PM tells politicians:
Unite to develop country
Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne Monday called on politicians to set-aside their sectarian political agendas at party level and unite to develop the country as true representatives of the people.
The Premier addressing the polity of his home electorate – Gampola for the first time in his new capacity, underscored the need for a common approach sans political differences when dealing with issues related to economic development and people’s well-being.
He was of the opinion that although a strong Government should be complemented, by a viable Opposition, they should both work hand in hand when it came to fulfilling people’s aspirations and ensuring their well-being. Interacting with the people, the Premier in a lighter vein commented that although he was bestowed with the coveted position, he was the same D.M. they knew for so long.
Addressing the people at the National Heritage Centre Auditorium in Gampola, the Prime Minister said the Government’s intention was to make the people’s lives comfortable and contended by ushering in economic prosperity and self-sufficiency.
”Thus as politicians representing the people’s interests, we should make a common approach to achieve the above objectives,” he added.
Prime Minister also noted that his intention and commitment was to strengthen the President’s hands to drive the country towards prosperity.
The Premier participated in a number of felicitation ceremonies organized by the Kandy district polity, which continued throughout the day.
He was accompanied by his wife Anula Yapa Jayaratne, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Parliamentarian S.B. Dissanayake, North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanayake and family members and well-wishers.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Nine decisions that helped Lanka beat LTTE
Nine decisions that helped Lanka beat LTTE
Will a good number of soldiers, tanks and artillery ensure victory in a war? These are outward aspects of a war which alone are insufficient, says Sri Lanka's Master Strategist Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He says the key to triumph in a war is political will and strategy.
In an interview to V.K Shashikumar -- for the Indian Defence Review and published by Sifynews of India -- Gotabaya reveals the crucial decisions of the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) that led to the successful completion of Sri Lankan Armed Forces' combat operations against the LTTE.
He says it was President Mahinda Rajapaksa's determination that ultimately helped the army defeat the Tamil Tigers.
"President Mahinda Rajapaksa took several brave decisions. In the final analysis, it was the cumulative effect of those decisive, brave decisions that enabled Sri Lankan Armed Forces (SLAF) to liquidate the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)."
He says, "Usually in a military operation the world outside the conflict theatre, domestic and international, see only soldiers fighting. They see tanks, guns, armoured vehicles, artillery weapons and men and women in battle fatigues."
"What is not visible to the people, to the outside world, is the strategy. What is also not visible immediately and also not recalled at that moment in time is the history that led to the current context of military operations. What was that context? Eight previous governments led by four different Presidents had failed to end the war. They had failed to rein in the LTTE. It is not as if those eight governments and four presidents did not have under their command good military leaders and soldiers. In fact, when President Rajapaksa's government assumed charge in 2005, around 26,000 SLAF soldiers had already sacrificed their lives," he adds.
The Supreme Commander
Gotabaya emphasises that political will is the supreme commander. He points to the successful Operation Liberation or Vadamarachchi Operation from May to June 1987 and Operation Riviresa from October to December 1995 to suggest that there was no deficiency in the SLAF.
The Vadamarachchi Operation led to the recapture the Vadamarachchi region in Jaffnapeninsula from the LTTE control. This was SLAF's first conventional combat engagement in Sri Lankan soil after the British colonial rule. During Operation Riviresa (Operation Sun Rays) the SLAF launched a successful assault to wrest control of Jaffna and rest of the Jaffna peninsula from the LTTE.
Using these examples, Gotabaya explains that if at all there was any deficiency then it was on account of inadequate, lax and effete political will.
Gotabaya says, "When President Rajapaksa assumed office in 2005, we studied all previous war operations: Eelam War I (1976-1987); Vadamarachchi Operation; IPKF intervention; Eelam War II (1990-1995); Operation Sea Breeze; Operation Thrividha Balaya; Operation Balavegaya I, II; Eelam War III (1995-2002); Operation Riviresa; Operation Jayasikurui; Operation Rivibala; Operation Ranagosa; Operation Rivikirana; and Operation Kinihira I, II, III/IV, V/VI, VII, VIII, IX.
"The objective of our study was to arrive at conclusive reasons for our previous failures to comprehensively finish the war against the LTTE in the last 30 years. All four previous presidents had resorted to military means and yet had failed. So a political decision was made by President Rajapaksa to comprehensively study all previous war operations and arrive at a solution for every factor of failure or inability to win to the war. For every factor we found a solution," he says.
"We found that there was really no 'failure factor' attached to the military. In fact, we realised a simple fact in 2005, that if we launched war operations against the LTTE then we would have to fight with the same military that had fought the LTTE in the last 30 years. We were confident of winning with the same military and its Special Forces and commandos. They were already there! Yet, what explained the inability of the previous governments led by four different presidents to utilize the country's military strength effectively?"
