Human rights activists in Bahrainare demanding the immediate release of an expatriate arrested in Sri Lankafor writing two books allegedly offensive to the spiritual leader of Buddhism.

Sarah Malanie Perera, who previously converted to Islam, was detained in the capital Colombolast Saturday as she was due to leave her homeland after a three-month holiday.

Discover Islam earlier issued an international appeal to human rights groups to help secure her release, after being contacted by one of her sisters.

Relatives in Bahrainalso fear the Sri Lankan may not be allowed to return here as her residence permit expired on March 24.

Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) secretary-general Dr Abdulla Al Deerazi said it would do everything it could to bring her back.

“I read the article in the GDN and it really touched my heart,” he said.

“First of all, Ms Perera accepted Islam on her own personal wish and no one forced her to do so.

“Conversion to another religion is based on personal choice and this choice must be respected.

“Secondly, there is something called freedom of opinion, if it’s not offending any religion.

“I believe the books written by Ms Perera are not against Buddhism.

“It should be guaranteed by the international commission that any person who converts to another religion and writes about it is not being harmed by the community or others.

“The Sri Lankan authorities shouldn’t detain Ms Perera on the basis of her opinion and (should) allow her to come back.

“She had resided in Bahrain for so many years and it’s like a home to her.”

Dr Al Deerazi said the BHRS would co-operate with Sri Lankan Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in the fight to get Ms Perera released.

“We can also pressure the Human Rights Commission in Sri Lanka to take action,” he said.

“We show solidarity with the (Sri Lankan honorary) consul and after studying the case, we shall send a letter to the authorities demanding her immediate release.”

Ms Perera came to Manamain 1985 to assist her elder sister Mariam, who owned a gifts and flowers shop called Madhuri in The Palace hotel, Adliya.

Later she worked as a teacher at the Child Development Centre, Juffair.

Born and brought up in a Buddhist family, she embraced Islam in 1999 after studying religion at Discover Islam.

Her father Norbet Perera, mother Soma and sisters Padma, Rasa, Padmani and Malanie, later also converted to Islam at separate times.

During her visit to Sri Lanka, Ms Perera printed two books entitled From Darkness to Light and Questions and Answers in Sinhalese about her conversion to Islam and the original teachings of Gautama Buddha.

She was reportedly detained after trying to send copies of the books to Bahrainthrough a cargo company.

Relatives claim an extremist organisation called Helaurumaya contacted the police claiming the book was offensive to Lord Buddha.

But they insist the publications were an attempt to bring people of all faiths closer together.

Ms Perera is being held in Mirihana Police Station, Colombo, while investigations continue.

Her sister Mariam said the police did not allow a relative to visit her in jail.

“They are not telling us anything at all,” she said.

Sri Lankan honorary consul general P.B. Higgoda said the authorities had yet to make any definite decisions about whether Ms Perera would be prosecuted or how long she would be detained for questioning.

“I can’t say anything about the books, as I haven’t read them yet,” he said.

“I also can’t say if she had used offensive words against Buddha or not, because the book was published in Sri Lanka and no one has received a copy of it yet.

“All I can say is that I am not the authorised person to decide anything, just that we should respect all religions and cultures equally and impartially.”

The Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission is spearheading Ms Perera’s case.

“Nobody can be detained for more than 24 hours without charges,” said legal co-ordinator Aisha Shibly by telephone from Colombo.

“This is absolutely against the law and we will stand beside Ms Perera until she safely reaches Bahrain.” - (The Gulf Daily News)