Military victory not handed over on a platter - President

by Shanika SRIYANANDA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted yesterday that some internal forces were trying to charge Sri Lanka for war crimes to cover up their shortcomings and to degrade the hard earned military victory, but as long as there are patriotic people, these forces would not achieve their ignoble ‘missions’.

President Rajapaksa was addressing the opening of the exhibition at the BMICH to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The gathering included Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Sarath Fonseka, the three Service Commanders and the IGP.

The President said that no one could charge the military for any crime as they had engaged in a humanitarian operation in a professional manner.

“I urge those who point their finger at us to be careful as their other fingers are pointed at themselves,” he said.

The President expressed confidence that those who witnessed the heroism of our soldiers who had defeated the world’s most ruthless terrorists would not attempt to take up arms again to destroy this united country and would not think of a separate State when they reap the benefits of the country’s development.

The President said that the 60th anniversary of the SLA would be the most spectacular event in its history, as an honour to the soldiers who recorded this victory by sacrificing their lives and limbs.

“The victory over the LTTE, after three decades, was not handed over to us on a platter. It was not a mere victory, but it is a victory that showed the world how humane our brave soldiers are. The soldiers carried guns in one hand and the Human Rights Convention in the other. At the same time their hearts were full of love for their fellow human beings,” he said.

He said that over 30,000 military personnel had died during the 30-year war, of which over 23,000 were from the SLA.

“This shows the commitment of the SLA to defeat terrorism in this country. Armies of other countries may have the latest firepower, but their soldiers lack humanity. The SLA is the only Army that can celebrate its anniversaries with pride as it is the only Army that defeated terrorism. The SLA flag will flutter majestically among all Army flags of other countries,” he said, adding that other armies could not defeat terrorism though they may have superior firepower.

“Our soldiers had fought the world’s most ruthless terrorists who had adopted the most inhumane tactics like suicide bombers. I hope these armies study and research the means with which our Army defeated the LTTE. They have to study the courage, bravery and commitment of our soldiers and military leaders who led the war to its victory. They also have to study the humanity of these soldiers, who rescued thousands of civilians that suffered under terrorism,” President Rajapaksa said.

He said the SLA is a professional and disciplined Army unlike the armies of those countries which talk against Sri Lanka.

“I think that our Army was encouraged to defeat terrorism by the support given by the people of this country. They gave their children to the Army, they protected the military leaders who led the war and tolerated all the hardships they faced until this victory,” he said, pointing out that the people of this country - the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims - joined hands with the Government with one goal in mind - to defeat the LTTE.

He said the Government would do anything to protect the country and the hard-earned victory.