Defence Secretary outlines vision for lasting peace and stability:

Unprecedented socio-economic transformation in three years

Delivering the inaugural address at the Defence Seminar 2012 held on the theme ‘Towards Lasting Peace and Stability’, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka is now one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world and the great progress that has been accomplished here is worthy of study at a time it is enjoying its third year of peace and stability after the defeat of terrorism.

“Sri Lanka’s journey during the three years since the dawn of peace has seen the country transform itself from a nation at war to a country that is among the most peaceful, stable and secure in the world. The unwavering commitment and resolve of the Government to swiftly implement measures for Reconstruction, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Reconciliation has laid the foundation for a prosperous future for all our citizens.

I have every confidence that as we step forward into this brighter future, we will do so together as Sri Lankans. That is the greatest accolade that can be paid to the success of Sri Lanka’s post-conflict development; that will be our legacy to future generations,” he said.

Excerpts from the speech:

“Sri Lanka is a country in the midst of a national revival. The conflict in Sri Lanka ended in May 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE. Its defeat was greeted with an immediate and unprecedented outpouring of relief and joy throughout the country.

However, at the same time, the Government was deeply aware of the grave challenges and responsibilities it faced in the war’s aftermath.

* Demining needed to be carried out over 5,000 square kilometres of land
* Reconstruction had to take place in the former LTTE controlled areas
* Nearly 300,000 displaced people needed to be resettled
* Close to 12,000 surrendered LTTE cadre had to be rehabilitated and then reintegrated
* Normalcy had to be restored throughout the land; and
* Measures had to be taken to foster national reconciliation and economic development

The Government of Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable progress on all these fronts during a remarkably short span of three years. The most pressing issue that needed to be addressed was ensuring the well-being of the civilians displaced from their homes.

By the time the conflict ended, 295,873 displaced people were left in the Government’s care. They could not return home because their towns and villages were no longer safe for occupation. As it retreated, the LTTE had laid large quantities of anti-tank mines, anti-personnel mines, and Improvised Explosive Devices in the areas it left. Demining those areas swiftly and resettling the displaced was a significant challenge for the State.

Many foreign organisations came forward to assist the Government, including the Danish Demining Group, Indian Sarvatra Group, Horizon Group and UK-based Mines Advisory Group. These groups took on the responsibility of demining various identified tracts of land. The Army was given the responsibility of demining the largest area of land, which comprised almost 1,500 square kilometres and included most of the densely mined regions.

The entire demining program was carefully planned and executed. Priority areas were chosen to maximise efficiency and enable the speedy return of the internally displaced. The first priority was to demine the towns and villages. The second priority was to demine agricultural areas and paddy fields. The last priority was to clear forested areas.

Two priority areas

Nearly all of the two main priority areas identified for demining have been cleared. Work continues in a few areas where the concentration of mines is at its highest. The scale of the problem the Government faced in demining can be clearly seen from the number of mines and other devices unearthed and neutralised during the demining process. At end June 2012, 469,275 anti-personnel mines, 1,399 anti-tank mines, and 388,963 unexploded ordnance devices had been recovered. It is because the number of mines and IEDs laid by the LTTE was so very large that demining in some areas continues to this day.

The Army has been involved in several programs to renovate damaged houses and construct new ones. Under a grant sponsored by the Government of India, 43,000 new houses will also be constructed in these regions.

Infrastructure development was another key concern. Almost immediately after the war ended, the President appointed a Presidential Task Force for reconstruction and resettlement in the North to expedite work in these areas. The development of the road network throughout the North was expedited. The railway track from Omanthai to Pallai is scheduled to be completed by September 2013, and the track from Pallai to Kankesanthurai is expected to be completed by June 2014. The track from Medawachchiya to Madhu is scheduled for completion in March 2013, and the remainder from Madhu to Talaimannar is expected to be completed by September 2013.

