With You, Without You: The Reality Of Ethno-Religious Relations In Sri Lanka Today
Dr. Nimanthi Perera-Rajasingham
On the weekend of June 14th and 15th 2014, new attacks against minoritieswere successfully mobilized in Sri Lanka. This time it was not against Tamils, but against Muslims in the Aluthgama and then Beruwala areas in the South-West coastal areas. The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a right wing, racist, nationalist group has claimed and used the tired but ever-effective rhetoric of Sinhala Buddhist Nationalism: Sri Lanka belongs to the Sinhala Buddhists; all minorities must know their place or else.
Five years after Eelam War IV and the end of ethnic war between the Government of Sri Lanka and the separatist Tamil Tigers, another round of minority mongering has occurred. While the state and many sections of Sinhala society celebrate the glorious end of war and the defeat of the Tamil Tigers, Sinhala Buddhist Nationalism and its foot soldiers continue to claim victims. The state’s refusal to arrest members of the BBS, despite their racist hateful speeches, reminds us of 1983 when the state allowed the pogrom against Tamils to occur. Read More
Violence, Media Blackout Continues
June 17, 2014
Tensions have continued throughout the night spilling over to the Welipenna area with 12 houses reportedly burnt by Sinhalese mobs, according to reports from the ground.
Confirmed reports now say that 3 houses were burnt while several others were attacked by goons rnumbering around 500, who were armed with petrol bombs and swords.
The mobs have torched the houses completely with the people feeling to the nearby mosques as a result of the violence.
Although last nights the situation was brought under control sporadic violence has continued throughout the night despite the heavy Military presence, the Colombo Telegraph learns.
Yesterday ended with Politicians of all parties swarming in toAluthgama and adjoining areas.
