Not In Our Name

1/6/12 8:13 AM

Not In Our Name

Against religious extremism in Sri Lanka

Put your name down, resist violence, pass on the message

Please read the full statement, available in English (http://notinournamesl.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/put-your-name-down-and-resistviolence/), Sinhala (http://notinournamesl.wordpress.com/category/sinhala/) and Tamil (http://notinournamesl.wordpress.com/category/tamil/). The range of signatories and the comments in Not In Our Name has kindled the interest of domestic and international media. Read this report (http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/religious-tensions-flare-sri-lanka) by Radio Netherlands Worldwide and see this video report (https://vimeo.com/41289011) by Young Asia Television, broadcast on TV in Sri Lanka.
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You can sign up by adding your name as a comment to the relevant language post above or by using the form below. ### What can we do? The shameful behaviour and expression employed by the Mahanayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu chapter, 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, in English, Sinhala or Tamil. Say that last weeks violence was not in your name. Renounce a fringe lunacy and resist extremism. By putting your name below, oppose mob violence and bigotry as ways to resolve disputes. If we have to fight, lets 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 (http://notinournamesl.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/put-your-name-down-andresist-violence/), and please pass the message on. ### (( ? #$ ( +/ 567 75 897 : ;7 <= ? CD 9E H :, E 7 O7 7 Q S(: ;7 + Q9 Q7: 77 . 7W 9X S + , S <== 9$ Z \ Z ]+7 5. ^X :, _ = ` `:b= : O7, c d$= 897 e: ] g7 =$ dh 7W : 5C O7 ] 8: \ = 7+ 55 5 . k : 77 l=m \n= Qm, : o7 p m. W , Q7 b = WX97, 97, \ 7 7 7. : c d$W 7: =$7 + t 7. b7 u 7 , `?: X 5/ #v 7 9C w] dh 8\ 7. 7 Z ], 8 O Zm 7 Q 9x S = , 7 = QX y 9x m Q S: Z+ 7e77 ^X n e: . 0 1 34 (http://notinournamesl.wordpress.com/category/sinhala/), ( 4 8 9 <! ###

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Posted in Permalink 85 Comments

85 responses to Put your name down, resist violence, pass on the message
1. Manishka Jayasundera April 27, 2012 at 3:45 pm (Edit) A truly dark day in Sri lankan history. The day we let Buddhism go from being a philosophy to an organized religion was our first mistake. I take solace in the fact that there are other Buddhists like me who respect the teachings of the Buddha as a philosopy and not an excuse to treat fellow Sri lankans like this. Manishka Jayasundera Gamini Jayamaha April 30, 2012 at 2:20 am (Edit) Our 2500 year old Sinhala Buddhist heritage need to be preserved for our children and grand children. Joe Lenora May 1, 2012 at 10:26 am (Edit)
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May 1, 2012 at 10:26 am (Edit) You might preserve the structures in the name of preserving heritage but you are going against the teaching of Lord Buddha. Just check out the Rungiri Dambula site itself http://www.goldentemple.lk/site/ Read the Quotes by Lord Buddha on the right hand side. Its a such a shame. At this rate what our children will have is not Buddhism as Lord Buddha preached but the distorted version some ignorent people are trying to make it. eureka14 May 2, 2012 at 3:01 pm (Edit) Upholding tolerance of differences non-violently among human beings for our future generations. Palmyrah May 2, 2012 at 5:08 pm (Edit) Our 2500 year old Sinhala Buddhist heritage need to be preserved for our children and grand children. By destroying other peoples places of worship, you and your fellow bigots are actually doing more to destroy your precious heritage than any outsider possibly could. Mohan April 30, 2012 at 2:04 pm (Edit) Not by killing Indigenous People. Aryan or Indo-Aryan and even European born people must respect the Indigenous Peoples Lives. 2. Anonymous April 27, 2012 at 4:26 pm (Edit) Its always the politians bring in disharmony just to score on election and be super heros. Sad day for Sri Lanka, just when we have to fight external forces for the UN . Palmyrah May 2, 2012 at 5:09 pm (Edit) It is nothing to do with politicians. Sri Lanka is a democracy. The politicians are elected by the people. dulan de Silva May 3, 2012 at 7:43 am (Edit) It is 100% to do with politicians.System manipulated by politicians leave no choice for the people. No decent person can contest unless he has hoards of money and then he or she will become corrupt due to the system and the need to behave in the manner that other politicians do in order to survive. 3. Iranganie H. Fernando April 27, 2012 at 4:26 pm (Edit) Have these perpetrators of this incident of shameful violence learnt nothing from the terrible experiences of the past 30 years? All religions teach love & compassion to all beings and
