Muslim Council Reiterates BBS Has Received Money From Norway

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