He adds, "We came to the conclusion that the solution was to increase the force strength. The key factor of SLAF's previous inability to finish the war was inadequate numbers. We realised the expansion of military would have a definitive impact on LTTE."
Therefore, the second decisive political decision was to expand the SLAF, he reveals.
New doctrine
President Rajapaksa and his advisors detailed and nuanced study of previous war operations was marked by two defining characteristics.
One was attention to detail and the second was their ability to quickly arrive at a clutter-free decision. The third important political decision was a natural corollary of the imperative to expand the SLAF.
"We realized that all previous operations had failed to hold the ground in the immediate aftermath of battlefield success. President Rajapaksa, therefore, made a political commitment to ensure that his government will find the resources to expand the SLAF to ensure that there were enough armed forces personnel available to hold the ground."
Gotabaya says the decision to increase numbers actually enabled the SLAF to address two previous 'failure factors'. The first has already been discussed. The second was the previous inability of the SLAF to conduct war operations on a broad front and operate simultaneously across multiple frontlines.
"When we cleared the Eastern Province, the LTTE said they were not defeated and that its forces had merely staged a tactical withdrawal. The LTTE was confident that the SLAF will not have the troop strength to hold the ground in the Eastern Province. Like all earlier occasions, the LTTE believed that if it opened sporadic operations along the Northern Frontlines then the SLAF will be forced to redeploy enabling LTTE to regain ground in the East. Several opposition party leaders, too, openly declared that the military operations in the East will not be sustainable."
"We lulled everyone into believing that the previous status quo will prevail - that the SLAF will fight and win, then the LTTE will open a new front, and the SLAF will redeploy and fail to hold ground and consolidate in the areas where they had attained victory - this would enable LTTE to regain control over lost areas. Little did the LTTE know that we had prepared a new war doctrine! That we were indeed prepared to fight war on a broad front, along multiple frontlines."
The fourth political calculus of a military victory was President Rajapaksa's decision to back the formulation of the SLAF's new war doctrine.
The numbers
Gotabaya says that smaller countries with smaller armies must re-invent the role of the Navy and the Air Force.
"We had taken the decision to increase the numbers, but we knew it couldn't happen overnight. So we decided to re-invent the role of the Navy and the Air Force by taking them out of their classical roles and deploying them in ground roles as well. We trained them for ground roles. So, overnight our strength to hold the ground increased. We used the Special Task Force for the same purpose. (The Special Task Force is the Para-Military arm of the Sri Lanka Police, deployed essentially for counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations within the country. They are also deployed for close protection Units, providing security for VIPs and key installations). We also used the Sri Lanka Police Units to buffer the strength of our combined forces deployed to hold the ground," he reveals.
They raised a new paramilitary unit called the Civil Defence Force. About 42,000 able bodied men from villages threatened by the LTTE were recruited. These men were trained and were provided with automatic weapons. Their task was to defend their villages from LTTE counter-attacks.
"In fact, within two weeks in the last month of the war in the summer of 2009 (May) we inducted 5,000 Civil Defence Force members into the Army," he says.
This was the fifth critical political decision that influenced the course of Eelam IV and put the SLAF on a clear trajectory of military success. This decision enabled the SLAF to single-mindedly focus on the war in the northern jungles against the LTTE.
Gotabaya says, "We were able to operate on a broad front. We had the tactical freedom and maneuverability to surround the LTTE from multiple directions. The re-invention of the roles of the Navy, Air Force and Police Units gave us the breathing space to induct and train the new SLAF recruits. With combined forces holding ground in the East and with the SLAF dedicating itself to operations along multiple Northern Frontlines, we not only mounted pressure on the LTTE, but also ensured that we could secure time-bound expansion of the SLAF. We were forming new battalions, new task forces by adding 5,000 troops every month. We tripled the strength of the Army from 100,000 to 300,000 in three years."
"In fact, in the 1980s the strength of the military (Army, Navy and Air Force) was 30,000. In 2005 when President Rajapaksa assumed charge the strength was 125,000. Between 2005 and 2009 the figure swelled to 450,000 out of which 300,000 is the strength of the Army. This increase in numbers enabled us to quickly replace those injured in the battlefield. It helped us ensure adequate rest and rehabilitation for our troops. It helped us to mount military pressure on the LTTE," he adds.
Decision time
Finally, the battlefield commander fights to win the battle. But it's the political will that determines success or failure in war. If the battlefield commander is let down by lack of political will or consensus, victory is impossible to achieve.
"These decisions were taken by the Supreme Commander, the President of Sri Lanka and not by the Army Chief or Battlefield Commanders. It is the Head of State who can decide the course and trajectory of war operations," says Gotabaya.
"All the four previous presidents could not take bold decisions. They were indecisive and were afraid that bold decisions might negatively impact our small economy. They were afraid that our country's economy could not sustain such a large expansion of the SLAF. In fact, the previous Presidents and political leaders were genuinely apprehensive of a rapid military expansion and its possible impact on the polity."
