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A new wave of religious extremism is emerging across Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern regions, with Hindu nationalist groups steadily gaining influence among Tamil communities, according to a comprehensive study released this week.
The report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) titled “Contours of Emerging Hate in Sri Lanka” documents how religious fundamentalism has evolved in the post-civil war landscape. While ultra-nationalist Sinhala-Buddhist organizations like Bodu Bala Sena have been prominent players in Sri Lanka’s religious tensions for years, researchers have identified a concerning parallel trend developing within Tamil-speaking communities.
Three specific Hindu nationalist organizations – Siva Senai, Rudra Sena, and Ravana Sena – are at the forefront of this movement. Established in 2016 in the Northern Province, Siva Senai has positioned itself as a defender of Hindu heritage against what it terms “Sinhalization” – the perceived imposition of Sinhala-Buddhist identity in historically Tamil and Muslim areas.
“These groups initially formed around legitimate concerns about cultural preservation, but their rhetoric has increasingly adopted divisive elements common to extremist movements across South Asia,” said a spokesperson for the CSOH, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the research.
The report highlights how these organizations have adopted narratives that bear striking similarities to those seen in neighboring India’s Hindu nationalist movements. Their campaigns frequently target Christian and Muslim communities, focusing on contentious issues including religious conversion, women’s clothing, cattle slaughter, and interfaith marriages.
What particularly concerns researchers are the transnational connections being cultivated between these Sri Lankan groups and Indian Hindu nationalist platforms, politicians, and public figures. Christian community leaders in Sri Lanka’s northern regions have reported increasing harassment from groups promoting Hindutva ideologies, with many incidents allegedly linked to right-wing organizations in India.
“We’re witnessing a complex realignment of religious-political forces,” explained Dr. Amarnath Amarasinghe, a Sri Lankan political analyst not affiliated with the report. “The vacuum created by the weakening of traditional Tamil nationalist parties has created space for identity politics centered on religion rather than language or ethnicity.”
The CSOH report suggests these groups are attempting to influence electoral behavior through appeals to Saiva Hindu identity, particularly by mobilizing supporters around contested religious sites. This strategy mirrors tactics employed by nationalist groups in other parts of the region.
Sri Lanka’s religious landscape has long been dominated by Sinhalese-Buddhist nationalism, with Buddhist monks wielding significant political influence. Indian journalist Sonia Faleiro, writing for The Guardian, observed that organizations like Bodu Bala Sena have created an atmosphere where religious minorities live in perpetual anxiety, noting that while these groups claim to protect Buddhism, they appear primarily motivated by “a quest for dominance.”
The emergence of parallel Hindu nationalist movements adds a concerning new dimension to Sri Lanka’s delicate inter-communal balance. With approximately 70 percent of the population identifying as Buddhist, 12.6 percent Hindu, 9.7 percent Muslim, and 7.6 percent Christian, the country’s post-war reconciliation efforts have already faced significant challenges.
“What we’re seeing is not just religious extremism but competing fundamentalisms that feed off each other,” noted Dr. Amarasinghe. “The risk is that these movements could further fragment communities along religious lines, undermining the difficult work of post-conflict healing.”
The CSOH report concludes that this shifting landscape reflects broader regional trends where religious identity is increasingly politicized. As Sri Lanka continues to navigate its complex post-war recovery, the growth of these movements presents new challenges for policymakers and peace-building initiatives across the island nation.
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16 Comments
The post-civil war landscape in Sri Lanka appears ripe for the exploitation of religious and ethnic tensions by extremist groups. Strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and grassroots peacebuilding efforts will be essential for preventing further escalation of this problem.
Well said. Sustainable solutions require a multi-pronged approach addressing the socioeconomic and political root causes that can fuel the rise of religious extremism. Inclusive governance and investment in community resilience should be priorities.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific tactics and messaging used by these Hindu nationalist groups. Understanding their motivations and methods is important for crafting an effective response that addresses the root causes of this troubling trend.
Agreed, gaining deeper insight into the group dynamics and narratives employed is crucial. An objective, evidence-based analysis can help inform policies and interventions to counter the spread of divisive rhetoric and promote interfaith harmony.
The growth of Hindu nationalist groups spreading anti-Muslim rhetoric is alarming. While cultural preservation is important, it should not come at the expense of marginalizing or demonizing other religious and ethnic communities. Sri Lanka needs to find a way to balance unity and diversity.
You raise a valid point. Striking the right balance between preserving cultural identity and promoting social cohesion is a delicate challenge. Inclusive, nuanced approaches are needed to address these complex issues.
The report’s findings underscore the fragility of post-conflict societies and the importance of sustained efforts to promote reconciliation and social cohesion. Ignoring the underlying tensions that fuel the rise of religious extremism can have devastating consequences.
Absolutely. Addressing the root causes of religious and ethnic divisions requires a long-term, holistic approach that goes beyond simply cracking down on extremist groups. Investing in inclusive governance, education, and community-based initiatives is crucial.
This is a concerning trend that deserves closer scrutiny. Religious extremism and divisive rhetoric often breed further tensions and conflict. I hope the situation in Sri Lanka can be resolved through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding between all communities.
Agreed. Sri Lanka has seen too much violence and divisiveness over the years. Fostering greater interfaith cooperation and respect for diversity is crucial for lasting peace and stability.
While the growth of Hindu nationalist groups is concerning, I’m curious to understand the nuances of their motivations and the specific grievances they are aiming to address. An overly simplistic framing of this issue risks missing important contextual factors.
That’s a fair point. A more comprehensive analysis that examines the complex historical, political, and socioeconomic drivers behind this trend would be valuable. Avoiding knee-jerk reactions and seeking constructive solutions should be the priority.
This is a troubling development that merits close attention. The spread of divisive rhetoric and the marginalization of minority communities are often precursors to more serious conflict. Sri Lankan authorities must act swiftly to address this issue and prevent further escalation.
I agree. The stakes are high, and failure to act decisively could have devastating consequences for Sri Lanka’s social fabric and stability. A comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach is needed to counter the rise of religious extremism and promote lasting peace and reconciliation.
This report highlights an alarming trend that deserves urgent attention from Sri Lankan authorities and the international community. Allowing Hindu nationalist rhetoric to spread unchecked could have devastating consequences for the country’s fragile social fabric.
I agree. The international community should closely monitor the situation and consider appropriate diplomatic pressure and support to help Sri Lanka address this issue before it escalates further. Proactive, coordinated efforts are needed.