Independence and the Observer
Sri Lanka celebrates her 59th
anniversary of independence today. This year's independence celebrations
are a significant milestone in our nation's history. Today, we celebrate
our independence under a Government which has given top priority to
national security.
Over the past two decades or more, our security forces have been
fighting a ruthless terrorist organisation - the LTTE, which has an
endless thirst for blood. Most Governments which ruled our country
during this period either bowed to foreign pressure or made a business
out of war.
Thanks to a true patriotic son of our soil who became the fifth
executive President of Sri Lanka, all citizens - Sinhalese, Tamils,
Muslims or Burghers, could now hold their heads high. National security
has always been given top priority and President Mahinda Rajapaksa would
never compromise on matters relating to the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of our beautiful island.
The blood-thirsty terrorists gave no chance to President Rajapaksa as
a series of explosions forced him to cut short his political honeymoon
after the 2005 Presidential election victory in November. When President
Rajapaksa extended his hand of solidarity, terrorist leader Prabhakaran
misunderstood it as a sign of weakness.
When things were going out of hand, the President felt that enough is
enough and took firm steps to eradicate terrorism and protect innocent
civilians suffering in the North and East. The Government had no
alternative but to respond to LTTE terrorism in the language that
Prabhakaran understands. But unlike his predecessors, President
Rajapaksa did not set time frames or try to take political advantage out
of military victories.
As a result, our brave security forces personnel emerged victorious
in taming the Tigers in places such as Mavil Aru, Sampur,
Kanchikudichcharu and Vakarai. They have liberated almost the entire
east after over two decades. This is why this year's independence
celebrations become even more significant.
The President has made it clear that he would never ever compromise
on matters relating to national security. As a democratically elected
head of state, President Rajapaksa has all the right to say so.
Moreover, he has an obligation by the nation. He is not a leader who
would even dream of selling our sovereignty or territorial integrity
merely to remain in power. President Rajapaksa's main concern has been
his country and its people.
Though the war against terrorism continues, the Government has
convinced the international community, who have faith in the Rajapaksa
administration. The huge volume of international funding to the tune of
USD 4.5 billion pledged at this week's international donor conference in
Galle was explicit proof by the international community to the
Government's right economic vision.
On the other hand, there has been a continuous flow of foreign
investments to the country. Though the LTTE terrorists explode bombs
targeting innocent civilians and the brave security forces personnel,
most investors have continued to repose faith on the right economic
policies of President Rajapaksa.
At the same time, Sri Lanka has performed creditably with a steady
economic growth of nearly eight per cent. A recent World Bank report
also indicated that Sri Lanka is on the verge of becoming a
middle-income country. These bear testimony to the Government's right
policies with regard to the national economy. Winning both the war
against terrorism as well as the economic war takes the number one slot
in President Rajapaksa's agenda. With the Government extending its
majority to 121 seats in the Parliament with MPs from the UNP, SLMC, CWC
and JHU joining, President Rajapaksa now has a greater strength to usher
in peace and also bring about economic prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Observer celebrates its 79th birthday today.
Sri Lanka's English newspaper with the largest circulation was founded
some 20 years before we gained independence from British colonial rule.
Coincidentally, it was on February fourth too. Hence, the birthday of
the Sunday Observer and Sri Lanka's independence are celebrated on the
same day.
The Sunday Observer has been Sri Lanka's flagship Sunday English
newspaper, which has served generations. Its contribution to the socio
economic development in the pre and post independence eras has been
immense.
On this historic occasion, let's remember with deep gratitude all
those past editors, journalists and all those who made worthwhile
contributions towards the success of Sri Lanka's No.1 English newspaper
in every aspect, be it circulation, readership, quality or quantity.
Let's remember the founder of the ANCL, the late D.R. Wijewardene,
with profound gratitude and appreciate the roles played by him and
successive managements as well as all employees of Lake House in
protecting the country's oldest newspaper house.
Understanding the needs of different segments of the society has made
the Sunday Observer the undisputed market leader. Our millions of
readers worldwide have been the key to this huge success.
We salute you for your continued patronage as our valued readers and
we at the Sunday Observer would make every endeavour to feel the pulse
of the people better. |