A commendable gesture

The unprecedented keenness shown by Sri Lankans domiciled abroad in the affairs of their Motherland in recent times certainly augurs well for the country’s future.

Not only is this seen in almost all spheres affecting the country’s interests but has also extended to the area of our Armed Forces where more and more assistance seems to be pouring in for soldiers’ welfare.

It is not merely an expression of solidarity with our valiant men and women risking their lives to protect the Motherland but it could be seen as a spontaneous response to the unprecedented battlefield success of the Armed Forces.

Their sentiments could have also sprung from a sense of finality perceived in the on going war.

This would also act as great morale booster to the men on the battlefield now well on their way to finish off the LTTE.

It in this light that the patriotic gesture by Sri Lankans domiciled in the US to donate Rs.12 million towards the Api Wenuven Api programme dedicated to assisting our soldiers should be viewed.

It is hoped this would prove a catalyst for more and more such assistance pouring into the Government’s efforts to provide for the welfare of our soldiers fighting to protect the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

According to our news report yesterday, the Ranaviru Sangamaya set by Sri Lankans resident in the US had collected this money by staging charity cultural and music shows.

On earlier occasions too it had made various contributions towards the welfare of the war heroes. On this occasion the funds will be channelled towards the ongoing project to build 5,000 houses for members of the Forces in Ipologama.

This is certainly the first time we hear of an organisation set up abroad by Lankans solely dedicated to our soldiers. It could no doubt have sprung from a feeling that the war is at a decisive phase and the need for a redoubled effort to encourage our soldiers to achieve a final victory.

It is indeed gratifying to note the concern shown and support extended by Lankans settled down overseas towards our valiant soldiers in this manner.

This would go a long way towards eliminating the image in the eyes of the ordinary people of Lankans settled abroad being unpatriotic and unconcerned individuals living in clover while their fellow countrymen make sacrifices on behalf of the country.

This new fervour for the country and particularly the welfare of the Armed Forces among our expat Lankans may serve to bridge this gulf and mark a rallying point for all Sri Lankans to unite under one banner to share in the impending victory of our Forces.

Perhaps the constant appeals made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Sri Lankans domiciled abroad to contribute their mite towards the country’s forward march may have struck a ready chord collectively among our overseas Lankans prompting them to think anew of their role towards the Motherland.

One recalls the President’s call to Lankan professionals living abroad to contribute their talents and expertise in relation to the gigantic development projects undertaken by the Government.

From the response that is being received it could be said the President had certainly succeeded in rekindling the sense of patriotism among our Lankans of all strata living abroad.

The unprecedented contributions coming in the way of our soldiers from overseas Lankans is also a sure indiction that they are now part and parcel of the Sri Lankan community though separated geographically, sharing in the victories achieved by our valiant men and women on the battlefront.

The Government should lose no time in cultivating this new sense of unity of our Lankans domiciled overseas which could even serve as a strong counter to sections of the Tamil diaspora actively engaged in raising funds for the LTTE. It could be gradually be converted into a strong lobby that would keep the Sri Lankan flag flying high overseas.