"I remember distinctly the Security Council meeting in Colombo in 2005. I told the President that we must expand the Army by 50,000 as soon as possible. This was mandatory to win the war. The President immediately issued a directive that if that was required to finish the war for once and all times to come we must make the necessary allocation right away. It is this on the spot, tough decision-making that finally led us to victory."
Gotabaya says that he along with SLAF top brass 'read' and analysed the war operations every hour, every day. "I could understand and gauge the need and requirements. Any military commander will ask for everything, every possible weapon, every possible inventory. My job was to understand the priorities, rationally organize those priorities in terms of what was really required for victory and flush out needs and requirements that had zero relevance to our objectives.
"When you go home, tell them of us that we gave our today, for their tomorrow" is the political mantra that fires the military imagination.
President Rajapaksa was determined to single-handedly absorb the pressure of deaths and causalities. This seventh political decision made all difference for the SLAF.
"In three and half years nearly 6,000 soldiers were killed. You can imagine the political pressure on the President when body-bags come home from the battlefield. The President was determined to absorb the political pressure generated by battlefield casualties. He committed his Presidency and his government to achieving the objective of winning the war. He demonstrated his courage to continue the war till the military objectives were completely attained. This is what made him different from all previous Presidents. After all, the President is responsible to the people and the fact is that he needs the support of the people to be elected back to power. He knew that he was risking his political career because any other President in his place would have succumbed to the enormous political pressure created by mounting casualties in war operations."
"The Muhamalai debacle of April 23, 2008 in which 120 soldiers were killed by the LTTE in just one day could have shaken up any other President. In fact, in this case the LTTE took away the dead bodies of the soldiers. Any other President would have doubted. But President Rajapaksa did not waver from the objective his government had set at the very outset. The war must be won. Not for a single moment in the three and half years of the war did he unplug himself from taking stock of the war operations. Every Wednesday, he attended Security Council meetings from morning till evening. He followed every operational development closely. He was, therefore, able to take correct and timely decisions. He knew we were on the correct track."
India factor
Rajapaksa clearly outlined the India Factor at the very outset as a key strategic factor that could either influence victory or bring defeat.
"The President realised that keeping India aligned with us was important. Our study of previous war operations led us to examine in detail the reasons why we could not sustain the successful Vadamarachchi Operations of 1987," Gotabaya says.
Brigadier Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Colonel Vijaya Wimalaratne, two SLAF war heroes in the annals of Sri Lanka's military history had assured the then President, Junius Richard Jayewardene and the then minister of National Security Lalith Athulathmudali that the LTTE will be militarily defeated. But the Government of India intervened through Operation Poomalai, which involved the Indian Air Force air dropping food packets over Jaffna on June 4, 1987. Jayawardene buckled under Indian pressure which led to the signing of the India-Sri Lanka Accord and the entry of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in the island nation.
Rajapaksa decided that he would consciously go out of his way to keep New Delhi aligned to Colombo's military objectives in its battle with the LTTE. He did not want a repeat of Operation Vadamarachchi. During the course of the three and half years of war between 2005 and 2009, there were several instances where India could have forced Lanka to stop the operations, he says.
"We did not allow such a situation to arise because we kept New Delhi briefed properly. We realised that the UPA government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh was a coalition government and so the Congress Party was sensitive to the concerns of its coalition partner, primarily the DMK. We realised the sensitivity of the issue with regard to civilian causalities in Tamil Nadu. So President Rajapaksa ensured that he briefed the Indian leadership. We also ensured that our line communications were open at all times.
From our side Basil Rajapaksa (Senior Advisor to the President and Member of Parliament), Lalith Weeratunga (Permanent Secretary to the President) and myself interacted extensively with M.K. Narayanan (former National Security Advisor, India and now Governor of West Bengal), Shiv Shankar Menon (former Foreign Secretary, India and now National Security Advisor) and Vijay Singh (former Defence Secretary and now Member, Union Public Service Commission). Between the six of us we had continuous dialogues. Whenever there was a sensitive issue, we met and discussed and resolved it. This helped the SLAF to continue its military operations absolutely unhindered," he says.
"A day before the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi went on a fast on April 27, 2009 at the Anna Memorial in Chennai protesting against the SLAF offensive against the LTTE, Menon called me on my cell phone at 4.30 pm. The Indian team wanted to visit Colombofor urgent talks. I went straight to the President's office and got his sanction and called Menon back within five minutes. Within six hours of Karunanidhi going on fast we could defuse the crisis in Tamil Nadu by issuing a statement announcing the end of combat operations and shelling inside the 'No Fire Zone', which led to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister ending his fast. This was a classic example of quiet, corrective diplomacy between two officially designated government teams," Gotabaya reveals.
