Face hidden agendas courageously

Sri Lanka's valiant Security Forces annihilated the world's most ruthless terrorist outfit - the LTTE, more than two-and-a-half years ago. It was indeed, a landmark achievement that opened a new chapter in the annals of the country's history as the three-decade-long terrorism had brought the country's economy to the brink of near collapse.

Moreover, LTTE terrorists had inflicted untold misery on all Sri Lankans through their inhuman killings, merciless suicide attacks and powerful bomb explosions targeting the public. The damage and devastation of public property triggered by LTTE terrorists is known the world over. Projecting themselves as the sole representatives of the Tamils, the LTTE brought about misery to its own community and even held innocent Tamil civilians as a human shield.

Sri Lanka had to face all overwhelming odds even after accomplishing the world's largest human rescue mission which liberated over half a million civilians from the grip of LTTE terror.

In this backdrop, the stance which certain countries and international organisations have taken since terrorism was eradicated is highly questionable. Certain countries which project themselves as the major stakeholders of the worldwide battle against terrorism, express divergent views when it comes to terrorism in this part of the world.

The Government's swift action in resettling those displaced during the humanitarian operation in next to no time set new international standards in resettlement. The Government assured those resettled of a brighter future and got them actively involved in development.

Those resettled in the East and the North have begun a new lease of life, thereby making an active contribution to the national coffers. The Government lost no time in developing the areas destroyed by terrorists and embarked on massive development projects to proffer better infrastructure facilities to people in the two provinces. Above all, the freedom one and all enjoy today and the country's remarkable achievements in development are the direct dividends of peace that were achieved due to the immense sacrifices of the true sons of Mother Lanka.

Certain countries and international organisations, who are totally blind to all these stark facts, continue to exert undue pressure on Sri Lanka to 'protect' the human rights of terrorists who had massacred thousands of innocent people, including women, children, religious and world leaders. They made desperate attempts to denounce Sri Lanka purely perhaps for the 'sin' of becoming the first and only country to wipe out terrorism.

There is no doubt whatsoever that the LTTE poltergeists, shadow organisations and a section of the Tamil diaspora would continue their action plan this year too. All Sri Lankans, irrespective of political and ethnic affiliations, should stand united to face these well orchestrated campaigns that could eventually emerge at international fora.

It is high time that world leaders and the United Nations take a closer look at the positive developments in Sri Lanka and the peaceful environment now prevailing among all ethnic communities. At the same time, they must probe the true nature of the real 'players' behind these well-organised campaigns who are intent on bringing Sri Lanka into disrepute.

Now that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report is out, the world must wait patiently until those recommendations are implemented. They should not be in an undue hurry and give the Government a reasonable timeframe to implement these recommendations.

Simultaneously, the UN and certain other countries which make a big hue and cry on accountability in Sri Lanka, must necessarily treat all other world issues in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya in similar fashion. It has been proved time and again that Sri Lanka's Security Forces respected human rights at all times, fighting the deadliest battle against a terrorist outfit that was notorious for widespread acts against humanity.

In this scenario, there is no reason as to why the Allied Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq or rebels in Libya should be exempted from respecting human rights. Unfortunately, international organisations which often shed buckets of crocodile tears over human rights in Sri Lanka turn a Nelsonian eye when it comes to Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

It came to light recently that the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) had raised Canadian Dollars 50,000 to make a donation to Amnesty International (AI). This money was raised in a Walk-A-Thon in September last year for the express purpose of funding the AI. In this context, it is anybody's guess who the AI represents.

It is quite understandable the manner in which the AI acts, having swallowed huge sums of money from an organisation that is well-known to be a proxy and a shadow organisation of the now defunct terror outfit, the LTTE. Apparently, to safeguard its funding sources, the CTC was severe in its criticism of Sri Lanka's treatment of Tamils and is especially supportive of allegations of concocted stories on war crimes and violation of humanitarian law in the final phase of the humanitarian operation.

Instead of being carried away by the baseless allegations of LTTE shadow organisations and certain Tiger sympathisers, the international community should work in the broader interests of the people in Sri Lanka who have been enjoying the rich dividends of peace since May 2009.

Achieving economic development is one of the key ambitions of the Government and the country must make the optimum use of the opportunity afforded by peace to achieve development and national reconciliation. Undoubtedly, that would be the best way to ensure that the benefits of peace reach out to all Sri Lankans.

As Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa had highlighted last week, this is the best possible answer to those who criticise Sri Lanka and its noble humanitarian operation. It is also the best form of defence against those who seek to create fresh problems in our society. Vigilance is the need of the hour and no room should be left for extraneous elements to meddle in Sri Lanka's internal matters.

All Sri Lankans should bear in mind that the country has secret enemies who still work in a sinister manner to create disharmony and conflict. All should work together to overcome this challenge.

The country by no means should be taken back to where it was during the past 30 years. As a nation, Sri Lanka has had more than its fair share of suffering. Certain international elements are working behind the scene to push the country back to that dark era. Our guiding principle should be to work together to usher in a brighter future.