AI SUMMARY GENERATED ONLY FROM THIS ARTICLE'S TEXT.
“Taking serious note of the harassment caused to Sri Lankans by Indian extremists continuously, it is time that a decision is taken to ban travel between Colombo and Chennai at least for one year”, Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera said.
The Ven. Thera said in the recent past, Christian pilgrim groups, Sportsmen, Sri Lankan High Commission office had been at the receiving end of brutal attacks in South India. There were protest rallies when President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited India. Buddhist pilgrims were attacked; Buddhist monks were assaulted and disrobed, and other low grade activities committed.
He said it appears that the perpetrators of these inhuman acts expect a reprisal by the majority Sri Lankan Buddhists. They expect that there would be mob attacks on Indian nationals and Indian Institutions in Sri Lanka.
The Buddhist though they condone the dastardly acts of the Indian extremists, would as Buddhists, with much compassion never ever resort to retaliation.
The patience of the Sri Lankan nation is remarkable. He suggests that the best course of action at this grave moment is not to stage protest marches or criticise the Indian government. It is more preferable for the External Affairs Ministry and other officials who hold diplomatic positions to enter into a dialogue with the parties concerned, and intervene in averting any kind of ill treatment to Sri Lankans visiting India. During these suggested deliberations the government should resort to banning Sri Lankans from touring India.
Further, Ven Sobhitha Thera also declared that on the average a Sri Lankan visiting India spends about Sri Lanka Rs 50,000 which amount accrues to the Indian government as tourist income. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
Comments - 15
Comments - Audio: Prohibit visiting India: Ven Omalpe Thera
Mangala Monday, 25 March 2013 05:17 PM
Yes, we can do that. We have enough Buddhist relics here for one year to warship. We do not need to spend a cent in India. If someone trying to go to india, we can protest against them in front of airports. This is the beginning of new ltte , like 80's. Indians forgot who killed rajiv. well we too knows our politikos also do not have real spine. But as Sinhalese we can decide ourselves , we will not go their. If we decide so, can anyone send us by force? So please everyone, who getting ready to give your money to india by pilgrims, think twice and spend it in here. Go to Polonnaruwa, Anuraadhapura, Sri Paada, Soomawathi, Mahiyangana, Kelaniya. If you really want to go, go to Nepal. Not to india.
71
sinnan Monday, 25 March 2013 05:23 PM
well said Hon, Sobhitha Thera.
62
abhil nizam Monday, 25 March 2013 05:28 PM
All these guys have gone mad.. Just imagine the NEGATIVE economic impact of this. Piss off india and the west and the middle east and Srilankas economy will collapse in about 3 months.
210
jack sprat Monday, 25 March 2013 05:48 PM
You are part of an extremist group in Sri Lanka and so don't come to preach to others about tolerance. Also no one can stop one from visiting any country one wishes to travel to.
29
Abdul Monday, 25 March 2013 06:05 PM
some of our citizens have got humiliated in chennai immigration. this is not the 1st time they're humiliating us. we should have the guts to prohibit visiting india. i agree with Ven Omalpe Thera. i'm wodering why sri lanka is doing anything against this. we should save our people by completely not allowing our people to visit tamil nadu. we dont have any problems with other indian states.
52
Samadhi Monday, 25 March 2013 06:07 PM
Can Buddhists ever stay without visiting the birth place of Buddha? because of such attacks on Monks? Can we ever survive without India? Make Sense?
06
youand me Monday, 25 March 2013 06:17 PM
Thero!
Why do you blame others? What do you say about Budu bala sena? SAY TRUTH, WHY DO YOU PAY MORE ATTENTION TO POLITICS THAN BUDDHA DARMA? You have political institution in SL. They can carryout their duties. NOW you work and talk against to Lord Buddha. Pls. you love all people. Dont hate tamils or muslims or others. This 21st Century.
08
Gus Monday, 25 March 2013 06:41 PM
emotions are high only in one state.. this should not be quoted for whole of india.
02
MagodisThuma Tuesday, 26 March 2013 12:44 AM
Please don't prohibit Buddhism !
02
Len Tuesday, 26 March 2013 12:52 AM
This will destroy Indian tourism and then shockingly countries economy. Sri Lankan Rs. 50,000 each (US.$395 , Indian RS. 20,000) on average gigantic loss to Indian economy as a percentage how will they ever cope in the future with out the revenue from Sri Lanka ? If any Sri Lankan brake the travel prohibition on arrival back home sent to a prison and must sentence to hard labor once released enter compulsory reeducation camp learn to be good Buddhist citizen of the Father Land.
04
Kumaraya Tuesday, 26 March 2013 01:25 AM
What have we to say to the many Christian churches attacked by Budhist monks leading mobs of EXTREMISTS, in Weeraketiya, Polonnaruwa, Hikkaduwa, Nawala etc in the last few days? "Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind".
110
gulflad Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:27 AM
very correct
01
Tangent Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:31 AM
The impact on Sri Lanka tourist visiting India is peanuts compared to the Indian economy. Indian does not depend on tourism for their economy..
06
Grumpy Tuesday, 26 March 2013 08:36 AM
pls do ur duties at Pansala... do not step into politics and stuff.... Stop visiting Chennai....? How many sri lankan businessmen will survive?
01
Hubert Tuesday, 26 March 2013 11:06 AM
very good
00
222
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.