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respect for each other.We also hear of the policy advocated by the government as valuing each other and living in hyarmony. Important statement are not enough there must be action & strategies to prevent such abominable behaviour.I am a 73 year old woman who grew up in a mainly peaceful society in pre & post independent Sri Lanka and I have life long friends of all religions, and communities both in Sri Lanka & abroad. I am a practising Christian. Certainly these horrific acts of violence is not in my name! 4. Haarty April 27, 2012 at 11:24 pm (Edit) When qualities of a monk is analysed, what comes to mind is celibacy abstinance from sexual intercourse and marriage. It is one of the hardest, toughest challenges to ward off tenptations, since it is the most unnatural act to control carnal feelings. Men and women were not created to be that way. It is a self inflicted punishment. But as we all are aware, this is hoodwinking of the masses, just like everything else, like consumption of booze, meat eating, sex on the sly, preaching to others but not in practice themselves, These monks are a disgrace to Buddhist philosophy and entire population. Again it is the pokiticians to blame for putting them up on a pedestal. 5. Winston Senaveratna April 27, 2012 at 11:25 pm (Edit) One further and inevitable consequence of the complete corruption of Sri Lankas society. What has been done by this government and by its soldiers and hangers-on ranks right up there with some of the worst horrors of Nazism. 6. Akram Mukhtar April 28, 2012 at 12:03 am (Edit) I thought that Sri Lanka, where we all belong was going to have a new awakening after the war. The price we paid was worth it. However, the actions of a band of rabid communal forces has undermined all what was achieved. Little do they realize the shame that they have brought upon the country. Rebuilding our motherland should begin with restoring the minds and hearts of its people. The shameless action last week shows us that we have not got anywhere near the country of peace and tranquility that our politicians often like talk about while knowing very well it is not so. If we are to progress in the path of peace and be the nation that we have aspired to become, then we expect our leadership to come forward and take decisive action to bury the communal bigotry for ever. Then only a land of peace and prosperity could be achieved by rebuilding of our motherland with the participation of everyone.There is synergy and beauty in diversity when it comes together. Words are comforting but temporary and it is action that is the need of the hour. We need to see that very loud and clear from our leadership. It is time that a spade is called a spade. It is irrelevant to call myself by my religion or race when I speak up as a Sri Lankan.
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Akram Mukhtar 7. Joanna Gray April 28, 2012 at 1:28 am (Edit) Another example of the arrogance of Buddhist priests. I am Joanna Gray and this violence was not in my name. Layla Gonaduwa May 5, 2012 at 9:55 am (Edit) A VERY FEW buddhist priests. Thank you. Mohan May 6, 2012 at 6:05 am (Edit) I havent heard of any OTHER Buddhist Monks opposed or condemned to these Extremist Monks. Layla Gonaduwa May 6, 2012 at 9:41 am (Edit) Extremism in any form is not appreciated. None of the Buddhists I have spoken to endorse this attack. This Thera belongs to a certain Buddhist sect. And it is unfortunate that journalists do not talk to a cross section of Buddhist priests to give out a balanced view. When plenty of monks, including a busload of newly ordained children were massacred by the LTTE. The Tamil community was silent. Their leaders hardly spoke up.Yet the majority of Sinhalese did not generalize nor condemn the Tamils. We condemned the LTTE. It is prudent not to let extremism fuel extremism. Mohan May 6, 2012 at 3:47 pm (Edit) When Sri Lankan Security Forces in Yarlpanam, invited 29 youths