Nation's tribute to Forces

The people of Sri Lanka have paid tribute to the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces, Police and the Civil Security Force for eradicating the scourge of terrorism from our Motherland. The State held a formal ceremony yesterday in Kotte to express the Nation's gratitude to these brave sons and daughters of Mother Lanka.

Even a thousand ceremonies are not enough to convey the people's heartfelt gratitude to the Forces who gave their heart and soul to secure a bright tomorrow for the rest of us. It was they who bore the brunt of LTTE terrorism for the last 30 years in order to shield and protect the ordinary people - Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers and others.

It has been revealed that nearly 23,000 Forces personnel had laid down their lives during the past 30 years to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. Among them were officers of the calibre of Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa and ordinary soldiers like Hasalaka Gamini, who gave his life to stop an explosives-laden Tiger truck. Thousands more were injured and disabled. Nearly 6,200 soldiers made the Supreme Sacrifice and 29,000 have been wounded in the just-concluded humanitarian mission in the North.

No war can be waged without casualties, especially when the adversary is as ruthless and innovative as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE, initially a rag-tag guerilla organisation, later developed conventional fighting capabilities, floated a Sea Tiger wing and even took to the air. Its trademark suicide attacks were later copied by other terrorist organizations worldwide.

The Security Forces did suffer setbacks over the years, but always came out on top thanks to the sheer dedication and determination of the ordinary soldier, sailor and airman. In the end, they had collectively inflicted more casualties on the enemy and finally annihilated what the FBI described as "the world's most ruthless terrorist organisation".

At this victorious moment, we should remember with gratitude to the parents and families of our war heroes. They sent their kith and kin to the war theatre, despite knowing the vagaries of war. There are families all over Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones in the battlefield. This victory is theirs, for they know now that the fate that befell their son, brother or father would not befall the valiant sons and daughters of the Forces again.

The Forces deserve our commendations not only for their commitment, loyalty and discipline, but also for their respect towards civilians and human rights. The Forces were under strict instructions to ensure Zero Civilian Casualties. It was this principle that enabled them to complete the largest hostage rescue mission in the world successfully. There were civilian casualties in the last phase of the conflict - they were caused by the LTTE who exploded human bombs and fired heavy guns among the civilians. They were also shot as they tried to flee towards the Army. Freeing these civilians from LTTE tyranny is one of the biggest accomplishments of the Forces.

One cannot question the dedication and loyalty of the Forces, Police and the Civil Security Force. While other Government servants are free to strike to win their demands, the Forces cannot and did not. While the others enjoyed Sundays and other holidays, they fought the enemy in thick jungles and manned checkpoints. Rains, floods and storms did not deter them. Nor did the scorching sun. They went without even a bath for weeks on end. They did not see their families for months.

No Sri Lankan Government wanted to sacrifice these brave sons and daughters in battle. They held peace talks with the LTTE to explore the possibility of resolving the conflict. But the LTTE duped every Government and walked away from talks. The Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa too opted for talks. But it was compelled to choose the military option when the LTTE abandoned talks and launched a spate of attacks against the military. The LTTE's decision to block the Mavil Aru sluice gates was the turning point. From then on, the political establishment and the Security Forces never looked back until the LTTE was decimated on the beaches of Mullaitivu.

Although previous leaders wavered on the question of eliminating the LTTE, President Rajapaksa took a firm decision to wipe out terrorism and gave all moral and material support to the troops. This resolute political leadership was the key to the success of the humanitarian mission. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was at the helm of the military effort and the Forces Commanders led from the front. At this decisive juncture, we must also recall with gratitude the services rendered by all previous Commanders of the Tri Forces and Police Chiefs to battle terrorism. Today, that battle has been won.

Yet, the Security Forces should not, and will not, let their guard down against any threats to our Motherland. They should also play a major role in rebuilding a war-torn nation and forging national reconciliation. The guns have been silenced. But the battle to establish a new Sri Lanka has just begun.