Comments on: Photos around questions I couldn’t answer: Four days after the riots

By: Stel En

Stel En — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 14:49:00 +0000

In reply to Vishakha Wijenayake. Muslims do not allow a single temple in their countries. sri lanka has 20000 mosques.

By: Shilpa Samaratunge

Shilpa Samaratunge — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:43:00 +0000

Kumudini, the word ‘they’ is used in inverted commas meaning
it is a direct quote. There is no subtlety in that; it is very simply exactly
what those in the shelters said. They did not have specifics to offer me in
that regard, the only thing on their minds was to vent a little of the
frustration, fear and anger they felt. I
am not saying Sinhala houses weren’t looted or damaged, they may well have
been, however this was a reflective piece on a visit to a shelter for Muslims
who were affected.

Nowhere do I say that Sri Lanka is a callous country with no
compassion however if by sharing the stories of those in the shelters I am
saying that then so be it. If Sobitha Thera did this then he’s doing what
religious institutions and leaders should be doing which is help people across
all beliefs and walks of life. It does not however mean that Aluthgama
did not happen. It does not mean that there weren’t over a thousand men, women
and children living in a shelter because they no longer have homes. It is more than just sad when people’s homes
are attacked and their lives threatened.

By: Vishakha Wijenayake

Vishakha Wijenayake — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 11:52:00 +0000

In reply to Kumudini. Yes, what is the actual story? The actual story is that most of the looting and the burning happened during a so called curfew which was imposed only on the Muslims. Muslims were stuck either in their houses or in Mosques where they were taking shelter while the mobs freely walked around rampaging the area. The police and the STF simply looked on, mostly doing nothing to help the Muslims even to put out the fire. This was a planned attack and it would have happened whether or not a priest was attacked or not. The people who supposedly attacked the priest were arrested long before Gnanasara's ridiculous drama. They were asked to kneel down ask for forgiveness from a group of monks who forced kicked them and made them crawl on the floor. The police looked on. What is this balanced story you are looking for. Sometimes the truth isn't very balanced. Don't buy into the rumours that were spread with the specific intention of blinding the Sinahala populace with a righteous anger. Please get your facts straight.

By: Kumudini

Kumudini — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 08:24:00 +0000

shilpa very subtely uses words like “They ” . being careful not to specify who the perprators are . It is very sad when crazy fools go on the rampage attacking innocent people . However . there are two side s to a story She has conveniently omitted how many Sinhala houses were damaged and their property was looted . This is biased journalism which portrays only her views and not the actual story. These are the media gurus which damage SL reputation of being a callous country without any compassion . Let her hear the side of the priest sabitha thera who was attacked which sparked off the unrest who has even given refuge to Muslims in the temple and offered meagre financial assistance to muslims when needed.