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commercialization of bikinis with Buddha pictures have been filed with the Supreme Court of
Sri Lanka.
93.
Finally, while there have been no reports of persecution or limitation of the rights of
Buddhists in areas controlled by the LTTE, the Special Rapporteur has noted that almost all
Buddhists had fled those territories, and that there was not much room for those who would like
to manifest their Buddhist faith. She had the chance to meet one of the last Buddhists monks
remaining in the northern areas and noted that religious practice in those areas was very limited.
94.
Buddhist has also complained about the Governments’ refusal to grant a radio frequency
for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, the most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka.
2. Hindus
95.
During meetings with members of the Buddhist community, members of the Hindu
community were usually also present and expressed very similar concerns.
3. Muslims
96.
While the Muslim community used to live in harmony with the other religions for most
of Sri Lankan history, their expulsion from northern Tamil areas by the LTTE in 1990 remains
an extremely painful experience, although it was not related to their religion. Today, many of
those who have been affected by the expulsions would like to return to rebuild their lives with
dignity.
97.
Recently, the LTTE authorities have shown themselves willing to improve their
relationship with the Muslim community. Reports that Muslims are being encouraged to return
to the areas from which they had been expelled have to some extent been confirmed.
Nevertheless, many difficulties remain in terms of land issues and Muslims are still very
reluctant to go back in the present conditions.
98.
Besides this particular issue, Muslims complain about the behaviour of the media towards
their religion. They claim that, on a regular basis, the Muslim community or their religion is
depicted in a very wrong or negative way. Moreover, while they usually take advantage of a
right to reply, their statements are allegedly never published.
4. Minority groups within the Muslim community
99.
Representatives of a Sufi group in Batticaloa met with the Special Rapporteur and told
her about the difficulties they had suffered for 25 years. Between 1979 and 1982 their mosque
was burned three times, and more recently, in September 2004, Muslim organizations allegedly
incited a mob which destroyed the mosque used by 32 Sufi families. The attack went on for
seven days. Shortly afterwards, a fatwa was pronounced against their leader, declaring him an
infidel. It was subsequently withdrawn under the condition that the Sufi leader would give up
teaching Sufism.
100. In another incident, members of the Tharikathul Mufliheen society, a religious movement
based on Islam but rejected by mainstream Muslims, reported to the Special Rapporteur that in