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WE know that according to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of
the word ‘terrorism’ is the use of violent action in order to achieve
political aims or force a Government to act.
For over two decades, the LTTE has been engaged in an armed conflict
with the Government, noticeably posing as the sole representative of the
Tamil community.
All in all, here we’re made to understand the fact that the LTTE
which is one of the most ruthless, terrorist movements has taken every
successive government for a ride.
The LTTE claims to be representing the rights of the Tamil people and
are engaged in the armed conflict or the so-called Tamil national
movement not for other objectives but for their ulterior terrorist
motive of establishing a separate State.
The question that arises here is that if they’re so genuine in their
representation of the Tamil people’s rights, why are they unable to
enter the democratic stream, having laid down arms. Instead of coming
for a negotiated settlement, the LTTE terrorists have resorted to acts
of violence to achieve its aim.
During the past, the ceasefire agreement signed by both sides to
suspend hostilities, it emerged that contrary to the CFA, the LTTE had
been engaged in continuation of shipping hauls of weaponry into the
country and in fund-raising activities, which were serious violations of
CFA.
Through the recent abortive attempt to attack the Katunayake Air
Force Base, the LTTE terrorists showed the world their air strike
capability, could be a threat to the entire region.
It also emerged that after the signing of the CFA that the LTTE had
built an airstrip for light aircraft landing.
It’s clear beyond doubt that the Tigers that went through the motions
of abiding by the CFA had made use of the truce for their military
build-up and reinforcement.
The country is not at a juncture when government is engaged in
fighting terrorism, as it’s the brutal acts of the terrorists that have
led to the outbreak of hostilities.
In the face of humiliating defeats in the North and East, with the
fall of main terrorist strongholds, not only terrorists but also some
other dissident groups seem to engage in a certain campaign of putting
the government into difficulty.
These dissidents who defame and underestimate the victories so far
achieved by the valiant security forces are none other than traitors,
who betray the country to the ruthless terrorists.
By now, the LTTE terrorists’ brutal acts are best known to the world.
Everyone is well aware of their campaign of misinformation to the world
community through the pro-Tiger media.
What the LTTE are set on at the moment through their media is to
cover up the military setbacks suffered by them during the past few
months.
In the meantime, the Security Forces are also victorious in
successfully destroying Tiger arms vessels carrying military hardware,
which was a lethal blow to the terrorists.
It’s in fact evident that there would be no peaceful atmosphere
within the country unless the terror menace is stamped out.
What’s required at the time is the public support for the government
for this purpose and it needs to be emphasised the fact that going for a
solution that diverts the present military victories to another side
means the fattening of the LTTE terrorism, which is now in a weak
position.
As the saying goes, ‘fishing in troubled waters’, amidst security
forces’ defensive operations which aim at liberating innocent Tamil
civilians caught crossfire from the Tiger grip, some dissidents are also
trying to attack the government with regard to violation of human rights
and cases of disappearances.
It seems that these baseless allegations are levelled for the most
part, for narrow political gain.
At a moment when the Security Forces are engaged in rooting out
terrorism, these charges may in a way, harm the morale and strength the
Armed Forces. That is not what is wanted.
At a decisive moment like this, everyone must take cognisance of the
present circumstances. The time is ripe for every one of us to get
together to go ahead and fight against terrorism.
L. W. GAMINI CHAMINDA KUMARA -
Colombo 10
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I am happy to see Minister Amunugama who has understood perfectly
what needs to be done in Sri Lanka. People in our country need to
understand its problems, to resolve it. You have diagnosed the ill
health of the educational system and direction of the economy very well.
In your words, I can see your dedication and willingness to do the
things correctly. You have my support to change the people for better.
NOEL GUNARATNE -
via email
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The rapid deterioration of the basic services provided to the
residents of Nawala by the Urban Council and other authorities is
causing anxiety.
What is distressing is that despite the inconveniences caused to
ratepayers; this seems to be of little concern to the authorities.
The nonchalant attitude of the Urban Council, Ceylon Electricity
Board and the road maintenance, authorities have virtually driven the
residents to a state of despair and frustration. Electricity failures
occur with monotonous regularity.
The failures are often for prolonged periods from 5 minutes to 5
hours. While the stoppage of electricity for maintenance work is
appreciated, the stoppages are often beyond the notified periods.
Children’s studies are interrupted. Sensitive electric and electronic
equipment is damaged, household work and professional work is affected.
Security is impaired as thefts occur during prolonged power failures.
Despite representations made to the authorities, the electricity
company apparently remains unmoved. Even to report a failure to the
‘Breakdown - Unit’ the number listed is never accessible. Is this the
price we have to pay for privatization? While the charges for
electricity is escalating, the service provided is deteriorating.
Road maintenance is given very low priority. Only the roads that lead
to Parliament are of concern. Roads are not levelled and dotted with
huge pot-holes and covered with slime at certain places.
Apart from the damage and wear and tear to vehicles, it is a positive
driving hazard. In Koswatte all roads were given new name boards except
Swarnadisi Place and its by roads.
Nawala is also plagued by mosquitoes. Systematic spraying is not done
despite the health authorities regularly warning of Malaria and Dengue.
The ratepayers find it difficult to understand the indifference of
the authorities. Is it that Kotte is their main concern being the
administrative capital while Nawala will continue to receive Cinderella
it has always received?
Are not the ratepayers entitled to expect the basic facilities?
Telephone calls and letters to the Urban Council and related authorities
have been of little effect and nobody apparently cares.
ROSHANTHA FERNANDO –
Nawala
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When I use the IDD facility from my land phone of Sri Lanka Telecom
(for which facility I have paid a handsome deposit) I am charged heavily
compared to rates charged by other companies providing IDD facilities.
No wonder SLT is showing heavy profits after plundering the
subscribers like us.
ANTHONY PERIES –
Negombo
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The Ambalangoda ‘Super Market’ which is the pride of the town built
at a cost of nearly Rs. 40 million and opened during 1998, badly needs a
new coat of paint. The Central Bus Station is also annexed to the Super
Market.
This Super Market faces the Galle-Colombo highway in the heart of the
town and is patronised by thousands of people both young and old for
their needs. Due to the constant patronising of the shops, the buildings
look drab and dirty.
There are a row of shops located on the first floor of this shopping
complex. Most of these shops are dark due to the poor lighting system.
The floors are all littered with droppings by Doves who roost inside the
building. It is a very unpleasant sight for shoppers who have to attend
to business on the first floor shops.
The authorities who have given the shops on rent should see that the
1st floor of the main building verandah is cleaned daily. There are
foreigners who visit these shops to purchase various items, and they
will carry a bad impression as far as the cleanliness of the premises
are concerned.
Also all the shops in this building (both floors) should be serially
numbered to help those who come to this Super Market to do their
shopping. This will facilitate in locating a particular shop when a
direction is asked for.
The numbers of the shops on the first floor should be indicated on a
Board near the stairway indicating the various business items, for the
easy guidance of the customers. A large electronic wall clock too would
be very handy for those who have business at this Super Market.
This could be located at the middle of the building near the stairway
on the ground floor. Officers from the adjoining ‘Police Post’ should
also do regular foot patrols in this shopping complex to warn any
undesirables or pick-pockets who loite at the bus station and shopping
complex.
L. LEKAMWASAM LEANAGE -
Ambalangoda |