"The manner in which President Rajapaksa tackled India was a key factor of our military success. We knew that only India influences us militarily. India is a huge power in our neighbourhood and our proximity to Tamil Nadu with 60 million Tamils sensitive to what's going on in Sri Lankamade the situation extremely complex for us. We knew that while other countries could or would resort to economic sanctions, only India had the power to militarily influence the course of our war operations. So it is to the credit of President Rajapaksa that he was successful in keeping New Delhialigned with Colombo's military objectives," he adds.
Goodwill hunting
Gotabaya says the ninth decisive political decision was to ensure sustenance of the war operations tempo by forging public goodwill.
"The President repeatedly emphasized in almost all national security council meetings that sustaining a war campaign over a long period of time will require public support. He directed his government officers and ministers to ensure public support for the war campaign. Public support was also critical to ensuring that we succeeded in getting new recruits for the SLAF. 'Let's not use war as an excuse for failing to provide good governance and undertaking development activities'. That was his clear one line directive."
"Therefore, even as the war campaign continued in the North, the government embarked on mega development projects in other parts of the country. The government also became one of the biggest employers in the country by recruiting for various public sector enterprises. In the course of the three and half years of the war, the President also effected a pay hike for public sector and government employees. He managed the economy in such a manner that he did not allow the public support for the war campaign to diminish."
The final political decision was an internal political choice that President Rajapaksa made. In 2005 when he took over as President he was entrusted with the responsibility of stitching together a coalition alliance to ensure political stability. This factor led to his decision to create a jumbo cabinet. He increased the cabinet, the biggest in Sri Lanka's history, by providing positions to leaders from all political parties in the coalition alliance. "His only condition was that he wanted a stable government till the end of the war," says Gotabaya.
(V.K. Shashikumar is a senior journalist who has received accolades for investigative journalism. He was a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards for 2007-08.)
Courtesy - Ada derana
Will a good number of soldiers, tanks and artillery ensure victory in a war? These are outward aspects of a war which alone are insufficient, says Sri Lanka's Master Strategist Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He says the key to triumph in a war is political will and strategy.
In an interview to V.K Shashikumar -- for the Indian Defence Review and published by Sifynews of India -- Gotabaya reveals the crucial decisions of the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) that led to the successful completion of Sri Lankan Armed Forces' combat operations against the LTTE.
He says it was President Mahinda Rajapaksa's determination that ultimately helped the army defeat the Tamil Tigers.
"President Mahinda Rajapaksa took several brave decisions. In the final analysis, it was the cumulative effect of those decisive, brave decisions that enabled Sri Lankan Armed Forces (SLAF) to liquidate the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)."
He says, "Usually in a military operation the world outside the conflict theatre, domestic and international, see only soldiers fighting. They see tanks, guns, armoured vehicles, artillery weapons and men and women in battle fatigues."
"What is not visible to the people, to the outside world, is the strategy. What is also not visible immediately and also not recalled at that moment in time is the history that led to the current context of military operations. What was that context? Eight previous governments led by four different Presidents had failed to end the war. They had failed to rein in the LTTE. It is not as if those eight governments and four presidents did not have under their command good military leaders and soldiers. In fact, when President Rajapaksa's government assumed charge in 2005, around 26,000 SLAF soldiers had already sacrificed their lives," he adds.
The Supreme Commander
Gotabaya emphasises that political will is the supreme commander. He points to the successful Operation Liberation or Vadamarachchi Operation from May to June 1987 and Operation Riviresa from October to December 1995 to suggest that there was no deficiency in the SLAF.
The Vadamarachchi Operation led to the recapture the Vadamarachchi region in Jaffnapeninsula from the LTTE control. This was SLAF's first conventional combat engagement in Sri Lankan soil after the British colonial rule. During Operation Riviresa (Operation Sun Rays) the SLAF launched a successful assault to wrest control of Jaffna and rest of the Jaffna peninsula from the LTTE.
Using these examples, Gotabaya explains that if at all there was any deficiency then it was on account of inadequate, lax and effete political will.
Gotabaya says, "When President Rajapaksa assumed office in 2005, we studied all previous war operations: Eelam War I (1976-1987); Vadamarachchi Operation; IPKF intervention; Eelam War II (1990-1995); Operation Sea Breeze; Operation Thrividha Balaya; Operation Balavegaya I, II; Eelam War III (1995-2002); Operation Riviresa; Operation Jayasikurui; Operation Rivibala; Operation Ranagosa; Operation Rivikirana; and Operation Kinihira I, II, III/IV, V/VI, VII, VIII, IX.
"The objective of our study was to arrive at conclusive reasons for our previous failures to comprehensively finish the war against the LTTE in the last 30 years. All four previous presidents had resorted to military means and yet had failed. So a political decision was made by President Rajapaksa to comprehensively study all previous war operations and arrive at a solution for every factor of failure or inability to win to the war. For every factor we found a solution," he says.
