Buddhist violence against Muslims in Sri Lanka is a threat to secularism

There was a time when Sri Lanka was an ideal secular state, or so it felt for all - the majority Buddhists, minority Hindus, Muslims and Christians. It was a peaceful island nations of various races and religions. But those days are long gone. These days Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is known for its ugly, murderous, racist and bigotted Buddhism, setting the country on a competition with the other Buddhist country Myanmar for the ignoble title to the 'Den of Intolerance.' It is a sad commentary to what was and what has become to this multi-religious south Asian country.

Like in Myanmar, the problem lies with militant, terrorist Buddhist monks that are continuously lighting the fire of hatred against anyone non-Buddhist. Muslims are an easy target in both places. They are on a competition to show how terrible Buddhism is. It is not peaceful at all. As a matter of fact it is rotten and violent - or so they make it to be.

You can view some examples of anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka by clicking here and here.

Unlike Myanmar, not everything is lost, however, in Sri Lanka. There is even a Muslim minister. While visiting devastated Muslim areas of Aluthgama recently he had his ears full with 'how could this happen' type questions. You can read the news by clicking here.

Raj Gonsalkorale has written a very good article about the current violence against Muslims in Sri Lanka and how it is a threat to secular character of Sri Lanka. You can read this by clicking here.

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