Boost for maritime security

THERE is a growing perception in the international community that terrorist groups are not confined to the countries where they are based in.

One of the prime examples is the LTTE, which has carried out terrorist operations even in other countries. Recent reports have highlighted the LTTE’s wide international reach and its global operations. The other leading terror groups are no different.

It is in this context that Governments around the world are helping each other to combat terrorism through material support and intelligence sharing.

The US, one of the first countries outside Asia to ban the LTTE, has once again proved its commitment to combat terrorism in this part of the world by handing over an advanced maritime surveillance system to the Sri Lanka Navy, in addition to Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

As the US Ambassador has explained, the maritime surveillance system will be an invaluable tool to detect LTTE activity on the high seas, especially arms smuggling and people trafficking. The inflatable boats are also likely to play a role in this scenario.

It must be recalled that the Navy has succeeded in destroying nearly 10 LTTE weapons ships in the recent past even without the aid of ultra-modern surveillance systems. The Navy has thus played a key role in stemming the flow of weapons to the Tigers.

The Army would have encountered more resistance from the LTTE during ground operations if not for the Navy’s almost total elimination of Tigers’ floating arms warehouses. Thus the new system will be an essential part of the Navy’s reconnaissance system. It will not be easy for the Sea Tigers to evade the Navy’s new ‘eyes and ears’.

The handing over of the surveillance system has also silenced critics of the Government who said the US would no longer provide military assistance and even normal development assistance to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka and the US have a long history of military cooperation that encompasses the transfer of military assets and the training of personnel. This relationship is likely to grow as the US has identified Sri Lanka as a country adversely affected by terrorism.

The US has also arrested several key LTTE operatives operating on their soil. This indicates that US authorities are keeping an eye on the LTTE’s activities in North America.

All Three Armed Forces and the STF must be equipped with the latest surveillance and intelligence gathering equipment. After all, half the battle is already won when one is armed with accurate intelligence.

Congratulations, Glasgow

Glasgow 2014. Scotland rejoiced yesterday as the news was relayed live on television that their vibrant city had won the bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. But Nigerians do not have to despair - Abuja can try again. After all, Africa has never hosted the Games and the Continent should be given a chance sooner rather than later.

Sri Lanka was in the limelight during the past few months in Commonwealth countries as the place where it would all be decided. It was indeed a flurry of activity in Colombo as Nigerian and Scottish delegations jostled for the right to hold the Games seven years from now.

The Commonwealth Games - or any multi-discipline sports event for that matter - can work its magic on a host city.

Manchester, which hosted the Games in 2002, and Melbourne (2006) are richer after the experience, literally and metaphorically. The Games bring peoples and nations together in a spirit of competition and harmony. Paradoxically, these are not incompatible with each other in the world of athletics.

These days, the Commonwealth Games mean big money, both in terms of hosting cost and profits. The infrastructure costs millions of dollars, but once the Games finish the stadia and other facilities remain for other local and international sporting events.

The accommodation facilities can be sold to residents and international property developers. The transport network too is benefitted as it is usually improved for a sporting event of this nature.

Television rights bring in a huge quantum of revenue to the organisers. Tickets to the big events are sold at a premium. On-field advertising brings in more revenue. That brings us to the whole issue of commercialisation, as the Commonwealth and many other sporting events are theoretically restricted to amateurs.

However, the line between amateur and professional has been blurred in the age of globalisation and no sport can remain ‘pure’ in the strict sense of the word.

In the end, amateur or professional, sport is not only about winning or losing. What matters is how you play the game. And Commonwealth athletes have every chance to prove that in New Delhi (2010) and Glasgow.