Carry on Mr. Defence Secretary
Although named after a General of
legendary Sri Lankan monarch, Dutugemunu, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya
Rajapaksa bears his name and title very lightly. For, he is prepared to
go more than the extra mile, in a spirit of humility and caring, for his
country, for the Armed Forces personnel braving it out in the North-East
and the ordinary civilian population.
Yet, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is the object of many a
barb and incendiary comment; even character vilification campaigns. How
could one account for this destructive mindset on the part of those who
are resorting to these underhand measures to undermine the standing of
the Defence Secretary?
Obviously, they care nothing for Sri Lanka or its future because they
are all out to destroy a man who is instrumental in perpetuating her
well being and territorial integrity.
In other words, these demented critics are seeking the downfall of
Sri Lanka.
However, one is also reminded of the saying that the ill-willed and
increasing criticisms levelled at a person are the real measure of how
much he is succeeding in life. The more one climbs the ladder of fame,
the greater will be the poison-edged arrows of envy, aimed at him. This
is the case of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa too.
All that we could say is that Gotabhaya should brush aside these
ineffective brickbats and barbs and continue with the good work for his
country.
Need the country be told afresh of how much has been achieved by the
Defence Secretary since he assumed office ? Today Eastern Sri Lanka is
almost entirely free of the Tiger blight. The leadership as well as the
rank and file of the Security Forces are completely rejuvenated and are
going about their duties with a rare spirit of courage.
The displaced are being resettled and the civilian population of the
conflict-affected areas are being succoured very benevolently by the
State.
This is a sea change from the former situation when the Tigers were
roaming at will in some important areas of the East and proving an
oppressive presence among the civilian population. This was mainly
because the national interest was disregarded in the haste to show the
world that Lanka was making vast strides towards peace.
However, it was the very opposite which was correct. The Tigers were
strengthening themselves while the Security Forces were asked to turn an
eye of benign neglect on the Tigers' sinister conduct. Consequently, the
Security Forces were required to shed their valour and their might.
Today, the situation is a far cry from those bad old days. The
Security Forces are having the Tigers on the run, thanks to the
leadership shown by personnel such as Defence Secretary Gotabhaya
Rajapaksa.
All this does not mean that the State is now inclined to find a
solution to our conflict by military means only. As is well known, a
political solution is in the making through the APC and APRC and the
State is aiding this process very wholeheartedly. However, the LTTE
needs to learn that there is no military solution to our problem and
this is being underlined by the Security Forces.
In Gotabhaya, President Rajapaksa, the country and the Security
Forces have a leader who has been through the terrible traumas of
battle. He is a hardened soldier who knows the enemy well. Besides, he
is prepared to sacrifice all of life's privileges and comforts to see
Sri Lanka through this crucial juncture in its post-independence
history.
So we call on the valiant Defence Secretary to carry on regardless.
The ordinary men and women of Sri Lanka are with him. |
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