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{{POV-check|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox Non-profit
{{Infobox organization
| Non-profit_name = Bodu Bala Sena
| Non-profit_logo = [[Image:Bodu Bala Sena-Logo.png|100px]]<br/>
|name = Bodu Bala Sena
|bgcolor =
| Non-profit_type = Non-political, non-secular, action oriented civil group
|fgcolor =
| founded_date = July 2012
|image = Bodu Bala Sena-Logo.png
| founder = Ven. Galagodatthe Gnanasara Thera
|image_border =
<br>
|size = 100px
Ven. Kirama Vimalajothi Thera
|alt =
| location = [[Sri Lanka]]
|caption = Emblem
| origins =
|map =
| key_people = Ven. Galagodatthe Gnanasara Thera
|msize =
<br>
|malt =
Ven. Kirama Vimalajothi Thera
|mcaption =
| owner = Ven. Kirama Vimalajothi Thera
|map2 =
| area_served = Sri Lanka
|abbreviation =
| focus = Saving Buddhism, Buddhists
|motto =
| method = Protests, Activism
|predecessor =
| revenue =
|successor =
| endowment =
|formation = {{Start date and age|2012|07|df=y}}
| num_volunteers =
|extinction =
| num_employees =
|type = [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]
| num_members =
|status =
| subsid =
|purpose = Religious activism
| Non-profit_slogan =
|headquarters = Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira, Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha, [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]]
| homepage = [http://bodubalasena.org/sinhala/ bodubalasena.org]
|location =
| dissolved =
|coords = {{Coord|6|53|45.90|N|79|51|36.20|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| footnotes =
|region_served = [[Sri Lanka]]
|membership =
|language =
|general = Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara
|leader_title = Leader
|leader_name = Kirama Wimalajothi
|leader_title2 =
|leader_name2 =
|leader_title3 =
|leader_name3 =
|leader_title4 =
|leader_name4 =
|key_people =
|main_organ =
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|affiliations =
|budget =
|num_staff =
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|website = {{URL|http://www.bodubalasena.org/|bodubalasena.org}}
|remarks =
|former name =
}}
}}
'''Bodu Bala Sena''' ({{lang-si|බොදු බල සේනා}}; {{lang-en|Buddhist Power Force}}; BBS) is an [[Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism|extremist]]<ref name=DFT180213>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title="This is a Sinhala country, Sinhala Government": Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/18/this-is-a-sinhala-country-sinhala-government-bodu-bala-sena/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=18 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=SL310313>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Ban BBS|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/ban-on-bbs/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Is ethnic unrest brewing in southeast Asia?|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2013/04/201342472654769316.html|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=24 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Arson against Sri Lanka paper targets Tamil vote|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/448118|newspaper=[[Arab News]]/[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=15 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=G. Pramod|title=Attacks on Muslims: Is Sri Lanka now an anti-minority state?|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/attacks-on-muslims-is-sri-lanka-now-an-anti-minority-state-693521.html|newspaper=[[First Post (India)]]|date=10 April 2013}}</ref> Sinhala-Buddhist organisation based in [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=AN080712>{{cite news|last=Rasooldeen|first=M. D.|title=Lankan mission slams false report on jailed maid|url=http://www.arabnews.com/lankan-mission-slams-false-report-jailed-maid|newspaper=[[Arab News]]|date=8 July 2012}}</ref> It has organised various campaigns against the country's minority Muslim and Christian communities which, according to the organisation, are needed to protect the country's Sinhalese-Buddhist character. The organisation's hard-line attitudes have drawn concern and criticism from inside and outside Sri Lanka.


==Organisation==
'''Bodu Bala Sena''' (බොදු බල සේනා "Buddhist Power Force" in the Sinhala language)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://enews.buddhistdoor.com/en/news/d/31286 |title=Sri Lanka Buddhist organization to surround the Ministry unless action taken against alternate Buddhist center : South Asia : Buddhist News : Buddhistdoor |publisher=Enews.buddhistdoor.com |date=2012-06-27 |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref> is a Buddhist organization based in [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="arabnews1">{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/lankan-mission-slams-false-report-jailed-maid |title=Lankan mission slams false report on jailed maid |publisher=ArabNews |date=2012-07-08 |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref> It is a non-political,action oriented civil group that promotes Buddhist philosophy,well-being and [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] culture.<ref name="youtube1">{{cite web|author=door bodubalasena |url=http://www.youtube.com/user/bodubalasena |title=bodubalasena |publisher=YouTube |date=2008-11-06 |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref>
The BBS was founded by monks Kirama Wimalajothi and Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara after they broke away from [[Jathika Hela Urumaya]] (JHU) claiming it was was not militant enough in protecting Buddhism.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lankan Buddhist chauvinists provoke violence against Muslims|url=http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/01/09/sril-j09.html|newspaper=[[World Socialist Web Site]]|date=9 January 2013|author=Gamini Karunasena|author2=Wasantha Rupasinghe}}</ref> Gnanasara had been one of the JHU candidates in [[Colombo Electoral District|Colombo District]] at the [[Sri Lankan parliamentary election, 2004|2004 parliamentary election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pdf/Preference2004GE.pdf|title=General Election 2004 Preferences|publisher=Department of Elections, Sri Lanka}}</ref> Wimalajothi and Gnanasara are leader and general secretary of BBS respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Bodu Bala Sena regrets acts committed by others in its name|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=71421|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 January 2013}}</ref> Its headquarters are located at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira in Colombo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena to accept guardianship of orphans|url=http://mirror.lk/news/6178-bodu-bala-sena-to-accept-guardianship-of-orphans|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira is owned by the [[Buddhist Cultural Centre]], an organisation also founded by Kirama Wimalajothi.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rajasingham|first=K. T.|title=Bodu Bala Sena to tone down its stance on Muslims|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/62004|newspaper=[[Asian Tribune]]|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> The Buddhist Cultural Centre was opened by [[President of Sri Lanka|President]] [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] on 15 May 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buddhist Cultural Centre opened; Havelock Rd. renamed ‘Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha’|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=25515|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=15 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumarasinghe|first=Uditha|title=Buddhist Cultural Centre: Grand opening today|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/05/15/fea06.asp|newspaper=[[Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka)]]|date=15 May 2011}}</ref>


