Ravana Balaya

The Ravana Balaya[2] (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
LeaderVen. Ittekande Thera[1]
IdeologySinhalese Buddhist nationalism
Ravanism
ReligionBuddhism
SloganWe are the ones who oppose who oppose the country!

History

The 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 SLFP, extended his support to the organisation; additionally received support from the police forces in its campaigns to suppress minority religions.[5]

Organization

The Ravana Balaya is named after the ten headed Rakshasha King Ravana, who in the epic Ramayana is said to have fought against the god Ram 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 several academics including DBS Jeyaraj[5] and Dayan Jayatileke. Several human rights organisations have criticized Mahinda Rajapaksha for supporting the groups.

References
  1. "Video: Ravana Balaya at Buddha Sasana Ministry - Caption Story | Daily Mirror".
  2. Ravana Balaya insists would rebel against Government if demands not met. lankanewsweb.net.
  3. Sri Lanka to research Ravana's aviation routes
  4. "Hey Ram! Politicians Cook up Ravana Cult in Sri Lanka". 12 August 2020.
  5. "Jehova's Witnesses Christians "Arrested" and Threatened by Ravana Balaya Activists in Colombo Suburb". 18 June 2013.
  6. Extremist Buddhist Monk Visits Tamil Temple Threatened by Sinhalisation. 2020. Tamil Guardian.
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