"We found that there was really no 'failure factor' attached to the military. In fact, we realised a simple fact in 2005, that if we launched war operations against the LTTE then we would have to fight with the same military that had fought the LTTE in the last 30 years. We were confident of winning with the same military and its Special Forces and commandos. They were already there! Yet, what explained the inability of the previous governments led by four different presidents to utilize the country's military strength effectively?"
He adds, "We came to the conclusion that the solution was to increase the force strength. The key factor of SLAF's previous inability to finish the war was inadequate numbers. We realised the expansion of military would have a definitive impact on LTTE."
Therefore, the second decisive political decision was to expand the SLAF, he reveals.
New doctrine
President Rajapaksa and his advisors detailed and nuanced study of previous war operations was marked by two defining characteristics.
One was attention to detail and the second was their ability to quickly arrive at a clutter-free decision. The third important political decision was a natural corollary of the imperative to expand the SLAF.
"We realized that all previous operations had failed to hold the ground in the immediate aftermath of battlefield success. President Rajapaksa, therefore, made a political commitment to ensure that his government will find the resources to expand the SLAF to ensure that there were enough armed forces personnel available to hold the ground."
Gotabaya says the decision to increase numbers actually enabled the SLAF to address two previous 'failure factors'. The first has already been discussed. The second was the previous inability of the SLAF to conduct war operations on a broad front and operate simultaneously across multiple frontlines.
"When we cleared the Eastern Province, the LTTE said they were not defeated and that its forces had merely staged a tactical withdrawal. The LTTE was confident that the SLAF will not have the troop strength to hold the ground in the Eastern Province. Like all earlier occasions, the LTTE believed that if it opened sporadic operations along the Northern Frontlines then the SLAF will be forced to redeploy enabling LTTE to regain ground in the East. Several opposition party leaders, too, openly declared that the military operations in the East will not be sustainable."
"We lulled everyone into believing that the previous status quo will prevail - that the SLAF will fight and win, then the LTTE will open a new front, and the SLAF will redeploy and fail to hold ground and consolidate in the areas where they had attained victory - this would enable LTTE to regain control over lost areas. Little did the LTTE know that we had prepared a new war doctrine! That we were indeed prepared to fight war on a broad front, along multiple frontlines."
The fourth political calculus of a military victory was President Rajapaksa's decision to back the formulation of the SLAF's new war doctrine.
The numbers
Gotabaya says that smaller countries with smaller armies must re-invent the role of the Navy and the Air Force.
"We had taken the decision to increase the numbers, but we knew it couldn't happen overnight. So we decided to re-invent the role of the Navy and the Air Force by taking them out of their classical roles and deploying them in ground roles as well. We trained them for ground roles. So, overnight our strength to hold the ground increased. We used the Special Task Force for the same purpose. (The Special Task Force is the Para-Military arm of the Sri Lanka Police, deployed essentially for counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations within the country. They are also deployed for close protection Units, providing security for VIPs and key installations). We also used the Sri Lanka Police Units to buffer the strength of our combined forces deployed to hold the ground," he reveals.
They raised a new paramilitary unit called the Civil Defence Force. About 42,000 able bodied men from villages threatened by the LTTE were recruited. These men were trained and were provided with automatic weapons. Their task was to defend their villages from LTTE counter-attacks.
"In fact, within two weeks in the last month of the war in the summer of 2009 (May) we inducted 5,000 Civil Defence Force members into the Army," he says.
This was the fifth critical political decision that influenced the course of Eelam IV and put the SLAF on a clear trajectory of military success. This decision enabled the SLAF to single-mindedly focus on the war in the northern jungles against the LTTE.
Gotabaya says, "We were able to operate on a broad front. We had the tactical freedom and maneuverability to surround the LTTE from multiple directions. The re-invention of the roles of the Navy, Air Force and Police Units gave us the breathing space to induct and train the new SLAF recruits. With combined forces holding ground in the East and with the SLAF dedicating itself to operations along multiple Northern Frontlines, we not only mounted pressure on the LTTE, but also ensured that we could secure time-bound expansion of the SLAF. We were forming new battalions, new task forces by adding 5,000 troops every month. We tripled the strength of the Army from 100,000 to 300,000 in three years."
"In fact, in the 1980s the strength of the military (Army, Navy and Air Force) was 30,000. In 2005 when President Rajapaksa assumed charge the strength was 125,000. Between 2005 and 2009 the figure swelled to 450,000 out of which 300,000 is the strength of the Army. This increase in numbers enabled us to quickly replace those injured in the battlefield. It helped us ensure adequate rest and rehabilitation for our troops. It helped us to mount military pressure on the LTTE," he adds.