== Activities ==
==History==
One of earliest campaigns by BBS was in respect of Buddhist Sri Lankans working in the [[Middle East]] who, according BBS, were prevented from prevented from practising their religion and punished harshly if found to be doing so.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arrested for idol worship|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-9052-news-detail-arrested-for-idol-worship.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=6 July 2012}}</ref>
The organization has promoted concerts publicizing Buddhist hunger strikes against Indian artists, a petition against Indian Intervention on Sri Lanka,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2008/10/33939_space.html |title=Budu Balu Sena Has Just Woken - Sri Lanka |publisher=Lankanewspapers.com |date=2008-10-22 |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref> protest against the Canadian pongu Tamil (Tamil uprising for independence), protest against the [[Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission]] (SLMM), and statements by [[Ven. Galagodatthe Gnanasara Thera]], the head of Bodu Bala Sena.<ref name="youtube1"/>


The BBS held its first national convention at the [[Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall]] on 28 July 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wimalasurendre|first=Cyril|title=Asgiriya Nayake Thera welcomes Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=58829|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=9 August 2012}}</ref> The convention passed five resolutions which, amongst other things, called for a ban on [[vasectomy]]/[[tubectomy]] in government health facilities; replacement of the various legal systems used in the country with a single legal system; preferential treatment in university admission for students who attended Buddhism classes; use of monks in government schools to teach history and other classes; and no solution for the country's ethnic problems which was based on race/religion.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Buddhist clergy wants birth control operations banned|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=58004|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 July 2012}}</ref>
=== Halal meat boycott ===
In February 2013, the group called for a boycott of halal meat, and demanded that shops be cleared of halal meat products by April.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21494959 |title=Sri Lanka hardline group calls for halal boycott |publisher=BBCNews |date=17 February 2013 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref> Buddhist monk Kirama Vimalajothi Thera asked the government to outlaw Islamic clerics issuing such certification, saying "More than 90 percent of the population are Buddhists, Hindus and Christian and therefore there is no justification to force them to eat halal products." Halal meat involves slitting the animal's throat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-18/sri-lankan-monks-launch-halal-boycott-campaign/4524466 |title=Sri Lankan monks launch halal meat boycott |publisher=Australia Network News |date=Feb 18, 2013 |accessdate=2013-03-25}}</ref> Bodu Bala Sena said that Sinhalese should not be made to pay more for Halal certified meat. The organization that issues such government certifications, the Sri Lanka Muslim clerics' organization All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), suspended issuing the certificates and held discussions with Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and other religious leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar10_1362897435CH.php |title=Sri Lanka Muslim clerics' organization to decide on Halal certification Monday |publisher=ColomboPage |date=Mar 10, 2013 |accessdate=2013-03-25}}</ref>


The BBS held a protest at the Bangladeshi High Commission in Colombo on 4 October 2012 against the [[2012 Ramu violence|anti-Buddhist riots in Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest today against attacks in B’desh on Buddhist shrines|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=62996|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=4 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Monks protest over Bangladeshi incidents|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25068:monks-protest-over-bangladeshi-incidents&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=4 October 2012}}</ref> Some of the protesters threw stones and bottles at the High Commission.<ref>{{cite news|last=Suriyaarachchi|first=Binoy|title=Protest pandemonium|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/27-14047-news-detail-protest-pandemonium.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=5 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tense situation outside Bangladesh High Commission|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=19931|newspaper=adaderana.lk|date=4 October 2012}}</ref>
[[Image:Halal Sri Lanka-Logo.gif|left|thumb|175px|Halal Sri Lanka Logo]] A resolution to the issue was announced March 11, 2013 at a join press conference held by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU)—the group of Islamic clerics that certifies the meat—and a group of senior Buddhist monks. The Halal logo was to be withdrawn from food products sold locally, since such labels are not compulsory but only provided as a service, however the halal logo would still be used on products exported to countries in the Middle East and the Maldives where such labels are compulsory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzweek.com/world/sri-lanka-withdraws-halal-logo-from-local-products-53734 |title=Sri Lanka withdraws Halal logo from local products |publisher=NZWeek |date=11/03/2013 |accessdate=2013-03-25}}</ref> This was not a objection against the sale of halal products, but against the imposition of halal certification on everything by ACJU which was considered to be excessive. For instance, ACJU went so far as to issue halal certificates for water bottles as well as paint brushes, igniting mass objections against the halal certification process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.halaal.acju.net/brands |title=All Brands |publisher=All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) |accessdate=2013-03-30}}</ref>


On 14 October 2012 BBS stormed a house in Batakettara, [[Homagama]], [[Piliyandala]] where it alleges a Christian [[pastor]] called Dinesh and others from an [[evangelical]] group called ''The Name of Lord Jesus'' were trying to [[Religious conversion|convert]] Sinhalese Buddhists.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fernando|first=J. A.|title=Police arrests fundamental conversion group attempted to convert Buddhists|url=http://asiantribune.com/news/2012/10/13/police-arrests-fundamental-conversion-group-attempted-convert-buddhists|newspaper=[[Asian Tribune]]|date=14 October 2012}}</ref> The pastor was later released but following complaints from the pastor's family seven people were arrested on charges of abduction.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fernando|first=J. A.|title=Sri Lanka Buddhists Bodu Bala Sena says will continue to act against fundamental conversion groups - International Church of the Foursquare Gospel|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2012/10/17/sri-lanka-buddhists-bodu-bala-sena-says-will-continue-act-against-fundamental-conver|newspaper=[[Asian Tribune]]|date=18 October 2012}}</ref> The following day BBS held a protest outside Piliyandala Police Station demanding that the seven arrested be released.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wijeratne|first=Premalal|title=Bodubala Sena protest in Piliyandala|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-14737-news-detail-bodubala-sena-protest-in-piliyandala.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=16 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena in sit down protest|url=http://www.mirror.lk/news/2481-bodu-bala-sena-in-sit-down-protest|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=15 October 2011}}</ref>
=== Human rights in Saudi Arabia ===
In July 2012, Bodu Bala Sena took up the cause of religious freedom of Sri Lankan nationals working in Saudi Arabia. They stated that Premanath Pereralage Thungasiri, a Buddhist Sri Lankan working in Saudi Arabia, had been arrested for practicing Buddhism in his employers' home and faced possible beheading over the charges.<ref name="ceylontoday1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-9052-news-detail-arrested-for-idol-worship.html |title=Ceylon Today &#124; Arrested for idol worship |publisher=Ceylontoday.lk |date=2012-07-06 |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref> The Sri Lankan Embassy rejected the reports.<ref name="arabnews1"/> In the past, Sri Lankan officials have also dismissed claims of [[Human Rights Watch]] regarding the treatment of Sri Lankan nationals in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/305660 |title=Saudi, Lankan Officials Dismiss HRW Report on Maid Abuse |publisher=ArabNews |date=2007-11-15 |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref> Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, Ven. Galagodatthe Gnanasara Thera has stated the arrest had nothing to do with idol worship, but was part of a wage dispute, but reiterated that Thungasiri does face execution in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2012/7/77699.html |title=Sri Lanka SECURITY:: Framed in Saudi? |publisher=Lankanewspapers.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-05}}</ref>


