Asian Mirror is now in a position to reveal that the term "aba saranayi" which was used by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera with reference to Muslim shops in Aluthgama was a direct call for destruction.
"Sinhala Sahithya Wishvakoshaya' - written by veteran journalist the late David Karunarathne - says the word 'Aba' can be used as a synonym for "destruction" or "personal loss". Therefore. the term "Aba Saranayi" is suggestive of seeking refuge in destruction.
According to Buddhist philosophy one should only seek refuge in 'Buddha', 'Dhamma' and 'Sangha' and not in any form of destruction. Therefore, the term 'aba saranayi' which is often used by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera can also be interpreted as an insult to core values of Buddhism.
In his controversial speech in Aluthgama on June 15, BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera used the word 'aba saranayi' in a threatening tone when he spoke about Muslim shops in Aluthgama, Beruwala and Dharga Town.
During the weekly Cabinet briefing a week later, a journalist asked Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella whether he knew the meaning of the word 'aba saranayi'. In response, the Minister said he was unaware of any such word.
On social media pages, BBS supporters often use the term "aba saranayi" with reference to various people whom they dislike. Going by the meaning of the word "Aba", it can be construed as a call for destruction.