Much of the irrigation infrastructure, including canals and tanks, was restored early on to revive agriculture and farming, while major programs to upgrade drinking water supply and sanitation are also under way. Through expedited electrification programs, many areas that did not have power before have begun to benefit from electricity.

The restoration of most of the 1,000 schools that functioned in the North is another significant achievement, as are the steps being taken to improve healthcare. For many of the projects undertaken, especially those begun soon after the end of the conflict, the military provided engineering expertise, construction plant and equipment, as well as much of the manpower.

While State-owned institutions such as the State Engineering Corporation and Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau undertook several responsibilities, and while many private sector and foreign organisations won contracts for certain projects, the fact remains that the military was essential in facilitating the reconstruction activities.

While demining and reconstruction activities were going on, the displaced civilians were housed at welfare villages set up by the Government. There were five welfare villages: four in the Vavuniya District, including Menik Farm, and one in Mannar. The shelters were provided with electricity, and each block had separate kitchens, toilets, bathing areas and child-friendly spaces. Provision of water exceeded World Health Organization requirements and all sanitation facilitates were maintained to a good standard.

Food and nutrition was a particular area of concern. Within a couple of weeks, community kitchens were set up in each residential block. Extensive healthcare facilities and sufficient medical supplies were provided in all the welfare villages. Special facilities for psychiatric care, including support for individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, were provided.

Many efforts were taken to promote religious, spiritual and cultural activities, and places of worship were established with special facilities being provided for all clergy. Vocational training centres were established in each welfare village. The internally displaced remained in the welfare camps only for as long as it took to demine their places of origin and reconstruct infrastructure to facilitate their resettlement.

Under the speedy resettlement program launched by the Government, a significant number of the displaced were resettled in their homes. By the end of July 2012, the Government has successfully resettled 237,672 persons. A further 28,398 have chosen to live with host families in various parts of the country.

Resettlement of displaced

It should be noted that 7,185 had left the villages for the displaced on various grounds and did not return, while a further 1,380 sought admission to hospitals and did not return after treatment and 802 displaced persons died due to natural causes during the time they were waiting to be resettled.

Only 5,424 individuals from 1,597 families remain in the last functioning welfare village. They are from areas that have the highest concentration of mines, which have taken a little longer than expected to render safe. The Government intends to complete the resettlement of all displaced persons by mid-August.

Resettling nearly 300,000 displaced people in just three years is a very significant accomplishment. It would not have been possible without the professionalism and commitment of the military. The Government faced another major challenge with regard to rehabilitating the large numbers of LTTE cadre who surrendered or were detained during the course of the humanitarian operation. A total of 11,989 LTTE combatants surrendered to the military during the humanitarian operation.

Particular attention was given to the 594 child soldiers who surrendered. A special rehabilitation program was organised for them, with UNICEF assistance. Much effort was taken to provide proper counselling for them. Special spiritual development activities and positive values cultivation programs were conducted. Formal education was provided. The child beneficiaries were reunited with their families within one year.

The adult beneficiaries of rehabilitation were initially housed in 22 protective accommodation and rehabilitation centres maintained by the Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation. Several international agencies such as the IOM and UNICEF were given free and unfettered access to these rehabilitation centres. So too were diplomats, media personnel, lawyers and family members.

All beneficiaries underwent extensive programs designed to equip them with the ability to return to normal life. Spiritual, religious and cultural rehabilitation programs were also conducted. Psychological and creative therapy rehabilitation was provided, including group counselling and therapy sessions, aesthetics and drama therapy programs.

A lot of attention was paid to the reunification of families, with married ex-combatants being given the opportunity to re-join their spouses, children and parents at special rehabilitation centres called ‘peace villages’. This enabled many beneficiaries to continue their rehabilitation without any disruption to their family life. A mass marriage ceremony was held in June 2010, where 53 ex-combatant couples were formally given in marriage.