inside the Library and blasted with dynamite. No body condemned it. Right after that, the Anurathapuram Attack targeting the Youths. No body wanted to condemn to be part of that tic for tat Terrorism. Sri Lankan Journalists condemn and even protest openly and placated as Air bombardment or bus bombing are both Terrorism. We should learn to look with our both Eyes; so far we are looking through our only ONE EYE. Layla Gonaduwa May 6, 2012 at 5:57 pm (Edit) Exactly my point. Look with both eyes. If we want to come up with who did what, there are plenty to talk about on BOTH SIDES. Lets not talk about The arrogance of Buddhist Priests and condemn the whole Buddhist clergy or Buddhists for some thing organized by one crazed monk. 8. Chandraguptha Thenuwara
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April 28, 2012 at 1:43 am (Edit) Where are we going now? where is the tolerance Buddha taught us? Are we expecting another pogrom? No we should not allow anyone to go back to violence. It is enough! Do not forget about our recent past. 9. Mohan April 28, 2012 at 3:27 am (Edit) Lanka(Indian)/Eelam(Indigenous)/Hela(Sanskrit) is a Peaceful country until all the Religions started to come into our Indigenous Land. Now, our Flag represented all 3 Religions; such as Buddhism, Hindu and Islam; Christianity is left out. Most of our people LOVE to love and marry Christian born people with white skin, but hate Christianity. To bring Peace, we must change the name from Sri Lanka to something else; we must change our Flag to Neutral from 3 Religious Representations. Since they changed the name from Lanka to Sri Lanka, all we saw/see Blood. If we want Peace then we have to lose those Extremes. 10. Mahil April 28, 2012 at 5:36 am (Edit) Sri Lankan people should strive to achieve a secular state. The religious favoritism blatantly exposed by this gov for one religion over others is sowing the seeds of anger and insecurity among our minorities. Its time for the enlighten Buddhist stand up & speak out against this madnesses before its too late!!!! 11. Ilthizam April 28, 2012 at 7:25 am (Edit) War mongering for 30 years has bled this country of all the rich resources of a varied and vibrant society, leaving behind hatred, suspicion and a sense of insecurity amongst communities. The Buddhist monks in this instance has planted the seed of hatred amongst the Muslim community,,and will always be evoked and subject to ridicule and name calling within their own lingo. The pity is that all Buddhist monks will be judged on the same plane, which is unfortunate, since most are not so belligerent and more tolerant. It is time to pick up the pieces and try to mend this state of affairs, through the process of open dialogue, discussions and friendly debates on common subjects. Learn from what other countries did to wipe out communal feelings successfully, such as Singapore and Malaysia, and incorporate those ideas into our society and culture. Our next generation of citizens must not be subject to this harassment and ridicule, brought upon by marauding individuals under the cloaks of religious flamboyance. 12. Amila de Mel April 28, 2012 at 8:40 am (Edit) My name is Amila de Mel I am a Sri Lankan Christian, there were acts of violence against churches and I never spoke up This religious extremism is not in my name. 13. Perera K (@Cokroach) April 28, 2012 at 8:51 am (Edit)
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April 28, 2012 at 8:51 am (Edit) 7{W {: 7{C ;7 Q7 7 Z7 { ?g b|7 8S :$= {7 Q. = 7 Q7. +# {{7 7 { 7 mb= b. lC ravana May 1, 2012 at 4:24 pm (Edit) 100% ekagai. Joe Lenora May 1, 2012 at 7:49 pm (Edit) Reposting Wijith Rohan Fernando (Senior Lecturer) April 28, 2012 at 9:22 pm According to the renowned Buddhist scholar monk, Ven. Dr. Walpola Rahula Violence in any form under any pretext whatsoever, is absolutely against the teachings of the Buddha ( See his book, What the Buddha Taught, p.5) 14. Mohamed Razik April 28, 2012 at 10:00 am (Edit) This is a dastardly act and the perpetrators should be brought to justice 15. I.V.CUMARAPILLAI April 28, 2012 at 10:09 am (Edit) Corrupt Politicians corrupt Society and it has now spread to the Sangha too. The incidents in Dambulla is absolutelly disgraceful and an insult to Buddhisim. I am totally against religious intolerance and violence in the name of religion. 16. Prof. Jayantha Seneviratne April 28, 2012 at 11:18 am (Edit) Certaintly this violence is not in my name. Wijith Rohan Fernando (Senior Lecturer) April 28, 2012 at 9:22 pm (Edit) According to the renowned Buddhist scholar monk, Ven. Dr. Walpola Rahula Violence in any form under any pretext whatsoever, is absolutely against the teachings of the Buddha ( See his book, What the Buddha Taught, p.5) 17. Sumudu Dhanapala April 28, 2012 at 11:48 am (Edit) The Buddha preached acceptance, tolerance and compassion. What happened in Dambulla was not in my name. 18. sami April 28, 2012 at 12:10 pm (Edit) A very shameful act which will not achieve their intention,but will bring disgrace to mother lanka
