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Wednesday, 29 May 2019 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Nuwan Senarathna
Newly released Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Secretary General Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara yesterday called on the Government to arrest powerful individuals linked to extremism, and called for a broader discussion on key cohabitation issues such as bringing madrasas under the Education Ministry.
Addressing the media for the first time since his release from prison on a presidential pardon, Gnanasara Thero said a Sangha Council will be held on 7 July with the participation of 7000 Buddhist monks. He called for a broader discussion on what should be taught in Muslim religious schools, with the participation of more stakeholders, including Muslim organisations, intellectuals, and Muslim religious leaders. He proposed that the outcome of these consultations will also be presented and discussed at the Sangha Council to be organised by the BBS in July.
“We invite all parties to join us and share their ideas on how we can promote cohabitation and return the country to normalcy so we can all live harmoniously. We have a history where all ethnic communities have lived peacefully. However, the Government is not consulting broadly enough on the issue of regulating madrasas. Right now they are focusing on one Muslim organisation and we believe there should be larger consultations on such an important issue,” he said.
He pointed out that the actions of a few extremists have oppressed the entire Muslim community, which has created panic and suspicion among citizens. He insisted that other communities should not point fingers at traditional Muslims in Sri Lanka, and the larger Muslim community should not be blamed for the actions of a few. However, the BBS General Secretary also said there were individuals still attempting to spread extremism, and these should be investigated fully to prevent another terror attack. “Innocent Muslim vendors such as those who sell food are going through a tough time. They have no connections to those Easter Sunday extremists at all. They are just trying to live happy, peaceful lives but unfortunately, they are the ones who have had to pay the price for the actions of a few extremists.”
As a solution to ease the pressure on the Muslim community, Gnanasara Thero said the BBS was ready to reach out to Muslim religious leaders to discuss ways to find a permanent solution for extremism and rebuild trust among communities. He also requested all communities to be patient and remain calm.
According to Gnanasara Thero, religious leaders can find a solution to end extremism within two months, if politicians did not interfere with their efforts.
He also said the Maha Nayaka Theros have a vital role to play to unite politicians in the fight against extremism, and guide them to look beyond politics. He called on the Maha Nayakas to stop allowing individual politicians to visit them, as those efforts are only targeted at winning votes, but suggested it would be more productive if the Maha Nayakas counselled the top leadership of the main parties to formulate and implement national policies.
“Most politicians meet with the Maha Nayakas to show the public that they are good Buddhists who listen to Buddhist leaders, but such behaviour should be stopped, because it does nothing to resolve problems faced by Sri Lankans. It would be better if the Maha Nayakas summoned the leadership of political parties and instructed them on how they should take action to resolve problems faced by the masses, especially after serious incidents.”
Moving on to the Government’s efforts to eradicate extremism and terrorism, Gnanasara Thero charged the Government was not genuinely trying to find permanent solutions, as they were protecting powerful people.
“All 225 of them are the same, they are just trying to take advantage of the situation. They do not have any genuine intention to eradicate extremism and return the country to normalcy. Given the situation, only religious leaders can find a solution.”
Gnanasara Thero claimed leaders of extremist groups have close connections with politicians, and they were using money and political connections to fulfil extremist agendas. He said he has evidence to prove this, but refused to provide details of politicians who had connections with members of extremist groups, or how he received information on these politicians.
“It is obvious that foreign funds have been used by these extremists, and they have been involved in money laundering for many years. Some of them have hotels in foreign countries. They are smart and well-organised,” he claimed.
Moving on to claims of attempts of sterilising women, Gnanasara Thero said such claims could not be taken lightly, and the BBS had been speaking out about this issue for many years. He alleged that sterilisation was happening on a larger scale than was reported, and authorities should conduct comprehensive investigations to arrest individuals involved.
He charged BBS had provided information on attempts to sterilise women and activities of extremist groups to Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa during his term as President, but Rajapaksa had failed to take any action. eay called on the Government ral Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara
Pic by Lasantha Kumara
