Opposition supports international conspiracy

Several local and international elements, which begrudge Sri Lanka prospering after the eradication of terrorism, are indulging in various moves for a regime change.

It is clear that they do not wish to acknowledge the fearless leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa taking Sri Lanka to an era of prosperity. They would resort to anything to destabilise the country's economy and have a weak political leadership so that Sri Lanka could become a puppet again and dance to the tune of the West.

This was precisely what we experienced when Ranil Wickremesinghe led the United National Party (UNP) Government from 2001 to 2004. The UNP was totally dependent on the West, disregarding Sri Lanka's independence and territorial integrity.

Wickremesinghe and his UNP stalwarts swallowed everything that emanated from the West. There was no proper foreign policy, or a vision to protect the country as a sovereign nation or determined efforts to eradicate terrorism.

The LTTE took cover under the controversial Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) introduced by the then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, who granted legal status to a terrorist organisation, setting a precedent in the world.

However, things have changed dramatically after our valiant Security Forces destroyed Velupillai Prabhakaran and his terrorist outfit, thus liberating over half a million innocent civilians who were subjected to untold hardships. Surprisingly, human rights bodies have apparently forgotten how the LTTE forcibly held those innocent civilians as a human shield.

The LTTE made the optimum use of the unofficial diplomatic status they received under the CFA and exploited each and every opportunity to reinforce the outfit. At the time, barely anyone believed that the LTTE - the world's most ruthless terrorist organisation - could be defeated militarily.

The unrivalled political leadership of President Rajapaksa, the dedicated military leadership given by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and the immense sacrifices by the valiant Security Forces, helped Sri Lanka to become the only country to eradicate terrorism.

The liberation of the entire country from the clutches of LTTE terrorism is undoubtedly taking Sri Lanka to greater heights.

Infrastructure development in the North and the East is going ahead at a rapid pace. People in the East have already started contributing to the national economy. Once the people in the North too make a similar contribution, the country could achieve significant economic development.

Moreover, tourism, agriculture and the dairy industries have shown a marked improvement and once those sectors reach their peak levels, Sri Lanka could establish an all-time high economic development.

The number of tourist arrivals during the past couple of months has shown a marked improvement and the upward trend would continue on an even greater scale.

The stock market has reported a positive trend. The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded its highest ever market capitalisation - the total value of all stocks - Rs. 942.6 billion on Thursday.

According to the Director General Securities and Exchange Commission, the regulator of the CSE, Channa de Silva, the new trend would give foreign investors an understanding about the local optimism and capacity. The CSE is now driven mostly by local investor sentiments and this will boost the confidence of foreign investors.

Stocks at the CSE surged higher with blue chips leading the way, with John Keells Holdings recording a turnover of Rs 225 million with 1.5 million shares being traded with the share closing up Rs 4.50 to end at Rs 154.50.

Commercial Bank gained Rs 5.00 to end at Rs 175.00 on a turnover of Rs 124 million. DFCC Bank gained Rs 5.75 to close at Rs 155.75 on a turnover of Rs 50 million on Thursday.

Foreign purchases recorded Rs 235 million while sales hit Rs 148 million.

The shares of 108 companies showed gains while 40 declined.

More importantly, both indices at the CSE were up two per cent with the broader market ASPI gaining 59 points to close at 2,944 and the more sensitive MPI was up 63 points to end at 3,290. Sector-wise gains were seen in the hotels, power and palm oils - all up around four per cent while chemicals, banks, finance, and insurance stocks were up around three per cent. With all these positive developments, we could attract more foreign investments that could generate a greater number of employment opportunities as well.

Having observed all these encouraging trends, the Opposition parties too have understood that the Government, led by President Rajapaksa can guide Sri Lanka to economic prosperity as well. Once that is achieved, the UNP and the JVP will have to occupy the Opposition benches permanently.

The JVP too has joined the UNP's worldwide campaign to tarnish the image of the Government and Sri Lanka. Several foreign elements which are unable to come to terms that Sri Lanka is the only country to eradicate terrorism, too are working overtime behind the scene.

They are using human rights as an effective tool to undermine the greatest achievements of our Security Forces. It is a crying shame that the Opposition Leader is making regular visits to the West to look for short cuts to regain power at any cost. Is this the duty of a responsible statesman?

Likewise, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has made a highly irresponsible statement not fitting for a former Head of State.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, India, Kumaratunga had said that even though the LTTE was defeated, there was no freedom in the country.

Undoubtedly, this too could contribute to the ongoing international conspiracy, backed by certain Opposition parties to destabilise the country.

People from various strata of society will strongly condemn the former President's statement in no unequivocal terms.

One wonders whether the former President too was involved in the current international conspiracy to discredit the country.