Join us to Condemn the Atrocities in Dambulla ! Destruction of Mosque is a National Disgrace!!

We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the destruction of Islamic Mosque in Dambulla on April 22 nd 2012. Sri Lanka has been a country of intolerance towards racial and religious minorities in the past. Since May 2009, it has become the norm of Sinhala – Buddhist chauvinists to intimidate minorities and take high handed actions undermining rule of law and basic human rights. We condemn the cheap tactic of usage of religion to instigate violence for political dominance. It is well thought-out plan to mobilize Sinhala people under Buddhist supremacy banner. Not for the love of Buddhism, but to maintain political dominance. This also help to keep the Sinhala masses diverted from the real problem the country is facing. Yes, collapse of the economy is foreseen by the experts. Since the language card is not attractive after the wiping out of LTTE, they choose the Religion. We condemn the involvement of high ranking Buddhist monks in destructing the mosque. Buddhism is a religion based on non-violence, humanitarian and detachment of materialistic means as main principle. But, instead of upholding these values, they preach and practice just the opposite. The majority of the Buddhist priests, not only breaching this founding principle of Buddhism, but use their privilege to gain political and economic power. We firmly believe that the nature religious freedom assured in the constitution of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is contradictory and has extensively contributed to this and similar conflicts. On one hand, it confirms equal religious rights for all, multi-religious and multiethnic country. And, on the other, it assures ‘Preeminence’ of Buddhism and state’s obligation to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana [Article 10, 14(1)]. The constitutional provision has created limitations and rigidity on religious freedom and discrimination against the ‘other’ religions than Buddhism. We understand the pattern of ethno-religious (Sinhala-Buddhist) authoritarianism has overtly created segregation, ethnic cleansing of regional and local minorities as ‘insignificant others’ in the name of Buddhist heritage and ‘Punniya Boomi’, or by removal of established shrines or places of worship. These oppressive actions have negatively impacted on the coexistence of different groups. We call for immediate action to protect the rights of minority to live peacefully including practicing religion, undertake economic activity and access all resources that are available for all citizens in Sri Lanka. We request the government of Sri Lanka to exercise its responsibility to protect the welfare of minority and ensure the safety and security of minority