Decision time
Finally, the battlefield commander fights to win the battle. But it's the political will that determines success or failure in war. If the battlefield commander is let down by lack of political will or consensus, victory is impossible to achieve.
"These decisions were taken by the Supreme Commander, the President of Sri Lanka and not by the Army Chief or Battlefield Commanders. It is the Head of State who can decide the course and trajectory of war operations," says Gotabaya.
"All the four previous presidents could not take bold decisions. They were indecisive and were afraid that bold decisions might negatively impact our small economy. They were afraid that our country's economy could not sustain such a large expansion of the SLAF. In fact, the previous Presidents and political leaders were genuinely apprehensive of a rapid military expansion and its possible impact on the polity."
"I remember distinctly the Security Council meeting in Colombo in 2005. I told the President that we must expand the Army by 50,000 as soon as possible. This was mandatory to win the war. The President immediately issued a directive that if that was required to finish the war for once and all times to come we must make the necessary allocation right away. It is this on the spot, tough decision-making that finally led us to victory."
Gotabaya says that he along with SLAF top brass 'read' and analysed the war operations every hour, every day. "I could understand and gauge the need and requirements. Any military commander will ask for everything, every possible weapon, every possible inventory. My job was to understand the priorities, rationally organize those priorities in terms of what was really required for victory and flush out needs and requirements that had zero relevance to our objectives.
"When you go home, tell them of us that we gave our today, for their tomorrow" is the political mantra that fires the military imagination.
President Rajapaksa was determined to single-handedly absorb the pressure of deaths and causalities. This seventh political decision made all difference for the SLAF.
"In three and half years nearly 6,000 soldiers were killed. You can imagine the political pressure on the President when body-bags come home from the battlefield. The President was determined to absorb the political pressure generated by battlefield casualties. He committed his Presidency and his government to achieving the objective of winning the war. He demonstrated his courage to continue the war till the military objectives were completely attained. This is what made him different from all previous Presidents. After all, the President is responsible to the people and the fact is that he needs the support of the people to be elected back to power. He knew that he was risking his political career because any other President in his place would have succumbed to the enormous political pressure created by mounting casualties in war operations."
"The Muhamalai debacle of April 23, 2008 in which 120 soldiers were killed by the LTTE in just one day could have shaken up any other President. In fact, in this case the LTTE took away the dead bodies of the soldiers. Any other President would have doubted. But President Rajapaksa did not waver from the objective his government had set at the very outset. The war must be won. Not for a single moment in the three and half years of the war did he unplug himself from taking stock of the war operations. Every Wednesday, he attended Security Council meetings from morning till evening. He followed every operational development closely. He was, therefore, able to take correct and timely decisions. He knew we were on the correct track."
India factor
Rajapaksa clearly outlined the India Factor at the very outset as a key strategic factor that could either influence victory or bring defeat.
"The President realised that keeping India aligned with us was important. Our study of previous war operations led us to examine in detail the reasons why we could not sustain the successful Vadamarachchi Operations of 1987," Gotabaya says.
Brigadier Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Colonel Vijaya Wimalaratne, two SLAF war heroes in the annals of Sri Lanka's military history had assured the then President, Junius Richard Jayewardene and the then minister of National Security Lalith Athulathmudali that the LTTE will be militarily defeated. But the Government of India intervened through Operation Poomalai, which involved the Indian Air Force air dropping food packets over Jaffna on June 4, 1987. Jayawardene buckled under Indian pressure which led to the signing of the India-Sri Lanka Accord and the entry of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in the island nation.
Rajapaksa decided that he would consciously go out of his way to keep New Delhi aligned to Colombo's military objectives in its battle with the LTTE. He did not want a repeat of Operation Vadamarachchi. During the course of the three and half years of war between 2005 and 2009, there were several instances where India could have forced Lanka to stop the operations, he says.
"We did not allow such a situation to arise because we kept New Delhi briefed properly. We realised that the UPA government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh was a coalition government and so the Congress Party was sensitive to the concerns of its coalition partner, primarily the DMK. We realised the sensitivity of the issue with regard to civilian causalities in Tamil Nadu. So President Rajapaksa ensured that he briefed the Indian leadership. We also ensured that our line communications were open at all times.
From our side Basil Rajapaksa (Senior Advisor to the President and Member of Parliament), Lalith Weeratunga (Permanent Secretary to the President) and myself interacted extensively with M.K. Narayanan (former National Security Advisor, India and now Governor of West Bengal), Shiv Shankar Menon (former Foreign Secretary, India and now National Security Advisor) and Vijay Singh (former Defence Secretary and now Member, Union Public Service Commission). Between the six of us we had continuous dialogues. Whenever there was a sensitive issue, we met and discussed and resolved it. This helped the SLAF to continue its military operations absolutely unhindered," he says.
