The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) has challenged the General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara Thero to prove the allegations made by him that the MCSL receives financial support from the US or any other country.

“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,” a letter addressed to Gnanasara Thero, released to media today, said.

“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,” it reminded.

The Muslim Council states that it 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,” MCSL President N.M. Ameen said in the letter.

The full letter has been reproduced below:


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,
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka