A time for peace and understanding

Vesak has returned, bringing all its faith, fun and chaos. But this time around it has begun with a hardline edge to it as well, which will need to be tempered with tolerance and understanding to bring the true message of the ‘Themagula’ to a troubled people.

Shocking reports of a Buddhist monk setting himself on fire in front of the sacred Temple of the Tooth on Friday morning was a tragic start to Vesak. According to eyewitness accounts, the priest had been protesting against cattle slaughter at the temple before dousing himself with kerosene and setting himself on fire. He was admitted to hospital but passed away from his injuries. It was later reported that the Thero was a member of the Sihala Ravaya and had lobbied extensively against cattle slaughter for some time.

The Sihala Ravaya members then staged a protest over the Thero’s remains being sent to Ratnapura, instigated a protest march and had heated arguments with Police at Jayaratne Florists. There were also reports that suggested certain media organisations knew of the self-immolation attempt but, instead of working to stop it, broadcast a “documentary” about it.

In a separate incident websites reported that a group of monks that had attempted to protest outside of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) office had been insulted by BBS members and driven away – an event that is reminiscent of another protest that was held outside the Thunmulla headquarters of the controversial organisation, which resulted in protestors being driven away.

It cannot be denied that with the advent of the BBS and other hardline organisations in Sri Lanka, the intensity of bigoted actions have increased. The number of derogatory racist remarks and tokenisation of religions and individuals, the warping of the diverse history inherited by Sri Lanka and spread of virulent and often inaccurate information to whip up racial hatred are on the rise.

During the much-publicised Halal controversy, social media was used to malign certain products and urge users to boycott shopping at popular Muslim shops. These posts are accompanied by insulting remarks that make reasoned argument or discussion impossible. They are also anonymous so holding people accountable is difficult. More recently people, especially women, who participated in an anti-BBS protest were targeted online, with many insulting and sexually explicit remarks made about them. Some were threatened while all had their privacy destroyed. Many individuals on Facebook and other forums actively encourage others to enact similar insults on people who disagree with their views.

The BBS and Ravana Balaya have also come out against the northern elections, which are expected to be held in September. They have threatened to hold mass scale protests unless the 13th Amendment is rolled back and provincial councils disempowered. The Jathika Hela Urumaya, another group that claims to act for the wellbeing of Buddhism, is to table legislation in Parliament next week to achieve this same end.

Making the sacrifice to maintain peace, the Muslim community already ended the Halal certification process for local companies and agreed to give it free of charge for exporters. Events came to such a pass due to the increase in hardline factions and the inability or reluctance by the Government to quell them. Vesak takes on even more poignancy in this backdrop.

During this blessed time, all Sri Lankans must make an effort to return to the true Dhamma preached by Lord Buddha, to end hatred, foster peace and forge understanding. If this ultimate message is lost, then Vesak will have no meaning left.