"A day before the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi went on a fast on April 27, 2009 at the Anna Memorial in Chennai protesting against the SLAF offensive against the LTTE, Menon called me on my cell phone at 4.30 pm. The Indian team wanted to visit Colombofor urgent talks. I went straight to the President's office and got his sanction and called Menon back within five minutes. Within six hours of Karunanidhi going on fast we could defuse the crisis in Tamil Nadu by issuing a statement announcing the end of combat operations and shelling inside the 'No Fire Zone', which led to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister ending his fast. This was a classic example of quiet, corrective diplomacy between two officially designated government teams," Gotabaya reveals.
"The manner in which President Rajapaksa tackled India was a key factor of our military success. We knew that only India influences us militarily. India is a huge power in our neighbourhood and our proximity to Tamil Nadu with 60 million Tamils sensitive to what's going on in Sri Lankamade the situation extremely complex for us. We knew that while other countries could or would resort to economic sanctions, only India had the power to militarily influence the course of our war operations. So it is to the credit of President Rajapaksa that he was successful in keeping New Delhialigned with Colombo's military objectives," he adds.
Goodwill hunting
Gotabaya says the ninth decisive political decision was to ensure sustenance of the war operations tempo by forging public goodwill.
"The President repeatedly emphasized in almost all national security council meetings that sustaining a war campaign over a long period of time will require public support. He directed his government officers and ministers to ensure public support for the war campaign. Public support was also critical to ensuring that we succeeded in getting new recruits for the SLAF. 'Let's not use war as an excuse for failing to provide good governance and undertaking development activities'. That was his clear one line directive."
"Therefore, even as the war campaign continued in the North, the government embarked on mega development projects in other parts of the country. The government also became one of the biggest employers in the country by recruiting for various public sector enterprises. In the course of the three and half years of the war, the President also effected a pay hike for public sector and government employees. He managed the economy in such a manner that he did not allow the public support for the war campaign to diminish."
The final political decision was an internal political choice that President Rajapaksa made. In 2005 when he took over as President he was entrusted with the responsibility of stitching together a coalition alliance to ensure political stability. This factor led to his decision to create a jumbo cabinet. He increased the cabinet, the biggest in Sri Lanka's history, by providing positions to leaders from all political parties in the coalition alliance. "His only condition was that he wanted a stable government till the end of the war," says Gotabaya.
(V.K. Shashikumar is a senior journalist who has received accolades for investigative journalism. He was a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards for 2007-08.)
Courtesy - Ada derana
Netherlands arrest 'LTTE suspects'
Netherlands arrest 'LTTE suspects'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2010/04/100426_netherlands_ltte.shtml
Authorities in Netherlands say that the group is linked to the Tamil Tigers
Seven Tamil Tiger suspects were arrested by the authorities in the Netherlands, the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Netherlands, Grace Asirvathan, confirmed to BBC Sandeshaya.
The arrest was made after an intensive study of the LTTE banned activities in the Netherlands, the National Criminal office said.
It said sixteen residences and businesses searched in the operation.
Computers, paperwork, phones, documents, photos, DVDs and a sum totaling more than 40,000 euros were seized.
"Among the suspects are the leaders of various organizations of Tamils in the Netherlands, which probably play a role in the international network of the LTTE," the justice ministry said in a statement.
Leaders of the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC), the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO), the Tamil Women Organisation (TVO) and the Tamil Arts and Cultural Organization Netherlands (TKCO), are believed to be among the suspects.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2010/04/100426_netherlands_ltte.shtml
Authorities in Netherlands say that the group is linked to the Tamil Tigers
Seven Tamil Tiger suspects were arrested by the authorities in the Netherlands, the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Netherlands, Grace Asirvathan, confirmed to BBC Sandeshaya.
The arrest was made after an intensive study of the LTTE banned activities in the Netherlands, the National Criminal office said.
It said sixteen residences and businesses searched in the operation.
Computers, paperwork, phones, documents, photos, DVDs and a sum totaling more than 40,000 euros were seized.
"Among the suspects are the leaders of various organizations of Tamils in the Netherlands, which probably play a role in the international network of the LTTE," the justice ministry said in a statement.
Leaders of the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC), the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO), the Tamil Women Organisation (TVO) and the Tamil Arts and Cultural Organization Netherlands (TKCO), are believed to be among the suspects.
Second Court Martial to continue on May 4
Second Court Martial to continue on May 4
Military Spokesman Prasad Samarasinghe says that the Second Court Martial against Rtd. Gen. Sarath Fonseka was held today between and will continue on May 4 at 2.30pm.
Military Spokesman Prasad Samarasinghe says that the Second Court Martial against Rtd. Gen. Sarath Fonseka was held today between and will continue on May 4 at 2.30pm.
