Holmes' unwarranted comments

The so-called North-East conflict has now turned out to be a problem confined only to the North - that too in the Wanni and Mullaitivu Districts held by the LTTE. This is after the Security Forces cleared the entire Eastern Province from the clutches of the Tigers.

Though the entire world was united in one voice against terrorism, some of the so-called guardians of world peace and anti-terrorism campaigns do not seem to be happy to see Sri Lanka getting rid of their terrorist problems in the East.

Together with the backing of a few local political opportunists, a section of the international community has shown an extraordinary interest in this sphere.

The objective of the Government and that of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unequivocally clear. The Government has been working towards a negotiated settlement and has been working towards that goal through the All Party Representative Committee, which is due to have its final draft ready by this week. However, at the same time, a democratically elected Government cannot turn a blind eye when a ruthless terrorist organisation harasses innocent civilians, even depriving them of a basic human need such as water.

The LTTE's inhuman act of closing the Mavil Aru anicut compelled the Government to take appropriate measures to find water for those civilians. Even at Sampur, Vakari and Thoppigala, the Security Forces were engaged in humanitarian operations against terrorism and to liberate helpless civilians. It was in such a backdrop that the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Sir John Holmes visited Sri Lanka this week.

The visit that was meant to strengthen confidence and have a greater understanding has been seriously affected by his interview with an international news agency. We are nonplussed over the double standards of a Knight who holds a responsible position in the United Nations.

Having toured the East, Holmes briefed President Rajapaksa on his observations and assured his fullest support to develop the East. He reported same to the UN.

His controversial interview with an international news agency subsequently stated; "There is a concern about the safety of humanitarian workers themselves and the record here is one of the worst in the world from that point of view". Is this a statement we could expect from a responsible official who holds a high position at the UN, which totally rejects international terrorism?

Hence, the Government, quite rightly has rejected Holmes' comments. It is sad that Holmes saw Sri Lanka as the worst place on earth for humanitarian workers when hundreds of deaths are reported elsewhere in the world.

The Government is no doubt shocked by the unwarranted comments of the UN official who had been here only for four days. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka told Parliament on Friday that President Rajapaksa has categorically emphasised the Government's total commitment to the safety of humanitarian workers during his talks with Holmes and the latter acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the steps taken by the Government with regard to the security of workers engaged in humanitarian activities in the North and East. In this context, the Government has reason to believe that Holmes has unwittingly helped those who seek to discredit the Government and tarnish its image internationally. In view of past experience with media personalities who seek sensationalism at the cost of truth that Holmes was advised to be cautious with the media during his visit. Unfortunately a visit that was designed to build confidence has been seriously affected by his interview with an international news agency that has traditionally sacrificed the truth in its pursuit for sensational headline news. The Government has always shown its sincere desire and commitment to work with the UN and its institutions with utmost cooperation. With the greatest reluctance, the Government has pointed out that intemperate comments and suggestions could question the impartiality of these institutions. Holmes' irresponsible statement could either directly or indirectly help the LTTE's acts of terrorism. The LTTE is hell-bent to discredit the Government internationally in order that the Security Forces' drive against terrorism could be impaired. The LTTE is notorious for its inhuman and terror acts which have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent victims. The innocent civilians in the North live in abject fear. The youth in Tiger-held areas escape from Prabhakaran's ruthless terror rule and turn to the Lankan Security Forces for survival. This is because the LTTE even takes young teenage boys to the battlefront, violating all accepted norms and treaties. Despite the continuous assurances by Prabhakaran's henchmen to the UN that they would give up deploying children in the war, the LTTE still forcibly recruits children. Can't people such as Holmes feel the pulse of the Northern parents, who make every effort to prevent their young sons and daughters being forcibly taken to battlefront? The time is now opportune for the international community to take a closer look at the real conflict. The LTTE is astute in its global campaigns to mislead the international community. Is there nobody to raise a voice for poor civilians in the North and the East and protect their human rights which have been violated by Prabhakaran through his barbaric acts?