Countering terrorism - a genuine effort
vital
Sri Lanka hosted the 2007 International Conference on
Countering Terrorism, which concluded yesterday at the BMICH. A wide
range of issues were discussed at the conference as international
delegates expressed their views on terrorism and measures that could be
taken to counter terror acts.
As Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said in his inaugural
address, Sri Lanka has set examples in its battle against terrorism. Our
country's successes in combatting terrorism, has given fresh hopes to
other democracies that terrorism can be fought and overcome.
In its three-decade long arduous struggle against terrorism,
notwithstanding some impediments and setbacks, Sri Lanka has been
successful in its battle against the LTTE, the deadliest terrorist
organisation in the world.
Sri Lanka has never compromised or condoned terrorism.
Successive Governments have made inspiring efforts to resolve the
conflict through political means. Even after defeating the LTTE
terrorists comprehensively and clearing the Eastern Province of
terrorists, the Government is still going for a political solution
through the All Party Representatives Committee.
As a legitimate Government, Sri Lanka cannot allow a terrorist
organisation to dictate terms and conditions and hold innocent civilians
to ransom. The ruthless Tiger terrorists even deprived the innocent
farmer community in Mavil Aru of their basic human need of water. As a
result, those poor farmers suffered immense hardships and their
cultivations were completely destroyed. Can a democratically elected
legitimate Government keep mum in such a situation? Certainly not! That
is why President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Government embarked on a
humanitarian mission to liberate those helpless civilians by dealing
with the LTTE terrorists in the language they knew best.
Despite the overestimation of the LTTE superiority by Tiger
sympathisers, the terrorists are now confined only to Mullaitivu and the
Wanni. By taking action against the LTTE, foreign Governments are not
merely helping Sri Lanka, but are also acting in their own interest, for
it is well known that the LTTE has links to other terrorist
organisations. It goes without saying that the LTTE is a major player in
world terrorism. The LTTE has links with global terrorist organisations
such as the Al-Qaeda, United Liberation front of Assam (ULFA), the
Afghan Mujahideen, the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), the Maoists, Abu
Sayaf and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The LTTE played a
godfather role to world terrorism by mastering suicidal attacks in a
professional manner.
The international community has commended the Government and its
people's remarkable resilience in facing these challenges. People here
have not only shown indomitable courage in the face of terror, but also
normalcy has been restored within a short period whenever Sri Lanka has
faced crisis situations.
More importantly, Sri Lanka has not let the battle against terrorism
affect its economic growth.
Notwithstanding the difficulties we face, Sri Lanka's socio-economic
indicators remain impressive, maintaining a growth rate of 7.4% in GDP
terms and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) amounting to US$ 640 million
last year. Simultaneously, Sri Lanka's exports increased by 8.4% to US$
6.8883 billion. These indicators are expected to be even more impressive
this year - hence Sri Lanka is a role model in the battle against
terrorism. International counter-terrorism expert Gerard Chaliand told
the 2007 International Conference on Countering Terrorism that no peace
is possible with the LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. "Going by the
way they used the peace talks to regroup themselves, it's just a
tactical ploy," he said.
The former director of France's European Centre for the Study of
Conflicts told delegates that Prabhakaran has transformed his group into
a killing machine, assassinating anyone who challenges his authority as
well as democratically elected leaders who represent the Tamils. .
Chaliand's remarks are an indication that the international community
is now aware of the real Tiger terrorists. They are not the sole
saviours or representatives of the Tamil community, as they proudly
proclaim to raise funds from all over the world. In realistic terms, the
LTTE has brought nothing but misery to their own people. Can such an
irresponsible and brutal terrorist organisation represent a community?
One could well imagine the fate of their own people, if they gain the
so-called 'liberation'.
Terrorism is not only confined to Sri Lanka but is common to many
countries. Be it London, New York, London, Karachi or Colombo, terrorism
is terrorism anywhere in the world. That should be defeated at any cost.
Unquestionably we have to respect human rights. Every endeavour should
be made to protect human rights at all times. But human rights should
not be used as an effective tool to challenge the sovereignty of
independent nations. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pointed out these
stark facts to the international community on several occasions.
It's indeed heartening to see international representatives
developing a forum on Countering Terrorism. But the success of the
worldwide battle against terrorism depends on how far the international
community genuinely implements those recommendations. |
