Bodu Bala Sena Operation #2 - Muslim Woman's Attire

After the recent success from the ACJU Halal issues, the bodu bala sena is presently engaging in the eradication of the Muslim woman's attire by organizing a campaign sooner this month. Ven Kirana Vimalajothy Thera who happens to be the co founder of the Ethno Religious Fascist Organization mentioned that the BBS would initiate this campaign on or before March 31st 2013, by protesting against the commonly worn dress of the Muslim women in Sri Lanka nowadays.

It is known that further information about this campaign would be discussed at the upcoming Mass Rally in Kandy this week. It is proposed to be held on the 17th of March 2013.

Although Vimlajothy Thera mentioned that he was quite happy regarding the decision of the ACJU with regards to the abolishment of the halal certified logos on domestic products, he further emphasized that the halal certification should be totally ridden off from this country. Although the ACJU has already decided to issue these certificates free of charge, and only for manufacturers who request them. Even so, the certificates would only be provided and used for the export market essentials and would not be present for local consumption. Throughout several outstation areas, the Bodu Bala Sena has lit crackers in order to celebrate their victory with regards to this halal issue, out of which most of these celebrations were held near Muslim owned businesses.

Despite the fact that the ACJU has compromised on the issue of halal certificates locally, the Bodu Bala Sena, is yet to commence their next round of action against the attire of the Muslim woman. Although many Muslim women wear different kinds of clothing, the dress which has caused them most distress is the one which covers the entire body of the woman. Some of the terms used with regards to these clothing include,
Scarf - The garment worn to cover the head and the bosom
Niqab - The face veil
Abaya - The outer garment / cloak worn over the entire body

Presently, the Bodu Bala Sena aims to get rid of the Abaya, which is the garment that covers the entire body.  The campaign plans to demand the Muslim woman from wearing the abaya in public as they claim it,

  "hurts and affects the sensibilities of the non Muslims"

As with the case of the Halal dilemma, they use the same logic that it accounts to 91% of the Sri Lankan population, and thus it should be banned.

With the full support of Gothabaya Rajapaksa, who is the secretary of Defence and Urban Development, the BBS has proudly begun the multi-faceted anti Muslim campaign. Furthermore, this campaign was initiated under the slogan of "opposing Halal Certification" from the country

A common means by which these individuals and others such as the General Secretary Ven.Galaboda Attha Gnanasera Thera, imposed against this garment was by ridiculing the wearer and even the clothing itself. Of these insults, it was heard that the Bodu Bala Sena referred to such women as, "Goni Billa", which when translated into English means a scary person in a sack.

Although it may seem that the majority of the Sinhalese Youth wouldn't agree with the actions of the BBS in this regard, it was found that they have in fact managed to convince several of their youth towards this philosophy of the eradication of the Muslim woman's dress. Recently it was found that even one of the grand niece of a Veteran political leader (who happens to be a Muslim) was yanked upon on a public street in broad daylight.

 Furthermore, it came to our notice that three girls from Dikwella, Mahaname bridge at the Southern Province were slightly injured and attacked only because they were wearing the abaya. When this incident was reported to the police, it was mentioned that they cannot do any remedy towards this action because there were no eyewitness reports to prove the incident.


Eventhough the formal commencement of this Anti Abaya campaign is schedules to be on the 17th of March at Kandy, the BBS have already begun pasting posters throughout various parts of the country. The majority of these posters even contain vulgar, crude words which people generally do not like to say.

An amazing point which should be taken into consideration here is that the secretary of defence, Gotabaya Rajapaksa mentioned to the All Ceylon Jamiyatul Ulama that the Bodu Bala Sena would not engage in any anti Muslim campaigns if the Halal certification process is abolished. This was a crucial factor which was taken into consideration by the relevant individuals of the ACJU when deciding to get rid of the Halal labels from the local market. This clearly shows us that the BBS are not truthful to their words and do not even stick to their policies and treaties.