‘One Country, One Law’ raises concerns of excluding minorities in Sri Lanka

Colombo/Sri Lanka – Observers across the Sri Lankan political spectrum, including some Buddhist nationalists, were taken aback after the president appointed a Buddhist monk, who had been sentenced six years in prison for inciting violence against Muslims, to head the presidential task force “One Country, One Law.”

A former governor of the Western Province, Azath Salley, expressed his skepticism about the Law.

He explained that, in concept, the Law is fine if it were to be implemented without discrimination against certain minorities.

He added that, on the contrary, lawlessness has prevailed in the country just after the new system has taken into effect, expressing doubt in the government’s intentions.

“Although they say ‘One Country One Law’ we did not see any justice being meted out to majority Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and Christians at any time,” Salley added.

Thangalle Saradha Thero, Chief Monk of the temple Venerable, said that there is a contradiction of the people’s behavior and their mannerisms who are being appointed to head this movement, although, they could be of the clergy.

“According to the preaching of the Lord Buddha ‘Sabbe Saththa Bawanthu sukithaththa’ which means ‘May all beings be happy’ and it does not discriminate various nationalities,” Thero added.

“Similarly, Jesus proclaimed to love thy neighbor and all beings. All religions are based on love, affection, and care as the foundation. If that is so, we have to gain an understanding of the various cultural differences of different religions.”