@article{MAKHILLRJAS20171219990,
    title = {Recent Campaigns against the Muslims in Sri Lanka from Buddhist and
Muslim Perspective},
    journal = {Research Journal of Applied Sciences},
    volume = {12},
    number = {1},
    pages = {14-25},
    year = {2017},
    issn = {1815-932x},
    doi = {rjasci.2017.14.25},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1815-932x&doi=rjasci.2017.14.25},
    author = {Ahmad Sunawari,Khaidzir Hj.,Kamarudin,Saadiah,Halizah and},
    keywords = {Recent campaigns,Muslims,Sri Lanka,Buddhists,perspectives},
    abstract = {Sri Lanka is a diverse country. It is home to many religions, ethnicities and languages with
Sinhala-Buddhists being the predominant ethnic group, constituting 70.19% of the total population. The
Muslims are the second largest minority in this country. Sri Lanka’s historical records undoubtedly prove the
once cordial relationship between Buddhists and Muslims. However, the aftermath of civil war (1983-2009)
brought about observable tension between these two groups. This is mainly due to recent campaigns by a
number of Buddhist nationalist groups that strive to instill Buddhism or Sinhalese nationalism among Buddhists
adherents. These groups have been protesting against Muslim social, cultural and religious practices and
behaviours such as the issuing of Halal certification, slaughtering of animals for food, conducting prayer
services, maintenance of places of worship, etc. On top of that, they have also disseminated misinterpretations
about Muslims and their religion, Islam by spreading derogatory speeches among the Buddhists with the intent
of splintering the Buddhists and Muslims apart. Bearing in mind the situation stated above, this study attempts
to determine the views in regard to recent campaigns through the perspective of Buddhists and Muslims. The
results of this study reveal that a quarter of the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka strongly opposes the
Buddhist nationalist group’s recent protests against the Muslims. Another 25% strongly support these
campaigns and the remaining 50% maintain a moderate approach, neither opposing nor supporting the activities
of these groups. In the case of the Muslims, even though the Buddhists had attacked some of them, they are
still hopeful of reviving their once harmonious relationship.}
    }