President Rajapaksa is Sri Lanka’s saviour

Dr. Dinuka Kariyawasam

Elections are looming in Sri Lanka. The country eagerly waits to affirm the leadership and direction, which will influence and shape her future. Whatever the result of these elections, this year is arguably one of the most significant and memorable in the island’s history.

End of terrorism

This year marked the end of a terrorist organization committed to tyranny, murder, injustice, deception and hypocrisy. This organization was a curse to all faiths, creeds and races of Sri Lanka. This organization was the LTTE. The LTTE did not represent the Tamil people. Nor did it aim to serve their best interests. Its only contribution to the people of Sri Lanka over the past three decades was death, oppression, suffering, hate and division. For the first time in my lifetime I feel genuine optimism, and excitement for all the people of Sri Lanka irrespective of their ethnic background.

If there was one person that should be honoured for creating this new wave of hope, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is that individual. It is through his leadership, vision, determination and resolute endeavour that enabled Sri Lanka to be free.

Greatest leader

Free of evil terrorists, who created misery for all connected with the country.

In my opinion he is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s greatest ever leader. He has achieved what none of his predecessors could do. He extinguished the vicious, raging fire of oppression and death represented by the LTTE. In doing so he has opened the door to a new era of unity and potential economic prosperity for all regions of the country.

I feel fortunate to have met President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his visit to Oxford, in May 2008. He had come to Oxford University to address the famous debating chamber, at the students union. This historic venue, over the years, has been host to speeches by some of the most famous world figures ranging from: high profile politicians, stars of film, music, literature, and sport.

During the event I spoke to him and asked several questions pertaining to Sri Lanka. I wanted to obtain his perceived solutions to the conflict and vision for the country’s future. I subsequently attended his address at The University of Oxford. His speech was impressive in a multitude of ways. He seemed at ease and relaxed during his address. An audience consisting of numerous high profile guests, including world-renowned academics from the University, diplomats, politicians and students, did not appear to intimidate him.

Positive aspects

The President addressed a wide range of issues and celebrated many positive aspects of Sri Lankan culture. The audience learned many new facts about the country. Following his speech, he opened the floor to the audience. He faced many challenging, serious questions, some related to the infamous conflict. One must bear in mind, during the period of his speech the country was in the midst of a bitter civil war.

No-nonsense individual

Tensions were running high in Sri Lanka and internationally. I felt he dealt with each question diplomatically, honestly, and at times firmly. I observed this was a no-nonsense individual, who stood up for what he believed in.

I was impressed by his display at Oxford University. To be able to address and answer questions in such a setting, in front of that audience, during difficult times, deserves praise.

From this encounter I realised he was the man who would finally bring an end to the war, free the Tamil people from the delusions of the LTTE and create a Sri Lanka without boundaries. I left the Oxford Union with fresh optimism for the country’s future.

Several months later he delivered in his pledge to eradicate terrorism within Sri Lanka. It demonstrated he was not just a man of words, but delivers through substance and action. This is a rare quality to have for a politician of his generation. Whatever people’s opinions are of him, whatever people’s political stance may be, he and his team must be commended for what they have achieved. They collectively ended a bitter civil war, and destroyed a brutal, ruthless, unforgiving terrorist organisation hell bent on the destruction of Sri Lanka. The aforementioned result was unthinkable before he became President. For this alone H. E. Mahinda Rajapaksa must be credited and regarded as the greatest leader Sri Lanka has ever seen. He literally is the country’s saviour.

Love and affinity

I am British, born and raised. My connection to Sri Lanka is through my grandparents who are from the Island. I have always felt a strong love and affinity for Sri Lanka, despite living all my life in the UK. It really hurt me seeing the continuous conflict: destroying lives, families and generations from all sides. For the first time a leader has given hope to all in the nation.

I have many Tamil friends in the UK and they concur with this view. The majority agree that the country is better off without the LTTE. Furthermore, they feel H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is making great efforts to improve the situation for Tamil people living in Sri Lanka.

The current situation in Sri Lanka is far from perfect. I am not claiming everything is a bed of roses. The war is over, but now the task of rebuilding the country must start. There is much to be done in terms of creating genuine equality for all, improving basic infrastructure and boosting the economy of a country, which has been crippled by years of bloodshed and turmoil. Sri Lanka is exceptionally beautiful with so much to offer.

United nation

The people of this nation are talented and bright. Without the distractions of war and division, the potential of a united nation is infinite. I am encouraged that the country is now on the right path to achieving stability and economic happiness. I believe President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the right man to continue building on the foundations he helped establish.

(The writer is Speciality Registrar, Oxford Deanery Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education)