The BBS held a protest rally in [[Badulla]] on 25 October 2012 against against alleged conversion, vandalism of Buddhist sites and [[Islamic terrorism]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena protest|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/22961-bodu-bala-sena-protest.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=25 October 2012}}</ref> They held a protest at the Department of Archeology on 29 November 2012 urging the authorities to protect archaeological sites in the [[Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|Eastern Province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest in front of Archeological Dept|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/23861-protest-in-front-of-archeological-dept.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 November 2012}}</ref>
The group also alleged that the Saudis arrested a Sri Lankan woman for witchcraft for looking at a child and wearing a black cord on her wrist, that Sri Lankan female domestic workers were forced to embrace Islam, and wear Islamic attire, and that four Sri Lankan youths had been beheaded in Saudi Arabia.<ref name="ceylontoday1"/>


The BBS stormed [[Sri Lanka Law College]] in [[Hultsdorf]], Colombo on 7 January 2013, alleging that exam results were being distorted in favour of Muslim students.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Law College registrations put off by one week|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=69977|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=8 January 2013}}</ref> The allegations were not true but the college was forced delay new student registration by one week in order to investigate the allegations.<ref name=BBC250313>{{cite news|title=The hardline Buddhists targeting Sri Lanka's Muslims|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21840600|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=25 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=de Mel|first=Kithsiri|title=Law College registration postponed|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/24833-law-college-registration-postponed.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=8 January 2013}}</ref>
== Criticism ==


The BBS stormed the Cinnamon Bay Hotel in Moragalla, [[Beruwala]] on 21 January 2013, alleging that the premises contained a "Buddha bar".<ref>{{cite news|title=Hotel managers arrested over ‘Nirvana style’ dinner event|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130127/news/hotel-managers-arrested-over-nirvana-style-dinner-event-30406.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=27 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Monks storm Buddha bar lounge in Beruwala|url=http://colombogazette.com/2013/01/22/monks-storm-buddha-bar-lounge-in-beruwala/|newspaper=Colombo Gazette|date=22 January 2013}}</ref> Two hotel managers were arrested by the police for organising the "Buddha bar" event.<ref name=SL030213>{{cite news|title=The Slow Spread Of Discord|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/02/03/the-slow-spread-of-discord/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=3 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tourism industry of Sri Lanka concerned over rising Buddhist extremism|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Jan25_1359129213KA.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=25 January 2013}}</ref>
=== Maharagama rally ===


President Mahinda Rajapaksa and government ministers met with the BBS on 27 January 2013 at [[Temple Trees]], Colombo.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=President Rajapaksa stresses need for respecting rights of all communities|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=71369|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MR meets Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/25292-mr-meets-bodu-bala-sena.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=27 January 2013}}</ref> After the meeting the President issued a statement which urged the BBS and other monks to avoid conflicts with other religious communities but this statement was only issued in [[English language|English]], not [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] which is the language of most BBS supporters.<ref name=MRGI>{{cite web|title=Islamophobia and attacks on Muslims in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.minorityrights.org/11808/briefing-papers/islamophobia-and-attacks-on-muslims-in-sri-lanka.html|publisher=[[Minority Rights Group International]]|date=18 March 2013}}</ref>
In late February 2013, thousands of supporters of Bodu Bala Sena held a rally in the Colombo suburb of Maharagama. The group's secretary-general, Ven. Galagodatthe Gnanasara Thera, told the crowd that Christian and Muslim extremists were threatening Buddhists, that hundreds of monks were ready to fight, and that "our country is a Sinhalese one and we are its unofficial police." <ref name="BBCNews">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21494959 |title=Sri Lanka hardline group calls for halal boycott |publisher=BBCNews |date=17 February 2013 |accessdate=2014-03-23}}</ref>


The opposition [[United National Party]] met with the BBS on 12 February 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=UNP, Bodu Bala Sena in pow-wow|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/13/unp-bodu-bala-sena-in-pow-wow/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=13 February 2013}}</ref>
Sri Lanka opposition party leader Mujeebur Rahuman claimed that the government was not trying to stop the activities of the organization and predicted that rioting would break out between Buddhists and Muslims.<ref name="BBCNews"/>


The BBS organised a meeting in [[Maharagama]], Colombo on 17 February 2013 which was attended by around 16,000 people including 1,300 monks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ban Halal certification|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/25824-ban-halal-certification.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref> At the rally the BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara stated "This is a government created by Sinhala Buddhists and it must remain Sinhala Buddhist. This is a Sinhala country, Sinhala government. Democratic and pluralistic values are killing the Sinhala race".<ref>{{cite news|last=Al Maeena|first=Tariq A.|title=Neo-fascism on the rise in Sri Lanka|url=http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/neo-fascism-on-the-rise-in-sri-lanka-1.1150052|newspaper=[[Gulf News]]|date=23 February 2013}}</ref> He also told the crowd at the rally that they "must become an unofficial civilian police force against Muslim extremism. These so-called democrats are destroying the Sinhala race".<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena gives ultimatum to Ban Halal certification|url=http://www.mirror.lk/news/5366-bodu-bala-sena-gives-ultimatum-to-ban-halal-certification|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=18 February 2013}}</ref> At the rally the BBS unveiled the "Maharagama Declaration", a ten-point resolution which, other than an end to halal certification, called for a ban on Sri Lankan women going to work in the Middle East; end of mosque building financed by the Middle East; and ban some contraceptives.<ref name="DFT180213"/>
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse has called on monks not to incite religious hatred and violence. Muslims and Christians deny promoting extremism in Sri Lanka. Bodu Bala Sena has denied associations with the recent attacks on Muslims and Christians.


