The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka has again accused the Bodu Bala Sena of receiving financial assistance from Norway. The Muslim Council said the BBS has still not taken measures to clear the air on the matter.
Commenting on the allegations made by the Bodu Bala Sena against the Muslim Council, it said the council did not receive financial support from the Embassy of the United States or any agency affiliated to the United States of America or any other country. Issuing a statement the council said it operates through voluntary contributions of its own members in Sri Lanka and its steering committee.
The full letter sent by N.M. Ameen, Secretary of the Council, to BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara is as follows'
Rev. Galabode Aththe Gnanasara Thero
Secretary General, Bodu Bala Sena Kirulapone
Sri Lanka
Rev. Gnanasara Thero,
I wish to bring to your attention that the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka has had no engagement or receive financial support from the Embassy of the United States or any agency affiliated to the United States of America or any other country as stated by you at the your press conference of April 22nd
2014. I wish to remind you that the Bodu Bala Sena remains charged for receiving financial support from Norway through Mr Arne Fjortoft and your Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dilanthe Withanage, which you have not denied.
The Muslim Council operates through voluntary contributions of its own members in Sri Lanka and its steering committee. I challenge you to prove that the Muslim Council has received any financial support from USA or any other. If you have any evidence, please place them before us or produce them to the relevant authorities. It is unethical to target individual members of the Muslim Council and their families to gain media attention for your nefarious causes, which is destroying the immense respect Sri Lanka has, as a Buddhist nation.
You continue to make accusations against individuals and organizations, hiding yourself behind the sacred robe, which is respected by all Sri Lankans.
The hate campaign spearheaded by you and other Buddhist priests against minority communities is contrary to the principles espoused by the noble Gautama Buddha and Buddhism.
Your continued accusations against Islam and Muslims are destroying the image of Buddhism and the peace and harmony that has existed between our communities for centuries.
As you are aware the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka represent Muslim Civil Society across the country. It is our desire to discuss and solve any issues that confront by discussion amongst us. Please feel free to contact me, should you have any queries about the Muslim Council or any other issue you may have with the Muslim community.
| Yours sincerely |
N M Ameen
President, Muslim Council of Sri Lanka