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19. Anonymous April 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm (Edit) Nationalisation of Buddhism by giving it primacy of place through the constitution is the root cause of religious conflict in our country. it gives the Sangha a false sense of superiority and power over other religions. 20. Anupama Weeera April 28, 2012 at 1:02 pm (Edit) What a sad situation! This is not the tolerant and wise philosophy the Buddha shared with us. 21. Anonymous April 28, 2012 at 1:14 pm (Edit) Nationalisation of Buddhism by giving it primacy of place through the constitution is the root cause religious conflict.it gives the sangha a false sense of power over other religions. 22. Ahmed April 28, 2012 at 1:45 pm (Edit) Muslims,Buddhists & Hindus are sitting in one table and having foodds each other in all the Arab countries who are earning there and we have feeling at all about comunalism in the mind, but why the same practice can not be done once they reached to the country? what is the benefit will get by removing a holy place and keeping another one, then what woul be worship intention? is that the way lord Buddha teached? if lord Buddha alive now, will he allow to do such kind of activities? NeverWe all gather and focus our countries future develoment instead creating another terrorism within the country for nothing..its enaogh on seeing this last plenty of years..but we need to identify the weeds in the field and remove from spreading all the fields..so its a big responsibilty for the respectable President to keep the country in peace and blessings.. 23. Geetha lakmini April 28, 2012 at 2:17 pm (Edit) Its not the way to solve any issuse if some one have.Also supprised the Buddhist monks behaveing like this?? IF Buddha in SriLanka deffinitlywill shame of his fallowers. 24. Nalliah Suriyakumaran April 28, 2012 at 4:09 pm (Edit) Folks why are we surprised .Srilankan Buddhism is not the same as Buddhism. Srilankan Buddhism is embedded with Sinhala nationalism. The nationalism is devoid of any progressive content and is steeped in racism and chauvinism. Our history is littered with Buddhist monks marching against Tamil rights Layla Gonaduwa May 5, 2012 at 10:18 am (Edit) The first time monks marched was to get rid of Dravidian king Elara who had captured parts of Srilanka. It had nothing to do with TAMIL RIGHTS 25. Chandra Jayaratne
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25. Chandra Jayaratne April 28, 2012 at 4:11 pm (Edit) Dear Fellow Members of Civil Society, Please speak up, speak out and express our fervent wish to see Sri Lanka as a true Secular State, living in accord with the great teachings of all Venerated Religious Leaders (including the Lord Buddha) and following the tested Path towards Peace, Harmony, Growth and Prosperity for all living beings, shown to us by the Globally Recognized Leaders and Philosophers. Sri Lanka is a land endowed with great potential and comprising of resourceful and capable people having a heritage of societal, religious and cultural values and norms that can with good leadership, governance and effective civil society voice, deliver to all its people peace, harmony and prosperity. As a nation with a history of missed opportunities, let us not allow any harmful forces to disrupt this nation and its people of its true potential. We cannot at a time the nations cries with hope towards reaching out to solve a 30 year ethnic conflict add religious disharmony and petty short term gain seeking extremism to divert the nations forward march. Chandra Jayaratne 26. Mohamed Thassim April 28, 2012 at 5:11 pm (Edit) I am Thassim. I am a Muslim. Sinhalese are very kind hearted people and they are not upto religious extremism but the those monks violence behaviour on the day of the Dambulla is against Bhuddism and humanity. I am proud to be a Sri Lankan. We are the best of people in this world and we all should remain united always and build up this beautiful nation for the future generations. 