Sri Lanka's Extremist Monks: When Buddhism Spreads Hate | In Bad Faith - Part 3 | CNA Documentary

Recent questions

• How has Buddhism been used for political power?

  Militant monks in Myanmar and Sri Lanka have weaponized Buddhism for political power, combining militancy and Buddhism to advance their agendas. This manipulation of religion has led to the instigation of hate attacks against minority groups, particularly Muslims, in both countries. Extremist Buddhist groups like the Bodu Bala Sena in Sri Lanka and Ma Ba Tha in Myanmar believe that Buddhism is under threat from Muslim minorities, and they aim to protect their faith through violent means. This exploitation of Buddhism for political gain has created a polarized environment in these nations, with extremist movements contributing to the rise of certain political figures and policies.

• What historical tensions have influenced religious extremism in Sri Lanka?

  Sri Lanka's history, deeply rooted in the Mahavansa, has seen longstanding tensions between different ethnic groups, particularly the Sinhalese and Tamils. These tensions have led to conflicts such as the 26-year civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa aimed to crush the LTTE insurgency, resulting in a military campaign with high civilian casualties and enforced disappearances. These historical conflicts and power struggles have created a fertile ground for the rise of extremist movements like the Bodu Bala Sena, which exploit religious differences for political purposes.

• How did the Easter Sunday bombings impact religious relations in Sri Lanka?

  The Easter Sunday bombings in 2019, claimed by the Islamic State, resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries in Sri Lanka. This tragic event sparked revenge attacks by Buddhist nationalist groups against the Muslim community, fueling anti-Muslim sentiments in the country. The aftermath of the bombings further polarized religious relations in Sri Lanka, leading to the enactment of stringent measures like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and a crackdown on the Muslim community. The weaponization of religion by extremist groups in response to the bombings exacerbated existing tensions and contributed to a climate of fear and division.

• How has social media played a role in religious extremism in Myanmar?

  Social media platforms like Facebook have played a significant role in the spread of religious extremism in Myanmar, particularly against the Rohingya minority. The platform was used to disseminate hate speech and misinformation targeting the Rohingya community, contributing to the violence and persecution they faced. While there have been efforts to address this issue, such as lawsuits and bans on military-linked accounts, social media continues to be a tool for extremist groups to propagate their ideologies and incite violence. The influence of social media in fueling religious extremism highlights the challenges of regulating online content and combating hate speech in the digital age.

• What initiatives promote peace and tolerance in Sri Lanka after religiously motivated violence?

  In the aftermath of religiously motivated violence in Sri Lanka, there have been interfaith initiatives led by figures like Galkande Dhammananda and Fatima Carder that aim to promote peace, tolerance, and healing. These initiatives bring together members of different religious communities to foster understanding, dialogue, and reconciliation. By emphasizing the importance of coexistence and mutual respect, these efforts work towards bridging divides and building a more harmonious society. Despite the challenges posed by religious extremism, these interfaith initiatives serve as beacons of hope for a future marked by unity and cooperation among diverse religious groups in Sri Lanka.