Gallant Men of the Sea

No right thinking Sri Lankan we are sure would begrudge the honour accorded to the gallant sailors involved in destroying the three LTTE floating armouries in the high seas last week.

The elaborate ceremony to salute the returning heros attended by the Head of State and Cabinet Ministers would no doubt have been a tremendous morale booster to our sailors who are today waging a life and death battle on the high seas to prevent the Tiger arms flow into the country.

Equally no amount of medals, titles or tribute can compensate for the valiant deeds of our men of the sea who have dealt a mortal blow to the LTTE’s arms smuggling capability.

The other day we editorially commented on the significant role played by the Navy in blocking the LTTE arms shipments and its derring do feats in the high seas against tremendous odds.

We also spoke of the emergence of the Navy as the lynch pin in the Government’s war against terrorism after its string of successes putting the enemy all at sea.

The least the nation could do to demonstrate its appreciation towards their gallant deeds is to share in their hour of glory and be part of the victory.

This would no doubt would keep their morale on a constant high for future deadly missions ahead knowing the public at large were with them. For too long have these men of valour been on the fringes of our thoughts and taken for granted by a society blinded by the razzle dazzle of city life and impervious to the sacrifices made by them.

The same could apply to certain political party leaders who are quick to pounce on any setback suffered by our Forces but ignore their acts of valour such as that demonstrated in the high seas last week.

These leaders tend to forget the soldiers wage battle not to secure the fortunes of any political party but to protect the country’s territorial integrity from the machinations of a ruthless terrorist outfit.

In this respect the Government of President Rajapaksa should be commended for keeping the three Forces free of factionalism, political intrigue and the formation of cliques which debilitated the fighting capability of our Armed Forces under a previous dispensation.

The Navy’s deadly blow to the LTTE’s war chest amply catalyses the single minded purpose of our Forces to destroy the enemy following correct political leadership. Hence it is important that nothing stands in the way of this forward thrust.

As Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa stressed at the salutation eradication of terrorism is the only path to permanent peace.

Countries hit by the scourge of terrorism are going all out to eliminate the menace.

Sri Lanka alone cannot play by different rules.

Those NGOs and others of their ilk who call for a halt to the present offensive should take cognisance of this. Above all, nothing should be done to dilute the morale of our Forces which is today at an all-time high.

This spirit could be given a further impetus if only all political parties and groups shed their differences and speak in one voice on behalf of our valiant men.