BBS: Vigilantism And The Rule Of Law

By Malinda Seneviratne -April 27, 2014 

Malinda Seneviratne

The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), according to some, is a terrorist organization. They call for proscription.  The word ‘terrorist’ begs comparison with the greatest terrorist the world has know outside those states that have made terrorism an integral part of foreign policy, namely the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).  As of now, it remains a silly comparison.  The BBS, for all its provocative statements and belligerence, has not included assassination, suicide attacks, bomb blasts, landmines etc., etc in its curriculum vitae.  Should this warrant treatment with soft hands, though? The answer is an unequivocal ‘No!’  The reason is simple: vigilantism of any kind is a threat to the Rule of Law. 

First, there is the fact that the Secretary, Defense Ministry, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa accepting an invitation to open a regional office of the BBS.

This brings us to the vexed question of a marked reluctance by the law enforcement authority to protect places and persons ‘marked’ by the BBS.  Of late, though, action has been taken to investigate incidents involving the BBS, question its leaders and initiate legal proceedings.  Noteworthy too is the recent pledge by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to set up a special Police unit to move in quickly if and when religious harmony is threatened.  None of this seems to have deflated the BBS.  Its leaders continue to be vociferous and adamantly reiterate that if relevant authorities don’t take steps to curb certain activities which the BBS believes violates constitutional provisions, then the BBS will ‘do the needful’.                          Read More