Peaceful coexistence between Sinhalese and Muslims should continue- Jamiyathul Ulema

Clashes between two factions in Alutgama led to an ugly incident last week that harmed the peace and harmony of the people in the country. There were signs that certain invisible forces were operating to create disharmony among the Sinhala and Muslim populations. A fresh issue between the majority community and another minority community could take the country to another dark period.

One could argue that a mere isolated incident was left to grow into a dangerous scenario that resulted in at least three deaths and fifty odd casualties with millions of rupees worth of property destroyed and that the issue was not nipped in the bud.

However, it is commendable how the majority of Sri Lankans irrespective of race, caste, creed and religion disapproved of what was brewing in the Southern coastal towns. Not only certain concerned politicians but religious leaders, representatives of civil society and various civil movements as well as the locals who live away from the country were concerned over the incidents.

Social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter were popular arenas where many people as well as groups chose to express their displeasure against communalism and related issues that triggered such a situation. It became the most popular topic in every household, workplace and out on the roads where people showed their disgust over the series of incidents that shocked a country. Some criticised the situation and those responsible for creating such a situation.

Amidst these sane ideologies about the crisis situation there were instances where some shady individuals or groups were attempting to spread hatred.

However, it is noteworthy that these attempts made on social media arenas were either disregarded or were shown poor interest by the understanding majorities that wished to spread love instead of hatred.

Collective public activities were seen in the aftermath of the incident. Groups of donors went to the affected areas to distribute essentials to families who had lost property. Special meetings were arranged between district and area leaders of each religion to pacify the unrest and educate the public to not to become victims of any unseen forces intending malicious activity. Peaceful protests and campaigns held by many civil society organisations helped to calm the situation.

Over 60 cinema artistes, television and those in the musical field signed a petition condemning the brutal acts of invisible forces.

Meanwhile,religious leaders expressed their concern over the incident. The Sunday Observer spoke to a cross section of leaders.

Defeat attempts to create tension

Prof. Ven. Kamburugamuwe Vajira Thera , Chancellor ,Sabaragamuwa University, urged to defeat attempts to create tension among Sinhalese and Muslims. The Thera said that he had identified attempts by certain malicious invisible forces operating to create disharmony between the Sinhala and Muslim communities.

He urged Muslim religious leaders to be aware of malicious activity in the future where false information could lead to public unrest in their own community, forcing them to act violently against their Sinhala bretheren . There were signs that certain elements were even operating from outside the country who were attempting to create religious disharmony so that interested parties could project a bad image of the country to the international community.

The country has suffered a lot during the past few decades with so much of bloodshed which blew into a terrorist conflict. This should never occur again. Everybody has to be vigilant and not listen to malicious rumours, the Thera said.

Unfortunate incident

Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, spokesman of His Eminence Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, said that it was an unfortunate incident. All religions strive to inculcate ideas of peace, harmony, unity and coexistence in the minds of its followers. No religion should be a threat to another, he said.

This was a simple matter between two or three people. If they had the patience, kindness and tolerance this would not have blown out of control. When matters turn into such situations extremist elements always try to reap the benefit. These problems should be addressed based on kindness and love and not anger and vengeance.

We call upon civilians to exert caution and be wary of rumour mongers.

Aluthgama rally subdued tension

General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara thera told the Sunday Observer as a Bhikkhu he was saddened over the incidents in Aluthgama and Beruwala areas.

He was disappointed that the Bodu Bala Sena is alleged of causing racial disharmony without analysing the facts.

The Thera requested that this problem should be viewedwith a clear state of mind. It is important to find the root cause of this issue and necessary action tasken instead of blaming the Bodu Bala Sena.

Today everybody including political and religious leaders were pointing an accusing finger at the BBS. We held that rally in Aluthgama on the invitation of area Bhikkus and the Sinhala community leaders who felt that there was unrest building between the two communities.

We relieved the stress in the hearts and minds of the Sinhala people averting a potential crisis. Then they walked in a peaceful procession which came under heavy stoning. There was no hate speech, Gnanasara Thera said.

Hate speech should be stopped

The Muslim religious nationalistic outfit, Sri Lanka Tauheed Jamaath said that the Bodu Bala Sena should be banned in Sri Lanka for creating religious disharmony in the country and for making hate speech.

Chairman Welfare Division N A M Badhiurdeen told the Sunday Observer that those responsible should be arrested immediately.

Strengthen security

Media Secretary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulema, Maulavi Fazil Farook called upon all Sri Lankans irrespective of race or religion to maintain unity and build the bond of friendship. The beautiful coexistence that Sinhala and Muslim brothers enjoyed for over thousand years should not be allowed to be damaged due to the ruthless action of a few unknown elements attempting to destroy national unity.

For every citizen whether a Sinhalese, a Tamil or a Muslim, Sri Lanka is his home. As the apex religious body of Islamic Theologians that provides religious and community leadership to the Sri Lankan Muslims we request the state to strengthen the security system to avert such occurrences in the future. An impartial investigation has to be carried out into this unfortunate incident where Muslims were affected with a couple of deaths and some casualties.

Hate speech and related activities should be halted.