Govt's bold decisions

The UPFA Government has secured significant achievements and taken some bold decisions during the past few weeks.

More importantly, the Government did not bow down to pressure from the European Union to receive the GSP plus duty concessions and instead proposed a bailout package to rescue Sri Lanka's garment industry. It cannot be gainsaid that the GSP plus duty concessions offered by the European countries for garment exports from Sri Lanka were a big boost for the local industry especially as there are thousands of people employed in the garment sector. But this does not mean that Sri Lanka is willing to compromise the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

That was precisely why President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka's sovereignty and territorial integrity are of utmost importance. He has reiterated time and again that he would never bargain on any issue at the expense of Sri Lanka's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is indeed a fearless and commendable decision as a true loyal and patriotic leader. None of our previous leaders had such indomitable courage to stand tall against world pressure. President Rajapaksa has acted in an exemplary manner, safeguarding both the country's interests and independence as a true custodian of a sovereign state.

On the other hand, his able statesmanship was evident in the manner he handled the Tamil Nadu issue and maintained cordial relations with the Indian government, while protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.

The international community must bear in mind that the Security Forces are battling to eradicate terrorism. It is not different from the role played by the US Forces in Afghanistan or Iraq. In point of fact, terrorism in Sri Lanka is worse when one considers the fact that the Security Forces here are battling against the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world.

Simultaneously, the Government is working towards a political solution for the genuine problems faced by the people living in the North and Eastern Provinces. Nevertheless, that solution is purely for the innocent civilians living in those areas and not for LTTE terrorists. The Government is firmly committed to a negotiated political solution - based on devolution of power to ensure the democratic, political and linguistic rights of all our Tamil brethren within an undivided Sri Lanka.

The President's sincere wish is for more devolution for the people, at grassroots level, to assist people in remote villages and to decide on their development work.

It is in this context that the President appointed an All Party Representative Committee which has presented an interim proposal, until the committee submits the final proposals. The Government is already implementing the interim proposals in the Eastern Province. Having cleared the Eastern Province within one year, the Government conducted local government and Provincial Council elections after fourteen years to restore democracy in the area. The people in the province have elected a Chief Minister and a provincial administration of their choice.

Development has been given top priority. The Government will also set up a committee to benchmark what more could be done to deepen the devolution and democratic process in the Eastern Province.

The international community should take all these factors into consideration, and moreover, the sincere efforts of the Government to find a political solution. They should not attempt to link extraneous issues with Sri Lanka's battle against terrorism as these are like chalk and cheese.

As President Rajapaksa told the United Nations General Assembly last year, terrorism in any part of the world is terrorism. There can't be two types of terrorism and the solution to eradicate terrorism should be the same, irrespective of which part of the globe it exists. The Security Forces have breached the LTTE defences in Kilinochchi. They achieved a significant victory last week, liberating Nachchikuda. According to the Security Forces, the Tigers are fleeing towards Valaipadu and Pooneryn giving less resistance, which left scores of terrorists killed and many injured in the months-long Nachchikuda fighting. Troops are now consolidating their defences from the newly gained territory, after inflicting twin blows on the LTTE.

While commending the achievements of the Security Forces, President Rajapaksa last week called upon scientific researchers to focus attention on military research as well. Nobody so far has given any thought to this important area.

The President told the General Convocation of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, at the BMICH, that there is lack of research in the spheres of military and defence strategies.

This is food for thought and new policies should be formulated to include military research in the school curriculum as well, so that research could be undertaken on our own home-grown remedies.

In combating terrorism and protecting national security it is important that we offer quality training to the Armed Forces, regardless of the expenditure. Although some opportunist politicians and 'peace merchants' argue that this is a waste of resources, it is not so, as amply demonstrated by the invaluable service rendered by the Security Forces.

Despite heavy LTTE resistance, the Security Forces have emerged victorious in the sphere of humanitarian operations. National security has been the Government's foremost priority, as it is closely linked and enmeshed with honourable peace, a pre-requisite for national development and prosperity.

No Armed Force could be sustained sans the support, co-operation and the blessings of the civilian polity. That is one reason why the Government is simultaneously developing the East, with the many victories won by the Armed Forces.Those who attempt to preach to Sri Lanka on human rights and provide various solutions to LTTE terrorism should first and foremost evaluate all these facts before making rash judgements.