In February 2013 BBS leader Kirama Wimalajothi called for a ban [[burqa]]s in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ban the burqa|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-24545-news-detail-ban-the-burqa.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref> The BBS has also campaigned against the [[abaya]].<ref name=DFT140313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Losing the ideas battle|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/14/losing-the-ideas-battle/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=14 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Serasinghe|first=Sharmini|title=BBS’s Latest Target- Muslim Dress Code|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bbss-latest-target-muslim-dress-code/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=24 March 2013}}</ref>
=== Threats against the press ===
A BBC News crew was stopped by a mob of 20 young men and threatened with violence after filming a rally in the outskirts of Colombo. The news team was warned that if they returned to the mainly Buddhist suburb, it would "be the end" of them. The rally came at a time of mounting religious tension in the country, with recent attacks on mosques, Muslim-owned businesses, Christian churches, and clergy. During the February 2013 rally, Bodu Bala Sena's secretary-general, Ven. Galagodatthe Gnanasara Thera claimed that Christian and Muslim extremists were threatening Buddhists.<ref name="BBCNews"/>


The BBS met with the of the Lieutenant General [[Jagath Jayasuriya]], Major General [[Shavendra Silva]] and others from the [[Sri Lanka Army]] in late February 2013 to discuss extremist Muslim groups that the BBS alleged were operating in the country.<ref name=SL030313>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Army Asks For Evidence|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/03/army-asks-for-evidence/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=3 March 2013}}</ref> BBS also met with [[Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)|IGP]] N. K. Illangakoon from the [[Sri Lanka Police Service|police]] on 1 March 2013 to discuss the same issues.<ref name=SL030313/>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


Meth Sevana, the BBS' cultural and training centre in Pilana, Wanchawala, [[Galle District]], was officially opened on 9 March 2013 by chief guest Defence Secretary [[Gotabhaya Rajapaksa]], brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.<ref>{{cite news|last=Siri Ananda|first=W.|title=Gota inaugurates BBS Meth Sevana|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-26495-news-detail-gota-inaugurates-bbs-meth-sevana.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=10 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gunasekara|first=Tisaranee|title=Gotabhaya Rajapaksa And His Bala Sena|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/gotabhaya-rajapaksa-and-his-bala-sena/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=14 March 2013}}</ref>
== External links ==
*[http://bodubalasena.org/sinhala/ Bodu Bala Sena Official Website (Sinhala language)]


The BBS held a rally in [[Kandy]] on 17 March 2013 at which it announced that it would work to remove a 10th century mosque at the Kuragala Buddhist monastery complex in [[Ratnapura District]].<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS vows to remove Muslim mosque from Kuragala|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2043&Itemid=53|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eviction notice for Muslims in Kuragala|url=http://mirror.lk/news/5974-eviction-notice-for-muslims|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS alleged that [[Islamic fundamentalism|Muslim fundamentalists]] had taken over the site and destroyed Buddhist heritage.<ref>{{cite news|title= Sri Lanka's Buddhist extremists vow to remove Muslim mosque in Kuragala|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar18_1363584917CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara accused the Muslim owned ''Fashion Bug'' and ''No Limit'' retail chains of converting its Buddhist Sinhalese employees to Islam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Video Evidence BBS Encourages Violence Against Muslim Owned Fashion Bug|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/video-evidence-bbs-encourages-violence-against-muslim-owned-fashion-bug/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=29 March 2013}}</ref>

The BBS held a rally in [[Panadura]] on 24 March 2013 at which it called on the country to rally against Christian and Muslim extremists, insisting Sri Lanka was a a Sinhala Buddhist country, not a multiracial or multi-religious country.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rutnam|first=Easwaran|title=BBS insists Lanka not multiracial|url=http://colombogazette.com/2013/03/24/bbs-insists-lanka-not-multiracial/|newspaper=Colombo Gazette|date=24 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS called for [[High Commissioner]] [[Ferial Ashraff]] to be recalled from [[Singapore]] for allegedly carrying out anti-Sinhala activities.<ref name=DFT280313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=The reconciliation gap|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/28/the-reconciliation-gap/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=28 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS announced that a [[ringtone]] could be downloaded from [[Mobitel (Sri Lanka)|Mobitel]], the [[state-owned]] mobile phone operator, which would raise funds for BBS.<ref name=DFT280313/> This caused protests from Mobitel customers and the company was forced to apologise for causing "emotional distress".<ref>{{cite news|title=Mobitel apologises for causing 'emotional distress'|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/31916-mobitel-apologises-for-causing-emotional-distress.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 March 2013}}</ref>

A nationwide protest by Muslims against the anti-Muslim campaigns being carried out by the BBS and JHU was held on 25 March 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rally to mobilize public support against anti-Muslim campaigns in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/445920|newspaper=[[Arab News]]|date=25 March 2013}}</ref> The protests were organised by the Muslim Rights Organization (MRO). <ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka Muslims to protest anti-Muslim campaigns|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar25_1364192259KA.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=25 March 2013}}</ref> A [[hartal]] was observed in the Eastern Province on the same day against the BBS' anti-Muslim stance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hartal in East|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=75546|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=25 March 2013|author=M. A. Kaleel|author2=A. M. Jazeel}}</ref>

The Muslim owned ''Fashion Bug'' clothes shop in Pepiliyana, Colombo District was attacked on 28 March 2013 by a mob led by Buddhist monks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka crowd attacks Muslim warehouse in Colombo|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21973292|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka violence prompts security measures|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/03/20133298245623684.html|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref> Some reports suggested that BBS was behind the attack.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wickrematunge|first=Raisa|title=Hate Rages On|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/hate-rages-on/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> BBS denied any involvement and condemned the attack.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka deploys forces after Muslim store torched in Colombo|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sri-lanka-deploys-forces-after-muslim-store-torched-in-colombo/1094928/|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]/[[Press Trust of India]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BBS condemns the attack|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/27442-bbs-condemns-the-attack.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref>

On 31 March 2013 it was reported that the government was going to ban a number of extremist groups including the BBS.<ref name=SL310313/><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka government to crack down on extremist groups|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar31_1364708741CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> Reacting to the reports, BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara described Minister of National Languages and Social Integration [[Vasudeva Nanayakkara]] as a disgrace and a peacenik, saying "Such ministers should be sent to Angoda once in three months, to have their heads examined".<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=BBS backtracks!|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/04/05/bbs-backtracks/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=5 April 2013}}</ref> Nanayakkara denied the reports, saying that the government wasn't going to ban extremist groups like the BBS, it was only considering banning [[hate speech]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lankan minister denies cabinet paper aimed at banning extremist organizations|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Apr07_1365318278CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=7 April 2013}}</ref>

In April 2013 a group of BBS members led by general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara visited the USA to raise awareness of the organisation and counter its negative image.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena goes International|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/27922-bodu-bala-sena-goes-international.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wickrematunge|first=Raisa|title=BBS To Launch ‘Counterattack’ Programme In The US|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/04/14/bbs-to-launch-counterattack-programme-in-the-us/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=14 April 2013}}</ref>

