Sinister campaign

Various individuals, parties and organisations have been engaged in mudslinging campaigns to achieve their ulterior motives. Such acts bring discredit to their motherland and tarnish Sri Lanka's reputation internationally.

This is patently clear when one analyses various events and activities over the past few months. Human rights, media freedom, abductions and internally displaced persons are the most popular topics under which those opportunists seek cover. We could well understand Velupillai Prabhakaran and his ruthless terrorist organisation - the LTTE, engaging in such activities. But to the misfortune of Mother Lanka and her people, some individuals and organisations too are engaged in somewhat similar tactics.

Their conduct may not look similar to that of Prabhakaran and his men at first glance. However, there is little or no difference when one considers the physical outcome of all such acts.

The impact of all those acts is the same, though the strategies adopted may vary. Those who earned millions of dollars and euros that are flooding NGO and INGO coffers would not like to see any military setbacks to the LTTE. Many of those 'peace agents' would like to see more and more clashes. If there are more incidents, then the financial slice of those INGOs and NGOs would be bigger.

Certain local politicians and a few parties are trying to take undue advantage of the issue. They have ready-made placards on popular topics such as human rights, media freedom, IDPs, killings and abductions. Many of those who could not win a mandate from the people are now making a desperate effort to capture power by capitalising on those topics.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe recently met the Colombo diplomatic corps and said we have an 'ugly American' here. In the course of his speech, Wickremesinghe turned to the US Ambassador and said he was sorry to say there is an 'ugly American', making a direct reference to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. It is interesting to find out the background which prompted the UNP leader to make such an unethical statement before a distinguished diplomatic gathering. DS Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is engaged in a commendable operation that has almost wiped out the LTTE from the Eastern Province. At the same time, the blood-thirsty terrorist organisation's activities have been greatly reduced in the North and other parts of the country.

Under his dynamic leadership, our brave Security Forces have gained significant victories in Mavil Aru, Sampur and Vakarai. The Tigers are about to be eliminated from the Thoppigala jungles, ending their two-decade long presence in the East.

In such a scenario, it is understandable that Prabhakaran is gunning for this brave son of our soil, who has a proven track record as a dedicated Army officer. He had given able leadership to the Northern military operations in the past. Hence, Prabhakaran knows only too well that Defence Secretary Rajapaksa would soon eliminate them from the North too.

The UNP's targeting Gotabhaya Rajapaksa may not lend support to the LTTE - it could be a sign of their lust for power. That is why Wickremesinghe did not have a 'clear vision' and saw the defence secretary as an ugly American.

Though Wickremesinghe describes Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as ugly, we are not going to pass judgement whether the UNP leader is pretty or handsome. Let the people judge them on their acts. It is a pity that Wickremesinghe merely goes by external looks and not the character and deeds of a person.

Perhaps, that may be the manner that he is used to from his school days. Above all, it is indeed not fitting for a former Prime Minister, present Opposition and UNP Leader to make such unwarranted comments in the presence of diplomats. He had also made some irresponsible statements, undermining our military strengths. Wickremesinghe has played a referee's role in stating that the LTTE is stronger and we are militarily stretched.

He seems to be happy in saying so.

Be it a Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim or Burgher, could any patriotic citizen of Sri Lanka make such an irresponsible statement? We don't know about looks but all what we feel is that the statement is in bad taste. We urge Wickremesinghe to act like a leader of a responsible political party. True the party has lost 14 elections under Wickremesinghe's leadership. But that does not mean a party with a rich heritage like the UNP should descend to such a low level and look for short cuts to regain power.

We only respect the people's power and the mandate given by the voters. We also witnessed several other interested parties doing their rounds to tarnish Sri Lanka's human rights record on the eve of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Geneva.

There have been several killings and abductions which have been conveniently credited to the Government's account by interested parties.

But the international community will not be swayed by such elements. The truth would emerge sooner than later.