A special program for ‘catch up education’ was provided in collaboration with the Education Department for young adults. Different vocational training courses were also provided. A number of programs were created to support beneficiaries who wished to set up their own businesses, with courses being conducted on self-employment, entrepreneurship and micro enterprise development. Steps have been taken to recruit a large number of rehabilitated ex-LTTE combatants to the Civil Defence Force.

The reintegration of the rehabilitees to society took place only after trained counsellors assessed their preparedness to adapt to society and resume normal lives. Reintegration programs were conducted at various stages, including a large ceremony held at Temple Trees in September 2011 in the presence of the President. In all, 10,965 rehabilitees have been reintegrated into society.

Only 636 beneficiaries still remain in rehabilitation, at four centres at Maramadu, Welikanda, Kandakadu and Poonthottam. These rehabilitees are not yet ready to be reintegrated into society, and require more time to recover from the LTTE’s indoctrination and regain full capability to lead normal lives. A further 383 ex-combatants who were in the rehabilitation program have been identified and detained for further investigations and legal action.

The primary focus of the rehabilitation and reintegration program was to equip the former LTTE cadre with alternative means to a meaningful existence. It was felt that the best way to de-radicalise these individuals was by granting them the chance to become productive members of society who had no reason to feel marginalised or insignificant.

A preliminary report on research conducted about the rehabilitation program by Dr. Kruglanski and Dr. Gelfland of the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, has indicated that even hard-core ex-LTTE cadre have undergone a significant reduction in their support for violence. These findings are not only very encouraging from the point of view of restoring normalcy in Sri Lanka, but they also vindicate the approach adopted by the Government towards rehabilitation and reintegration. This approach has been extremely generous.

Misled by the LTTE

Most of these cadre who were beneficiaries of rehabilitation and reintegration were involved in attacks against Armed Forces personnel in the field of battle. Some may have also participated in atrocities against civilians. As a result, the normal response by the State would have been to keep them in detention and prosecute them. Indeed, this has been the practice in most post-conflict situations.

However, the President had a very different view. Instead of prosecuting the majority of the cadre, he insisted that they be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society as fast as possible. He understood that these former cadre had been misled by the LTTE, and that they needed an opportunity to be guided onto the correct path.

As a result of this vision, the vast majority of cadre were rehabilitated and released to society in just two years. That is a truly remarkable achievement. Nowhere else in the world have enemy combatants been treated with such generosity and rehabilitated at such speed. The sincere commitment of the President and the Government of Sri Lanka to reconciliation can be gauged through this fact.

Considering the indisputable progress that has been achieved on demining, Reconstruction, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Reconciliation has become the only issue on which those who wish to criticise Sri Lanka can dwell. Yet this too is an unfounded criticism.

Over the past three years, a great deal of work has been done to improve opportunities and access to state services of all Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, caste, or place of origin. The focus has been to empower all sections of our society, and most particularly those who were under the LTTE for so many years, so that they can fully benefit from the dividends of peace.

Dawn of peace

Restoring normalcy to the North and the East as quickly as possible after the dawn of peace was an essential first step in this regard. Disarming the armed groups that had stood against the LTTE in these areas during the war against terrorism was very important. Members of groups such as the EPDP, EPRLF, PLOTE and TMVP had carried arms for self-protection against LTTE attacks.

After the LTTE’s defeat, and the full re-establishment of Government control in those areas, immediate steps were taken to disarm these groups. Their members were encouraged to pursue democratic activities. Another essential step was the removal of the various restrictions that used to be in place. There were restrictions on travel to the North, including restrictions on foreigners, media personnel and both foreign and local Non-Governmental Organisations. These restrictions were progressively curtailed and today, there are absolutely no restrictions on travel. There is complete freedom of movement for all people.

The complete removal of restrictions that had been imposed on various items was also important. The restoration of the freedom of movement has been a tremendous boost not only to the North, but to all the people of Sri Lanka. Large numbers of local tourists travel from the North to the South and from the South to the North. Large numbers of visitors from abroad have also come to Sri Lanka over the past three years.

