The Ravana Balaya[2] (transl. Force of Ravana) is a Sinhalese Buddhist nationalist organization in Sri Lanka,[3] which follows the mythological King Ravana.[4] It is led by Ittekande Sandhatissa.
Ravana Balaya | |
|---|---|
| Leader | Ven. Ittekande Thera[1] |
| Ideology | Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism Ravanism |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Slogan | We are the ones who oppose who oppose the country! |
History
editThe Ravana Balaya gained notoriety for its attacks on Jehova's Witnesses and other Christians. It was believed that then president, Mahinda Rajapaksha on behalf of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPF), extended his support to the organisation; additionally received support from the police forces in its campaigns to suppress minority religions.[5]
Organization
editThe Ravana Balaya is named after the ten headed Rakshasha King Ravana, who in the epic Ramayana is said to have fought against the god Rama and monkey god Hanuman.
The Ravana Balaya along with the Bodu Bala Sena and Sinhala Rawaya are members of the far-right campaign Sinha Le.[6] These organisations have been described as "fascist" by political commentators. Several human rights organisations have criticized Mahinda Rajapaksha for supporting the groups.
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ "Video: Ravana Balaya at Buddha Sasana Ministry - Caption Story | Daily Mirror".
- ^ Ravana Balaya insists would rebel against Government if demands not met. lankanewsweb.net.
- ^ Sri Lanka to research Ravana's aviation routes
- ^ "Hey Ram! Politicians Cook up Ravana Cult in Sri Lanka". 12 August 2020.
- ^ "Jehova's Witnesses Christians "Arrested" and Threatened by Ravana Balaya Activists in Colombo Suburb". 18 June 2013.
- ^ Extremist Buddhist Monk Visits Tamil Temple Threatened by Sinhalisation. 2020. Tamil Guardian.