Inspiring leadership crushes terrorism
By Dinesh WEERAWANSA
Exactly
a year ago, Sri Lanka created history by becoming the first country to eradicate
terrorism. Only a handful of people were confident that Sri Lanka could achieve
that Herculean task which at one stage looked almost impossible.
Hence, only a few people were certain that Sri Lanka could put a permanent
end to terrorism and liberate the country from the clutches of LTTE terror.
Sri Lanka reached that golden milestone in world military history on May 18,
2009, thus ending those untold hardships experienced by innocent civilians in
the North and the East.
People living not only in those two provinces, but also millions of others
all over the country were subjected to LTTE brutality, mass scale suicide bomb
attacks in the capital and other major cities in the country.
On Tuesday, we celebrate the first anniversary of the eradication of
terrorism and liberation of over half a million people who had been subjected to
untold hardships in the LTTE-held areas during that dark era.
With
gratitude and affection, we salute all those brave sons of our soil who had made
the supreme sacrifice to unite the nation and liberate those innocent Tamil
civilians who underwent untold agony during the ruthless LTTE terror. Those
illustrious sons of Mother Lanka sacrificed their life and limb to make our
future brighter.
We also remember at this point of time, the thousands of Security Forces
personnel who were injured during the three-and-a-half-year 'Humanitarian
Operation'. The brave soldiers had not only made the most precious contribution
to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Motherland, but had
also ensured a safe future for over 600,000 innocent civilians who had been
forcibly held by the LTTE terror outfit.
The historic feat achieved by Sri Lanka's valiant Security Forces is all the
more creditable and significant, especially since, the LTTE had been the most
ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. It was the unflinching dedication,
devotion and immense sacrifices of our gallant Security Forces which paved the
way for us to celebrate the most cherished moment in modern Sri Lankan history.
It was the indomitable courage of our Security Forces and the fearless
political leadership that helped demolish the LTTE's dream of a separate state.
The inspiring leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was undoubtedly the most
vital prop in Sri Lanka's history to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.
The right political leadership of President Rajapaksa was a great source of
inspiration and encouragement. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa's first hand
experience in the battlefront was a huge plus point as he effectively planned
military strategies with the Service Commanders. Their guidance and support at
all times inspired the Security Forces to overcome all overwhelming odds and
destroy the world's most treacherous terror outfit which had claimed over 70,000
lives during the past three decades.
President Rajapaksa and his government, at all times, respected the clear
mandate given by the masses and spared no pains to liberate innocent civilians
from the jaws of LTTE terrorism. He did not succumb to mounting international
pressure, which had the backing of some of our own opportunist politicians in
the Opposition.
The liberation of the country from LTTE terrorism has now been followed by a
comprehensive humanitarian mission to ensure a better tomorrow for people who
had been rescued from terror.
It is with a deep sense of affection and gratitude that we remember all those
brave sons of our soil who had contributed immensely to achieve that gigantic
task. The Sunday Observer salutes all those Security Forces personnel, their
Commanding Officers and others who had proved that miracles can indeed become a
reality.
The need of the hour is unity, reconciliation and development, to take Sri
Lanka to greater heights in all spheres of activity. Let's join hands to embark
on that decisive journey and make Sri Lanka the 'Wonder of Asia' sooner than
later.
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