Since July 2011, more than 51,400 foreign passport holders from over 100 countries have visited Sri Lanka and travelled to the North, including nearly 31,500 this year alone. A considerable number of them were expatriates visiting their ancestral homes and relatives in Sri Lanka. This is a testament to the freedom that exists throughout this country. It is in stark contrast to the situation that prevailed while the LTTE continued to pose a threat.

Many restrictions also used to be in place at sea due to the grave threat posed by the LTTE’s Sea Tiger wing. Restrictions were introduced on fishing not only in the seas off the North and the East but throughout the entire coastline.

All these restrictions were removed in phases after the end of the humanitarian operation. Restrictions on the times at which fishing could take place were gradually phased out and remaining restrictions, including those on the power of outboard motors, were removed by October 2011.

High Security Zones in the North have been removed over the last two years. Much of the area covered under the High Security Zone near the Palaly Cantonment was released, with lands in 17 Grama Niladhari divisions being handed back to civilians. The Palaly cantonment is now the only area in which some security restrictions remain, but even within the cantonment, civilians have free access to the airport and the Kankesanthurai harbour.

Compensation to owners

While it is true that there are still some civilian properties within the cantonment, it must be stressed that civilians have not occupied these properties for the last 20 to 25 years. The Government has taken measures to pay compensation to the owners of these properties and to provide alternate lands to them. Lands that had been forcefully occupied by the LTTE for many years have also been released to their legal owners.

The reduction in the numbers of security barricades, roadblocks and checkpoints in the North and the East is also significant. In 2009, there were 2,000 checkpoints, sentry points and roadblocks in the two provinces. Today, there are hardly any.

The number of troops deployed and the number of camps remaining in the North and the East has also been reduced to a bare minimum. The overall number of troops in the North was reduced by more than 21,000 since 2009. Troops will remain in strategic locations for security purposes, but their presence will be non-intrusive. The day-to-day maintenance of law and order has already been handed over to the Police.

Concurrently, the capabilities of the Police Department to carry out these duties have been significantly improved. Eleven new police stations have been established in areas where they had not been allowed to exist while the LTTE dominated territory in the North and the East.

The restoration of democratic elections in the North and the East is another act of which the Government is very proud. Provincial Council elections were held in the Eastern Province even before the humanitarian operation ended, and Local Authority elections were held for the Jaffna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council as early as August 2009. In the areas formerly dominated by the LTTE, people exercised their franchise without fear for the first time in three decades. The Tamil National Alliance emerged first in most electorates, but the main Government party also came close in several of them. The fact that political plurality has returned to these areas is clear from the results of these elections. Many former militants are now playing an active role in politics. The LTTE’s one time Eastern Province Commander, Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan, is a junior Cabinet Minister. A former LTTE child soldier, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, is the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province. Their participation in the political process demonstrates the robustness of Sri Lanka’s democracy.

Fundamental requirement

The most fundamental requirement of the people in the North and the East is the opportunity to build a better life for themselves. That is why the Government focused so much attention on the infrastructure and services needed to facilitate the return of economic life in these areas.

A great deal of work has been done by the military to help the civilians. The Army has renovated more than 6,000 houses and constructed nearly 7,000 new permanent or semi-permanent houses for the civilians being resettled. It has constructed 19 schools, created 23 school playgrounds, and renovated more than 55 old school buildings.

Assistance has also been provided through the provision of fishing gear, utilities for farming and provision of livestock and seeds for agriculture. During this critical period, as the newly resettled people are finding their feet, the role played by the military in assisting the civilians has helped our Armed Services win their hearts and minds. As the people of the North and the East resume their day-to-day lives in a peaceful and stable Sri Lanka, they do so with fully restored democratic freedoms, greatly improved standards of living and with unrestricted opportunities to make a better future for themselves.

I have every confidence that as a result of the many beneficial developments that have taken place since the end of terrorism, there will be no space for the re-emergence of our previous problems.”