27. janakie April 28, 2012 at 5:35 pm (Edit) Embrace Diversity and challenge stereotyopes 28. Jagath Weerasinghe April 28, 2012 at 6:38 pm (Edit) I am jagath weerasinghe, I am an artist. this is shame. this is so sad. this is disgrace. this is not in the name of buddhism, and NOT IN MY NAME. mohamed fais. May 6, 2012 at 10:45 am (Edit) i like your comment brother 29. Siddhrtha Gautama April 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm (Edit) This is not in my name. Just remember that. 30. The SkyLark April 28, 2012 at 7:29 pm (Edit) Let me quote Martin Luther King Jr. History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of
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Let me quote Martin Luther King Jr. History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people. My appeal to the peace loving majority, please do not let the ignore the intolerance that you see around you. Have we not bled enough? Are we not divided enough? Have we not learnt that beating our chest in triumphalistic euphoria has made us the laughing stock among the rest of the world? Oh mother Sri Lanka what ails thee? 31. rizayehiya April 28, 2012 at 8:22 pm (Edit) Sri Lankans are ONE PEOPLE identified by 4 religions and 3 languages, but these does not divide us. What divides us is our arrogance, complascence and the habit of covering up truth knowing very well that such action is false and pretend to be saints. The need of the hour is Sincerity, Transparance, the Sense of Belonging and receprocative Acceptance from the PEOPLE and GOOD GOVERNANCE AND RULE OF LAW FROM THE GOVERNMENT. Enough disgracing this country in the name of Caste, Creed, Ethnicities or religion for petty gains. Make law abiding behaviour, the only acceptable and respectable quality of SRI LANKANS. No to disgraceful acts and NOT IN MY NAME Layla Gonaduwa May 5, 2012 at 9:58 am (Edit) well said 32. rizayehiya April 28, 2012 at 9:24 pm (Edit) Sri Lankans are ONE PEOPLE identified by 4 religions and 3 languages, but these does not divide us. What divides us is the arrogance, complacency and the habit of deliberately covering up truth knowing very well it is false and pretending to be saints. The need of the hour is Sincerity, Transparence,Sense of Belonging and Receprocative Acceptance of each other as People. The Government must bring Law and Order and stop discriminative treatment of any citizens. Enough disgracing the country in the name of Caste, Creed, Ethnicities and Religion. Citizens of Sri Lanka are One and indivisible as Sri Lanka itself. Enough is Enough and NOT IN MY NAME 33. Farwin April 28, 2012 at 9:45 pm (Edit) Is there a chance for peaceful co-existence, ever? Saddened for Sri Lanka, sad for minorities and feeling the loss of what couldve been after the end of war. Only, thankful that many of us are able to disect the acts of the clergy from the teachings of
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Only, thankful that many of us are able to disect the acts of the clergy from the teachings of Buddha. (A fate that is yet to meet Islam world over!) NO! to extremisim and NO! this is certainly NOT IN MY NAME (Sri Lankan Muslim living in Qatar) 34. Asoka April 29, 2012 at 12:02 am (Edit) This is certainly not in my name! Lets learn from our past, both the positive lessons of the distant past and from the negative lessons of the comparatively more recent past. Why do we continuously search for trouble when we have a fantastic opportunity for reconciliation starring us in the face. 35. Shyam Selvadurai April 29, 2012 at 2:10 am (Edit) This is a shocking and disappointing act and I hope the government takes strong action against those who did it to show the world and our own countrymen that we live in a tolerant, pluralistic society. 36. Romesh H. April 29, 2012 at 3:30 am (Edit) The actions of the Buddhist prelates were certainly not in my name. 37. Ruvin April 29, 2012 at 3:42 am (Edit) Not in my name. 38. T Sevandhi A Fernando April 29, 2012 at 9:24 am (Edit) Issues should be sorted in a decent manner. 39. Eric Wikramanayake April 29, 2012 at 9:37 am (Edit) This is Buddhism??? 40. Sivagnanam Jeyasankar April 29, 2012 at 10:12 am (Edit) VICTORY IS NOT ACHIEVED THROUGH KILLING EACH OTHER OR BRINGING OBSTRUCTIONS TO THE OTHER. VICTORY WILL BE ACHIEVED ONLY BY LIVING COLLECTIVELY. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ARE WAGING DIFFERENT KINDS OF WAR ON OTHERS AND THIS PARTICULAR ATROCITY IS PART OF THE HUGE CANVAS! Layla Gonaduwa May 6, 2012 at 11:27 am (Edit) Very well said. I see It is across certain factions of all religions,