==Anti-halal campaign==
[[File:Halal Sri Lanka-Logo.gif|right|thumb|250px|ACJU halal logo]]
In February 2013 the BBS started a campaign against the [[halal]] certifying system in the country. In Sri Lanka halal certification is carried out by the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the group of Islamic clerics, and contrary to allegations, is voluntary - certificates are only issued to businesses that request it.<ref>{{cite news|last=Panagoda|first=Charundi|title=Halal: Food for thought|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130224/news/halal-food-for-thought-34292.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=24 February 2013}}</ref> The BBS initially threatened to take the ACJU to court.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Bodu Bala Sena To Take ACJU to court|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/02/10/bodu-bala-sena-to-take-acju-to-court/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=10 February 2013}}</ref> Later they threatened to launch a campaign of agitation against halal certification, stating "they [the Mulsims] are trying to impose their ritualistic food products upon this country. The next plan is to bring about [[Sharia]] law. Already there is Muslim banking system in the country."<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Bodu Bala Sena anti-Halal agitation to begin in Maharagama tomorrow|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/16/bodu-bala-sena-anti-halal-agitation-to-begin-in-maharagama-tomorrow/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=16 February 2013}}</ref> At the rally in Maharagama on 17 February 2013 the BBS announced that it was calling for the abolition of the halal certifying system, demanding that shops be cleared of halal meat by April.<ref name=BBC170213>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka hardline group calls for halal boycott|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21494959|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Calling for the abolition of Halal certification|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/30376-calling-for-the-abolition-of-halal-certification.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=18 February 2013}}</ref>

In late February 2013 the ACJU offered to hand over responsibility for halal certifying to the government but this was rejected by the BBS who called for the complete eradication halal certification in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena rejects ACJU proposal|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/26046-bodu-bala-sena-rejects-acju-proposal.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=27 February 2013|author=Olindhi Jayasundere|author2=Lahiru Pothmulla}}</ref> The BBS slammed the ACJU as "arrogant, corrupt, thieving, underworld thugs".<ref>{{cite news|last=Panagoda|first=Charundi|title=Halal: The ball is in Cabinet Sub-Com court|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130303/news/halal-the-ball-is-in-cabinet-sub-com-court-35221.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=3 March 2013}}</ref> The government also refused to take over halal certification due to the pressure exerted by the BBS.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jabbar|first=Zacki|title=Govt. rejects ACJU call for taking over issuance of Halal certificates|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=73672|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 February 2013}}</ref>

The BBS stormed a meat inspection facility in [[Dematagoda]] run by [[Colombo Municipal Council]] (CMC) on 1 March 2013, alleging that young calves, pregnant cows and water buffaloes were being slaughtered at the premises.<ref name>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena storms abattoir|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-25668-news-detail-bodu-bala-sena-storms-abattoir.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=2 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Slaughter house raided|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/26099-slaughter-house-raided.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=1 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Jayamanne|first=Dilanthi|title=Bodu Bala Sena surrounds Dematagoda abattoir|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=73761|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=1 March 2013}}</ref> The slaughter of calves is illegal in Colombo. The BBS were incorrect - the premises were being used by CMC officials to inspect meat prior to being distributed around the city.<ref name=BBC250313/><ref name=DFT020313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Bodu Bala Sena storms Dematagoda ‘slaughterhouse’|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/02/bodu-bala-sena-storms-dematagoda-slaughterhouse/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=2 March 2013}}</ref>

Meetings were held between the ACJU, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Buddhist clergy and on 11 March 2013 a compromise was announced. The ACJU would stop adding the halal logo on products for local consumption but continue to use them for products being exported to Islamic countries where it is compulsory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Biz chambers on Halaal certification|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=74501|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=11 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Halal logo to be withdrawn from all Sri Lankan products|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/31216-halal-logo-to-be-withdrawn-from-all-sri-lankan-products.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=11 March 2013}}</ref> This offer was also rejected on 12 March 2013 by the BBS who continued to demand "the eradication of the entire Halal process".<ref>{{cite news|title=JHU and BBS say it is eyewash|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/26572-jhu-and-bbs-say-it-is-eyewash.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=12 March 2013|author=Jayashika Padmasiri|author2=Olindhi Jayasundara|author3=Lahiru Pothmulla}}</ref> The BBS went on to attack those responsible for the compromise. They accused [[Milinda Moragoda]], a government minister, of "creating an unholy inter-religious alliance, and attempting to destroy our learned monks. These revered bhikkus are now in the grasp of infidels".<ref name=DFT130313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=BBS fires all cylinders|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/13/bbs-fires-all-cylinders/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=13 March 2013}}</ref> They branded the Buddhist clergy as "pseudo Buddhist leaders who never stood against Muslim extremism and Christian fundamentalism."<ref name=DFT130313/> They accused the CCC chairman [[Susantha Ratnayake]] of having a "Buddha bar" at a hotel he runs.<ref name=DFT130313/>

The government pronounced on 13 March 2013 that the ACJU had no power to issue halal certificates and that a new way to certify halal products would need to be formulated.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bandara|first=Kelum|title=Govt. to formulate new Halal mechanism|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/26650-govt-to-formulate-new-halal-mechanism.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=14 March 2013}}</ref> On 17 March 2013 the BBS declared victory in its battle against halal, saying it wouldn't talk about halal in the future.<ref name=DFT180313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=BBS slams Daily FT at key rally in Kandy|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/18/bbs-slams-daily-ft-at-key-rally-in-kandy/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=18 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu bala sena gives up Halal|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/55434|newspaper=Hiru News|date=17 March 2013}}</ref>

==Attacks on media==
The BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara has accused the majority of the English language media in the country of "working on foreign agendas" and of being "kalu suddho" (traitors) to the Sinhala Buddhist cause.<ref name=DFT180313/>

A [[BBC News]] crew filming the BBS rally at Maharagama on 17 February 2013 were surrounded by a mob of twenty young men who threatened them and verbally abused a Sri Lankan member of the crew, accusing him of being a "traitor", having "foreign parents" and working for a "foreign conspirator" who was "against Sri Lanka".<ref name=BBC170213/><ref>{{cite news|title=BBC journalist threatened at Bodu Bala Sena rally|url=http://sundaytimes.lk/latest/30414-bbc-joiurnalist-threatened-at-bodu-bala-sena-rally.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=19 February 2013}}</ref> The police seemed to be helping the crew by barricading the crew and ordering them not to leave.<ref name=BBC170213/> The mob threatened it would "be the end" of the crew if they returned to Maharagama.<ref name=BBC170213/> A reporter from the Muslim newspaper ''Navamini'' was also harassed at the rally by a mob who handed him over to the police who in turn detained the reporter for 4½ hours.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mob turns on BBC crew, Muslim newspaper journalist detained by police|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/18/mob-turns-on-bbc-crew-muslim-newspaper-journalist-detained-by-police/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=18 February 2013}}</ref>

==Criticism==
The BBS has received criticism from politicians, human rights groups, other Buddhist clergy and Muslims from Sri Lanka and abroad.

