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Woman with Buddha tattoo abused on Facebook

17 November 2017 04:44 pm - 21     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The British woman who was deported from Sri Lanka for having a tattoo of Buddha on her arm said she had to leave Facebook after being abused by extremists, the BBC reported today.

The 41-year-old Naomi Coleman from Coventry won compensation on Wednesday after being detained in the country for four days, in April 2014.

Ms Coleman, a Buddhist herself, said she will not return to Sri Lanka.

Following her deportation, she says she received online messages telling her she should die and burn in hell. 

"I have never experienced anything like this with Buddhism. They mostly seemed to be sent from Buddhist extremists in Sri Lanka. They were writing that I should die and burn in hell. I came completely off Facebook for a few weeks and have now changed my name on social media. To me, this is not the Buddhist way. Buddhism is about compassion and understanding,”she said.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court said Ms. Coleman's treatment while she was in custody was "scandalous and horrifying" and awarded her compensation of 800,000 Sri Lankan rupees - about £4,000.

It said there was "no legal basis" for her arrest and she had been subject to "degrading treatment" by some officers and a prison guard.

Ms Coleman, who has been a Buddhist for about 10 years, has travelled widely and continues to go to retreats in Thailand and Nepal.

She said she was "overwhelmed" by the ruling but would not be returning to Sri Lanka.

"It's a shame - it's a beautiful country and most of the people are very welcoming. However, it seems there is a small percentage of people who want to cause trouble for me. I'm not sure if it's because I am a woman travelling alone. But, at the moment, I wouldn't feel safe going back," she said.


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  Comments - 21

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  • Mason Friday, 17 November 2017 06:14 PM

    Shame on Sri Lanka.

    malik Friday, 17 November 2017 10:27 PM

    2500 Years of Sinhalese Buddhism at it's Very Best

    kennedy Friday, 17 November 2017 10:58 PM

    Sri Lankan Buddhists need education. Yes. education. See the MPs they elect to run the country!

    Scooby Doo Saturday, 18 November 2017 08:52 AM

    I couldnt understand whats wrong with some Budhdhist people. They are damaging their own image.

    vithura Friday, 17 November 2017 06:42 PM

    It is sad that there so many ignorant people in SL including monks and politicians, who claim to be Buddhists but through their vile actions, bring disrepute to the teachings of Lord Buddha.

    Kadiya Friday, 17 November 2017 07:00 PM

    No need to wrack your brains as to who triggered all this!

    ceylon Friday, 17 November 2017 07:03 PM

    lady is a true buddhist by practicing buddhist teachings of none violence. she dont eat meat.face book critiques are anty buddhists destroyers of buddhism. via DM Android App

    ceylon Friday, 17 November 2017 07:08 PM

    jydgement passed.where are those wrong doewers who tortured the buddhist lady.punish those policemen and jail guard severely. via DM Android App

    lkboy Friday, 17 November 2017 07:30 PM

    thank you MR!

    Bala Friday, 17 November 2017 09:50 PM

    Who is MR and what has been his connection to this.

    Wise Donkey Friday, 17 November 2017 08:00 PM

    People tattoo only they admire or respect on their body and not those whom they hate, so how can be a crime? Stupid policemen.

    Yeti Friday, 17 November 2017 08:06 PM

    The Enlightened One does not approve all this hatred, It's not what he preached!

    Tinkiriya Saturday, 18 November 2017 01:13 AM

    Did Lord Buddha preach to his disciples to build temples and worship stone statues? Here lies the problem with our people who claim to be Buddhist purists!

    Hubert Friday, 17 November 2017 08:07 PM

    What criminal act she has done some people love Buddha and show in this way

    Sambo Friday, 17 November 2017 08:19 PM

    Don't worry. The people in Sri Lanka (Most of them) are aren't like you. They are pure hypocrites. So don't worry to what they comment on.

    Lanka Saturday, 18 November 2017 01:54 AM

    International media reports of a hotel in France with a “Little Buddha” room that includes a toilet cover with Buddha’s image. Ultimately, we need to accept that we’re all entitled to our own spiritual beliefs.Become informed"The first way you can begin to respect different forms of spirituality is to learn about them. Even if you don’t agree with someone’s beliefs or practices, learning more about what they believe, and why, could help you respect their decision to make these beliefs an important part of their life."Go to the source"There’s a lot of misinformation about spirituality in the community, so learning more about it can help you to gain a better understanding."Finally don't arrest people on this issue, its stupid. But tell them How Not to Treat the Buddha. That’s what some do in Asia.“When you have your foot not just pointing to but touching a god on footwear, it’s a double-whammy.” — Vasudha Narayanan, professor of religion at the University of Florida

    Hautaum Saturday, 18 November 2017 03:00 AM

    Do not worry these people never know Buddhism its philosophy.

    brindley Saturday, 18 November 2017 08:19 AM

    I wonder whether there are any true Buddhists in Sri Lanka.They will go to any extent to protect Buddhism but none follows the true philosophy. Hypocrites.

    nick Saturday, 18 November 2017 08:40 AM

    This is what happen when uneducated thugs of Sri Lankan use Facebooks via DM Android App

    Jaliya Saturday, 18 November 2017 09:41 AM

    These people whom called themselves Buddhists are attacking the victim whilst giving the blind eye to those who really violated her rights. How can having a Buddha tattoo on your arm be a crime.... if this is a crime then you should go back to the stone age.

    sach Monday, 20 November 2017 08:40 PM

    LOL how do we know whether she is telling the truth or not? Obviously to our people anything coming out from the mouth of a white person is gospel truth


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