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41. Mohamed Sheriff April 29, 2012 at 10:38 am (Edit) I am a Sri Lankan and shocked at the events in Dambulla on 20th April. Some action must surely be taken to punish these monks. 42. Daniella April 29, 2012 at 10:54 am (Edit) Those who do not find peace in their religion start looking for ways of spoiling it for others. This happens when two children are playing, one happy and another angry. The angry one starts making life difficult for the happy one too. 43. Chari April 29, 2012 at 11:14 am (Edit) Running Sri Lankas image. Atrocious. 44. Puthra April 29, 2012 at 1:01 pm (Edit) May God grant us wisdom. May the highest and best goals for the land be achieved. 45. Easwaran Rutnam April 29, 2012 at 3:31 pm (Edit) As a journalist I am appalled at the level of freedom monks in Sri Lanka are given to abuse the law or take the law in their own hands. In a democracy religious freedom is key. How can a country boast about being free from terrorism and on the path of reconciliation when religious extremism (another form of terrorism) still continues? 46. Lanka Nesiah April 29, 2012 at 7:22 pm (Edit) All who value a just and peaceful Sri Lanka need to speak up and not allow the government to give in to mob demands. 47. Maha Danne Muttha April 30, 2012 at 4:32 pm (Edit) My question is what ever happened to Law and Order in this country ? . What has the Police done pre and post violence . If the full weight of the law is brought upon these perpetrators and justice meted out I am sure it will send a strong message out there that hooliganism has no place in our society . Not all religious leaders are rightious . Strong policing is the way to go ! and we need an independent police to achieve that . So how we vote at the next election is important. 48. Sad_in_Lanka May 1, 2012 at 12:16 am (Edit) I was disturbed by what I saw. I thought the crude words and intolerance towards those of other faiths and beliefs were nothing short of shocking, especially being volubly led by people in robes, purporting to be living, breathing and spreading the Dhamma.. it was a truly dark day in Dambulla and in Sri Lanka; lets hope fervently that it was not the dawn of an era, nor the first steps towards widespread communal disharmony.
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an era, nor the first steps towards widespread communal disharmony. I continue to shake my head in disbelief. 49. Risha May 1, 2012 at 11:36 pm (Edit) Dharisha Bastians. This intolerance and violence is not in my name. 50. Mark Jay May 2, 2012 at 9:27 am (Edit) Buddhism is fine. Buddhism is embodied in the teachings and ancient sacred texts. These texts are well protected within the thousands of Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It is not in idiotic and moronic people who put on robes and behave like idiots. Throughout the history of Buddhism, there are thousands of examples like this. You have to expect things like this in a ancient Buddhist country like Sri Lanka, where there are many people who are and will never be fit to be buddhist priests. Sri Lanka is a country which has preserved the original buddhism through the ages. This is just another idiot in a long line of idiots who put on robes without any understanding of the deeper meanings of Buddhism. Any fool can put on a orange robe and call himself a buddhist priest. Doesnt make him any better person than the rest of us. Layla Gonaduwa May 5, 2012 at 10:00 am (Edit) true 51. Kisara May 2, 2012 at 3:14 pm (Edit) Luther King Jr got it right when he said Not only will we have to repent for the sins of bad people; but we also will have to repent for the appalling silence of good people Happy to have the opportunity to break the silence. The Dambulla debacle; definitely not in my name! 52. DSA May 2, 2012 at 11:47 pm (Edit) I am appalled at the blatant disregard and disrespect evidenced by this unbelievable act of crude thuggery practiced by bunch of hooligans,albeit masquerading as followers of the LORD BUDDHA I doubt they can claim to have perpetrated this in his name and certainly is not in my name 53. P.M. May 3, 2012 at 6:45 pm (Edit) This act of intolerance & extremism is definitely not in my name . 54. deco May 5, 2012 at 8:05 pm (Edit) The moment religion is used for the governance of people we will have to expect things as happened in Dambulla. As mentioned above Violence in any form under any pretext whatsoever, is absolutely against the teachings of the Buddha