Minister of National Languages and Social Integration [[Vasudeva Nanayakkara]] has has described BBS as an "an extremist group that comes up with provoking statements".<ref>{{cite news|title='Bodu Bala Sena is an extremist group'|url=http://htsyndication.com/htsportal/article?arid=%221085777%22&pub=%22Daily+Mirror+Sri+Lanka%22|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]] via [[HT Syndication]]|date=15 March 2013}}</ref> Opposition MP and former [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)|Foreign Minister]] [[Mangala Samaraweera]] has accused the BBS of being "a representation of ‘[[Taliban]]’ terrorism’" and of spreading extremism and communal hatred against Muslims.<ref name=ST170213>{{cite news|last=Bandara|first=Hansani|title=BBSO challenges Mangala equating it to a terrorist outfit|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130217/news/bbso-challenges-mangala-equating-it-to-a-terrorist-outfit-33653.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=DFT150213>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Mangala says anti-Muslim campaign is ‘playing with fire’|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/15/mangala-says-anti-muslim-campaign-is-playing-with-fire/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=15 February 2013}}</ref> Samaraweera has also alleged that the BBS is secretly funded by the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]].<ref name=ST170213/><ref name=DFT150213/> The BBS demanded a public apology for Samaraweera's comments, calling him bankrupt and accusing him of supporting separatists.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS wants public apology to all Buddhists from Mangala|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/16/bbs-wants-public-apology-to-all-buddhists-from-mangala/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=16 February 2013}}</ref> Former ambassador [[Dayan Jayatilleka]] has described the BBS as an "ethno-religious fascist movement from the dark underside of Sinhala society".<ref name=BBC250313/><ref>{{cite web|last=Jayatilleka|first=Dayan|title=Emergence of Ethno-Religious Fascist Movement from the Dark Underside of Sinhala Society|url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/16765|publisher=dbsjeyaraj.com|authorlink=Dayan Jayatilleka|date=19 February 2013}}</ref> [[Vikramabahu Karunaratne]], leader of the [[Nava Sama Samaja Party]], has labelled the BBS as an extremist religious group.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Joint Opposition becomes official|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/12/joint-opposition-becomes-official/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=12 February 2013}}</ref>

The [[International Crisis Group]] has stated that the BBS' attacks on the Muslim community will lead an increase in Islamic fundamentalism in the country.<ref>{{cite book|title=Asia Report N°243 - Sri Lanka’s Authoritarian Turn: The Need for International Action|publisher=[[International Crisis Group]]|page=24|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-asia/sri-lanka/243-sri-lankas-authoritarian-turn-the-need-for-international-action.pdf|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> The [[Islamic Human Rights Commission]] has accused the BBS of "spreading religious hatred" and urged the Sri Lankan government to take legal action against organisations which attack minority groups.<ref>{{cite web|title=Action Alert: Sri Lanka – Demand an end to violence against the Muslim and Christian community in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.ihrc.org.uk/activities/alerts/10455-action-alert-sri-lanka-demand-an-end-to-violence-against-the-muslim-and-christian-community-in-sri-lanka|publisher=[[Islamic Human Rights Commission]]|date=11 March 2013}}</ref> The [[Asian Human Rights Commission]] has described the BBS as an "expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country", claiming that the government's failure to take action against groups such as the BBS demonstrated the government's [[connivance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka: A monk leads mob violence at Maligawatta with the connivance of the police|url=http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-049-2013/|publisher=[[Asian Human Rights Commission]]|date=4 March 2013}}</ref> [[Minority Rights Group International]] has accused BBS of being the main group behind the recent spate of attacks against Muslims in the country.<ref name=MRGI/> In its 2012 human rights report, the British [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] accused BBS of increasing "campaigns against religious minorities".<ref>{{cite web|title=Human Rights and Democracy: The 2012 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report|url=http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2012-Human-Rights-and-Democracy.pdf|publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BBS condemns HR report by UK govt|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3561&Itemid=65|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref>

The views of the BBS have been disowned by the some of the mainstream Buddhist clergy. Anunayake Bellanwila Wimalaratana has stated that "The views of the Bodu Bala Sena are not the views of the entire [[Sangha]] community".<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS does not represent entire Sangha|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/12/bbs-does-not-represent-entire-sangha/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=12 March 2013}}</ref>

Opposition provincial councillor and MRO president Mujeebur Rahuman has stated that the unfettered activities of the BBS will mean an "ethnic riot will start between Sinhalese and Muslims".<ref name=BBC170213/> The [[Eastern Provincial Council]] passed a motion unanimously on 20 February 2013 censuring the BBS for its anti-Muslim stance.<ref>{{cite news|title=EPC censures Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=73089|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> [[Kalmunai Municipal Council]] passed a motion on 4 April 2013 against extremist groups including the BBS, urging crackdown on these groups.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalmunai Resolution Names BBS As Extremists|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/04/07/kalmunai-resolution-names-bbs-as-extremists/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=7 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kalmunai MC adopts resolution against hardline religious groups|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3014&Itemid=65|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Resolution passed against BBS|url=http://colombogazette.com/2013/04/04/resolution-passed-against-bbs/|newspaper=Colombo Gazette|date=4 April 2013}}</ref>

A group calling itself "Buddhists Questioning Bodu Bala Sena" staged a peaceful candle-lit vigil on 12 April 2013 outside the BBS' headquarters at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira.<ref>{{cite news|title=Police disperse anti-BBS protest|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/32542-police-disperse-anti-bbs-protest.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=12 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=On ‘Nightclub Buddhists’: The Disrupted Vigil|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/04/21/on-nightclub-buddhists-the-disrupted-vigil/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=21 April 2013}}</ref> The vigil was broken up by the police.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lanka blocks anti-hate rally in capital|url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/4d309afa-9010-4376-b746-0ead2eee84a9.aspx|newspaper=[[The Gulf Today]]/[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=13 April 2013}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|4}}

