Can you have religious co-existence in Saudi Arabia?- Madagoda Abayatissa

Hello Madagoda Abayatissa Thero!

This post is regarding your statement "Can you have religious co-existence in Saudi Arabia? So religious-coexistence is a ruse to destroy Buddhism."

In this case, I do not agree with you and I do not understand the reason why you are connecting Sri Lanka with Saudi Arabia. There are 2 particular facts that you need to consider in the issue of such a statement.

1. If you are not aware of  the full name of Saudi Arabia; it is 'Kingdom of Saudi Arabia'. A Kingdom is a nation ruled by a king, in the case of Saudi Arabia it is 'Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud' who serves the country as the king. In a Kingdom, you are not supposed to speak or act against the king, for which you can be penalized. That is the norm of a Kingdom. Hence, it is obvious that, why there is no religious co-existence in Saudi Arabia.

The full name of Sri Lanka on the other hand is, 'Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka'. A Democracy is a nation ruled by the whole population. In a democratic country you have the complete freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, etc. Therefore, it is normal that in a country such as Sri Lanka, there is religious freedom. Even a five year old may understand this. But, it is very pathetic that a man such as you have not understood the logic behind this.

2. According to the facts I obtained from the following websites,                                          
          (i) http://www.whn.org/content/Saudi.htm
          (ii) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Saudi_Arabia
it is clear that there is less than 1% of followers of other religions reside in Saudi Arabia. And almost all of them were migrants from other countries. In a country such as this, is it necessary to have religious co-existence. Please elaborate on this, Abayatissa Thero.

According to the facts I obtained from the following websites,

          (i) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Sri_Lanka
          (ii) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Sri_Lanka
it is obvious the followers of Buddhism amounts to 70% of the population of the country while the other 30% are followers of Hinduism (12.6%), followers of Islam (9.7%) and followers of Christianity (7.4%). Hence Mr Abayatissa, is it fair to compare the two countries? 

When we talk about the rights of 30% of the population of Sri Lanka, you are pointing your hand towards a country which has LESS THAN 1% population of minorities which is also with a totally different system of control.

Is it fair? Ask yourself.
Be wise and think twice before publishing statements such as this. Because, we admire Buddhism, Buddhists and Buddha. People such as you and your good friend Gnanasara Thero are humiliating Buddhism in the name of 'Bodu Bala Sena'.

The Dawn

I've been looking forward to start writing a blog since a very long time. The only issue that I had to face was a topic or theme for my blog. According to the current circumstance that prevails in the country, I thought that it would be most appropriate if I start replying to Buddhist Strength Force or to be more precise 'Bodu Bala Sena' and Galgoda Atthe Gnanasara Thero.

The reason for me to choose this topic goes back to my childhood. Being raised on a village with a majority of Buddhists, I know the value of Buddhism, Buddhists and Buddha himself. Hence I have a high respect for Buddhism in my mind. That is what my religion has also taught me.

I've seen, from the days I was a toddler, how Buddhist monks behave, speak and act. I do not see any of such qualities in Gnanasara Thero. Hence, if I address him as 'venerable', it is a great insult for other venerable, admirable, kindhearted Buddhist priests whom I came across since my childhood, who serve Buddhism and the country with their knowledge and wisdom.

I urge all my Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Burgher friends to read my blog and feel free to share your valuable comments with me.