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the Buddha This cannot be accepted an is not in my name. 55. Jamal May 5, 2012 at 10:20 pm (Edit) Whole world waiting to see what is the actions going to be taken against this violent act by Sri Lankan government. Culprits may be Buddhist monks but they too must come under penal code. Because of Buddhist monks they cannot trespass others property. 56. sivanezan May 7, 2012 at 4:42 am (Edit) Do not impose Buddhism on others. Have religious tolerance. Would you destroy Katharagama Hindu temple coz its in south? Probably would NOT! One country and many religions Not one country and one religion! Do not spread religious hatred as it did not exsist in the past to my knowledge. 57. Mohamed Ghouse May 7, 2012 at 10:00 am (Edit) Please let everyone of us to practice our faith or religion freely without any hindrance from anyone.. 58. LC Perera May 7, 2012 at 10:21 am (Edit) Certainly not in my name. 59. Larry Marshall May 7, 2012 at 11:27 am (Edit) This sort of orchestrated violence is planned to elicit a response. Whilst we must be firm in our multi-faith condemnation of these violent and provocative acts we must also be wise. We must not respond with violence or leave the Muslim community to bear the brunt of this pain alone. It is crucial that Sri Lankans of all faiths including Buddhists and Atheists, Christians and Hindus all stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters and say again and again this is NOT IN OUR NAME! We Sri Lankans are far better than this. We will build a respectful peace together in our homeland. Ilthi May 24, 2012 at 6:03 pm (Edit) I like this comment. Being a Sri Lankan of Muslim faith, happy to feel comforted by the collective support of all communities, to thwart any oppression based on religious beliefs. 60. Marianne David May 9, 2012 at 11:39 am (Edit) This intolerance, violence and extremism is not in my name Marianne David 61. Sonny Navaratnam
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Not In Our Name

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61. Sonny Navaratnam May 9, 2012 at 12:35 pm (Edit) Where has the wisdom of our civilization gone? The wisdom that created one of the first truly multicultural countries on earth. The wisdom that enabled the creation of the ONLY place on earth where people from the 5 major religions of the world came together and worshipped the same object (Sri Pada). What has happened? Are the people of Sri Lanka, going backwards? Are we reversing our evolution? All the talk of preserving culture etc are a reflection of a fearful society hich generally suggests that governments are perpetrating and encouraging fear which is how most totalitarian oriented domination based civilizations operated. History tells us that such regimes do not last very long.. If the people of Sri Lanka, regain their wisdom, then the first casualties will be those who impose rule through fear so let us all be aware and bring back our wisdom 62. Jessai May 9, 2012 at 8:20 pm (Edit) its a bad image to Sri Lanka and Buddhism , it was a very nasty behavior and 100% violence really disappointing with the approach of the monks they insulted their own religion by their movements and behavior am against the way they represented their issue !!! 63. mohamed abdullah May 11, 2012 at 7:21 pm (Edit) actually the the buddhist should behaved a bit without coming and shouting and making a big fuss over there.specially the buddist monks.. am against the way they made the fuss ALLAH will save our religion INSHALLAH. 64. C S Chris May 31, 2012 at 5:59 am (Edit) Its a shame that thugs commit atrocities claiming to be in the name of religion, Political party and country. If any religion, party or country has Causing harm to another person as a part of it, then id rather be irreligious nomad! Come one people. Isnt it a shame to just do something in the name of religion just because someone says so! You have a brain and heart of your own. THink for yourself.

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