on Thursday, including two towering ancient stone Buddhas.”
So lets prove to all that we are the Buddhist equivalents of the Taliban.. The Budhuban.
I also participated to this incident, this was an Illegal Mosque has built buddhist temple land like “Kuragala” “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbFaTpCHDaw” .. Muslims are building Mosques every where in sri Lanka and this Muslim terrorist is a headque to whole world..
Nishan, even if the mosque is illegal, do you agree with the language and behavior of the monks?
What did you mean by “I also participated in this incident?”. What exactly did you do?
I don’t see why Muslims can’t build temples as long as it’s not against the law. Have you challenged the illegality of this mosque in a court of law?
Speaking of terrorism, do you consider the mob attack by Buddhist monks an act of terrorism?