{{Buddhism in Sri Lanka}}

[[Category:Anti-Christianity]]
[[Category:Anti-Muslim organizations from Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Buddhism in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Buddhist organizations]]
[[Category:Buddhist organizations]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 2012]]

Revision as of 21:07, 30 April 2013

Bodu Bala Sena
FormationJuly 2012; 11 years ago (2012-07)
TypeNGO
PurposeReligious activism
HeadquartersSri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira, Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Coordinates6°53′45.90″N 79°51′36.20″E / 6.8960833°N 79.8600556°E / 6.8960833; 79.8600556
Region served
Sri Lanka
Secretary General
Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara
Leader
Kirama Wimalajothi
Websitebodubalasena.org

Bodu Bala Sena (Sinhala: බොදු බල සේනා; English: Buddhist Power Force; BBS) is an extremist[1][2][3][4][5] Sinhala-Buddhist organisation based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.[6] It has organised various campaigns against the country's minority Muslim and Christian communities which, according to the organisation, are needed to protect the country's Sinhalese-Buddhist character. The organisation's hard-line attitudes have drawn concern and criticism from inside and outside Sri Lanka.

Organisation

The BBS was founded by monks Kirama Wimalajothi and Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara after they broke away from Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) claiming it was was not militant enough in protecting Buddhism.[7] Gnanasara had been one of the JHU candidates in Colombo District at the 2004 parliamentary election.[8] Wimalajothi and Gnanasara are leader and general secretary of BBS respectively.[9] Its headquarters are located at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira in Colombo.[10] Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira is owned by the Buddhist Cultural Centre, an organisation also founded by Kirama Wimalajothi.[11] The Buddhist Cultural Centre was opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 15 May 2011.[12][13]

History

One of earliest campaigns by BBS was in respect of Buddhist Sri Lankans working in the Middle East who, according BBS, were prevented from prevented from practising their religion and punished harshly if found to be doing so.[14]

The BBS held its first national convention at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on 28 July 2012.[15] The convention passed five resolutions which, amongst other things, called for a ban on vasectomy/tubectomy in government health facilities; replacement of the various legal systems used in the country with a single legal system; preferential treatment in university admission for students who attended Buddhism classes; use of monks in government schools to teach history and other classes; and no solution for the country's ethnic problems which was based on race/religion.[16]

The BBS held a protest at the Bangladeshi High Commission in Colombo on 4 October 2012 against the anti-Buddhist riots in Bangladesh.[17][18] Some of the protesters threw stones and bottles at the High Commission.[19][20]

On 14 October 2012 BBS stormed a house in Batakettara, Homagama, Piliyandala where it alleges a Christian pastor called Dinesh and others from an evangelical group called The Name of Lord Jesus were trying to convert Sinhalese Buddhists.[21] The pastor was later released but following complaints from the pastor's family seven people were arrested on charges of abduction.[22] The following day BBS held a protest outside Piliyandala Police Station demanding that the seven arrested be released.[23][24]

The BBS held a protest rally in Badulla on 25 October 2012 against against alleged conversion, vandalism of Buddhist sites and Islamic terrorism.[25] They held a protest at the Department of Archeology on 29 November 2012 urging the authorities to protect archaeological sites in the Eastern Province.[26]

The BBS stormed Sri Lanka Law College in Hultsdorf, Colombo on 7 January 2013, alleging that exam results were being distorted in favour of Muslim students.[27] The allegations were not true but the college was forced delay new student registration by one week in order to investigate the allegations.[28][29]

The BBS stormed the Cinnamon Bay Hotel in Moragalla, Beruwala on 21 January 2013, alleging that the premises contained a "Buddha bar".[30][31] Two hotel managers were arrested by the police for organising the "Buddha bar" event.[32][33]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and government ministers met with the BBS on 27 January 2013 at Temple Trees, Colombo.[34][35] After the meeting the President issued a statement which urged the BBS and other monks to avoid conflicts with other religious communities but this statement was only issued in English, not Sinhala which is the language of most BBS supporters.[36]

The opposition United National Party met with the BBS on 12 February 2013.[37]

The BBS organised a meeting in Maharagama, Colombo on 17 February 2013 which was attended by around 16,000 people including 1,300 monks.[38] At the rally the BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara stated "This is a government created by Sinhala Buddhists and it must remain Sinhala Buddhist. This is a Sinhala country, Sinhala government. Democratic and pluralistic values are killing the Sinhala race".[39] He also told the crowd at the rally that they "must become an unofficial civilian police force against Muslim extremism. These so-called democrats are destroying the Sinhala race".[40] At the rally the BBS unveiled the "Maharagama Declaration", a ten-point resolution which, other than an end to halal certification, called for a ban on Sri Lankan women going to work in the Middle East; end of mosque building financed by the Middle East; and ban some contraceptives.[1]

In February 2013 BBS leader Kirama Wimalajothi called for a ban burqas in the country.[41] The BBS has also campaigned against the abaya.[42][43]

The BBS met with the of the Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Major General Shavendra Silva and others from the Sri Lanka Army in late February 2013 to discuss extremist Muslim groups that the BBS alleged were operating in the country.[44] BBS also met with IGP N. K. Illangakoon from the police on 1 March 2013 to discuss the same issues.[44]

Meth Sevana, the BBS' cultural and training centre in Pilana, Wanchawala, Galle District, was officially opened on 9 March 2013 by chief guest Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.[45][46]

The BBS held a rally in Kandy on 17 March 2013 at which it announced that it would work to remove a 10th century mosque at the Kuragala Buddhist monastery complex in Ratnapura District.[47][48] At the rally BBS alleged that Muslim fundamentalists had taken over the site and destroyed Buddhist heritage.[49] BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara accused the Muslim owned Fashion Bug and No Limit retail chains of converting its Buddhist Sinhalese employees to Islam.[50]

The BBS held a rally in Panadura on 24 March 2013 at which it called on the country to rally against Christian and Muslim extremists, insisting Sri Lanka was a a Sinhala Buddhist country, not a multiracial or multi-religious country.[51] At the rally BBS called for High Commissioner Ferial Ashraff to be recalled from Singapore for allegedly carrying out anti-Sinhala activities.[52] At the rally BBS announced that a ringtone could be downloaded from Mobitel, the state-owned mobile phone operator, which would raise funds for BBS.[52] This caused protests from Mobitel customers and the company was forced to apologise for causing "emotional distress".[53]

A nationwide protest by Muslims against the anti-Muslim campaigns being carried out by the BBS and JHU was held on 25 March 2013.[54] The protests were organised by the Muslim Rights Organization (MRO). [55] A hartal was observed in the Eastern Province on the same day against the BBS' anti-Muslim stance.[56]

The Muslim owned Fashion Bug clothes shop in Pepiliyana, Colombo District was attacked on 28 March 2013 by a mob led by Buddhist monks.[57][58] Some reports suggested that BBS was behind the attack.[59] BBS denied any involvement and condemned the attack.[60][61]

On 31 March 2013 it was reported that the government was going to ban a number of extremist groups including the BBS.[2][62] Reacting to the reports, BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara described Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara as a disgrace and a peacenik, saying "Such ministers should be sent to Angoda once in three months, to have their heads examined".[63] Nanayakkara denied the reports, saying that the government wasn't going to ban extremist groups like the BBS, it was only considering banning hate speech.[64]

In April 2013 a group of BBS members led by general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara visited the USA to raise awareness of the organisation and counter its negative image.[65][66]

Anti-halal campaign

ACJU halal logo

In February 2013 the BBS started a campaign against the halal certifying system in the country. In Sri Lanka halal certification is carried out by the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the group of Islamic clerics, and contrary to allegations, is voluntary - certificates are only issued to businesses that request it.[67] The BBS initially threatened to take the ACJU to court.[68] Later they threatened to launch a campaign of agitation against halal certification, stating "they [the Mulsims] are trying to impose their ritualistic food products upon this country. The next plan is to bring about Sharia law. Already there is Muslim banking system in the country."[69] At the rally in Maharagama on 17 February 2013 the BBS announced that it was calling for the abolition of the halal certifying system, demanding that shops be cleared of halal meat by April.[70][71]

In late February 2013 the ACJU offered to hand over responsibility for halal certifying to the government but this was rejected by the BBS who called for the complete eradication halal certification in the country.[72] The BBS slammed the ACJU as "arrogant, corrupt, thieving, underworld thugs".[73] The government also refused to take over halal certification due to the pressure exerted by the BBS.[74]

The BBS stormed a meat inspection facility in Dematagoda run by Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) on 1 March 2013, alleging that young calves, pregnant cows and water buffaloes were being slaughtered at the premises.[75][76][77] The slaughter of calves is illegal in Colombo. The BBS were incorrect - the premises were being used by CMC officials to inspect meat prior to being distributed around the city.[28][78]

Meetings were held between the ACJU, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Buddhist clergy and on 11 March 2013 a compromise was announced. The ACJU would stop adding the halal logo on products for local consumption but continue to use them for products being exported to Islamic countries where it is compulsory.[79][80] This offer was also rejected on 12 March 2013 by the BBS who continued to demand "the eradication of the entire Halal process".[81] The BBS went on to attack those responsible for the compromise. They accused Milinda Moragoda, a government minister, of "creating an unholy inter-religious alliance, and attempting to destroy our learned monks. These revered bhikkus are now in the grasp of infidels".[82] They branded the Buddhist clergy as "pseudo Buddhist leaders who never stood against Muslim extremism and Christian fundamentalism."[82] They accused the CCC chairman Susantha Ratnayake of having a "Buddha bar" at a hotel he runs.[82]

The government pronounced on 13 March 2013 that the ACJU had no power to issue halal certificates and that a new way to certify halal products would need to be formulated.[83] On 17 March 2013 the BBS declared victory in its battle against halal, saying it wouldn't talk about halal in the future.[84][85]

Attacks on media

The BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara has accused the majority of the English language media in the country of "working on foreign agendas" and of being "kalu suddho" (traitors) to the Sinhala Buddhist cause.[84]

A BBC News crew filming the BBS rally at Maharagama on 17 February 2013 were surrounded by a mob of twenty young men who threatened them and verbally abused a Sri Lankan member of the crew, accusing him of being a "traitor", having "foreign parents" and working for a "foreign conspirator" who was "against Sri Lanka".[70][86] The police seemed to be helping the crew by barricading the crew and ordering them not to leave.[70] The mob threatened it would "be the end" of the crew if they returned to Maharagama.[70] A reporter from the Muslim newspaper Navamini was also harassed at the rally by a mob who handed him over to the police who in turn detained the reporter for 4½ hours.[87]

Criticism

The BBS has received criticism from politicians, human rights groups, other Buddhist clergy and Muslims from Sri Lanka and abroad.

Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara has has described BBS as an "an extremist group that comes up with provoking statements".[88] Opposition MP and former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has accused the BBS of being "a representation of ‘Taliban’ terrorism’" and of spreading extremism and communal hatred against Muslims.[89][90] Samaraweera has also alleged that the BBS is secretly funded by the Ministry of Defence.[89][90] The BBS demanded a public apology for Samaraweera's comments, calling him bankrupt and accusing him of supporting separatists.[91] Former ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka has described the BBS as an "ethno-religious fascist movement from the dark underside of Sinhala society".[28][92] Vikramabahu Karunaratne, leader of the Nava Sama Samaja Party, has labelled the BBS as an extremist religious group.[93]

The International Crisis Group has stated that the BBS' attacks on the Muslim community will lead an increase in Islamic fundamentalism in the country.[94] The Islamic Human Rights Commission has accused the BBS of "spreading religious hatred" and urged the Sri Lankan government to take legal action against organisations which attack minority groups.[95] The Asian Human Rights Commission has described the BBS as an "expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country", claiming that the government's failure to take action against groups such as the BBS demonstrated the government's connivance.[96] Minority Rights Group International has accused BBS of being the main group behind the recent spate of attacks against Muslims in the country.[36] In its 2012 human rights report, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office accused BBS of increasing "campaigns against religious minorities".[97][98]

The views of the BBS have been disowned by the some of the mainstream Buddhist clergy. Anunayake Bellanwila Wimalaratana has stated that "The views of the Bodu Bala Sena are not the views of the entire Sangha community".[99]

Opposition provincial councillor and MRO president Mujeebur Rahuman has stated that the unfettered activities of the BBS will mean an "ethnic riot will start between Sinhalese and Muslims".[70] The Eastern Provincial Council passed a motion unanimously on 20 February 2013 censuring the BBS for its anti-Muslim stance.[100] Kalmunai Municipal Council passed a motion on 4 April 2013 against extremist groups including the BBS, urging crackdown on these groups.[101][102][103]

A group calling itself "Buddhists Questioning Bodu Bala Sena" staged a peaceful candle-lit vigil on 12 April 2013 outside the BBS' headquarters at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira.[104][105] The vigil was broken up by the police.[106]

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