UPFA WON THE ELECTION
UPFA secures 144 seats
The Department of Elections announced that the UPFA has comfortably won the General Elections 2010 securing 4,846,388 votes (60.33%) and 144 seats. The UNP has secured 2,357,057 votes (29.34%) and 60 seats, the DNA 441,251 votes (5.49%) and 7 seats, ITAK 233,190 votes and 14 seats.
The Department of Elections announced that the UPFA has comfortably won the General Elections 2010 securing 4,846,388 votes (60.33%) and 144 seats. The UNP has secured 2,357,057 votes (29.34%) and 60 seats, the DNA 441,251 votes (5.49%) and 7 seats, ITAK 233,190 votes and 14 seats.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
on: 4/13/2010 8:30:10 AM Building a prosperous nation, our next challenge - PM
on: 4/13/2010 8:30:10 AM
Building a prosperous nation, our next challenge - PM
Building a prosperous nation is the next challenge we should overcome in this free and liberated Motherland, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said in a Sinhala and Hindu New Year message.
"I sincerely hope that all Sri Lankans will resolve to perform their duty in unity and sincerity to achieve this national objective," he said. The message: "The Sinhala and Hindu New Year is celebrated by all Sri Lankans as a new beginning.
The customs and traditions linked with this great day from time memorial have become our cultural items reflecting the greatness of the dignity tied to our society with the dawn of the New Year.
Both the young and old have to eagerly wait for 365 days looking forward to this day to uphold ancient customs and traditions and show forgiveness shedding past enmities.
The New Year when the whole nation indulge in the same task at a given time dressed in new garments is a factor which denotes the unity of the Sri Lankan culture we have overcome an era where people were denied the freedom to observe these customs.
This Sinhala and Hindu New Year observed in the Motherland liberated from the cause of terrorism will undoubtedly take an unprecedented festive mood.
This New Year celebrated by Sinhalese and Tamils in unity throughout the country after a lapse of 30 years will mark a new beginning from all angles.
Building a prosperous nation is the next challenge we should overcome in this free and liberated motherland. I sincerely hope that on this New Year day, all Sri Lankans will resolve to perform their duty in unity and sincerity to achieve this national objective. I trust that the new year that dawns will be more prosperous than last year, wish you all a happy New Year".
Courtesy: Daily News
Building a prosperous nation, our next challenge - PM
Building a prosperous nation is the next challenge we should overcome in this free and liberated Motherland, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said in a Sinhala and Hindu New Year message.
"I sincerely hope that all Sri Lankans will resolve to perform their duty in unity and sincerity to achieve this national objective," he said. The message: "The Sinhala and Hindu New Year is celebrated by all Sri Lankans as a new beginning.
The customs and traditions linked with this great day from time memorial have become our cultural items reflecting the greatness of the dignity tied to our society with the dawn of the New Year.
Both the young and old have to eagerly wait for 365 days looking forward to this day to uphold ancient customs and traditions and show forgiveness shedding past enmities.
The New Year when the whole nation indulge in the same task at a given time dressed in new garments is a factor which denotes the unity of the Sri Lankan culture we have overcome an era where people were denied the freedom to observe these customs.
This Sinhala and Hindu New Year observed in the Motherland liberated from the cause of terrorism will undoubtedly take an unprecedented festive mood.
This New Year celebrated by Sinhalese and Tamils in unity throughout the country after a lapse of 30 years will mark a new beginning from all angles.
Building a prosperous nation is the next challenge we should overcome in this free and liberated motherland. I sincerely hope that on this New Year day, all Sri Lankans will resolve to perform their duty in unity and sincerity to achieve this national objective. I trust that the new year that dawns will be more prosperous than last year, wish you all a happy New Year".
Courtesy: Daily News
Last modified on: 4/13/2010 8:30:06 AM New Year should further unite people in heart and mind - President
New Year should further unite people in heart and mind - President
This is the first New Year being celebrated in harmony and contentment since the Motherland was unified, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Sinhala and Hindu New Year message.
The President also said: "It is my belief that these New Year festivities should seek to further unite our people in heart and mind. The New Year celebrations by Sinhalese and Tamils alike are most appropriate in recognizing the kinship among us.
This is the continuance of strong cultural traditions that strengthen the bonds among the people of our land.
The Government has carried out all necessary measures to bring the joy and meaning of the New Year closer to the people. To this end we have sought to bring prosperity to the nation through agricultural development and encouraging an ethical way of life.
The true spirit of the New Year should be felt most by our children who make up the future generation. It is our responsibility as a nation to teach them the best values and traditions preserved through thousands of years and bestow upon them the cultural heritage that has enriched our nation.
Towards this end, it is my wish that every household will carryout the New Year traditions with hope of auspicious beginnings for the future.
I trust that this Sinhala and Tamil New Year which reflects the unity and pride of our nation will be celebrated by all in the spirit of joy, peace, sharing and contentment which will lead us to a future of prosperity.
I wish you all a Happy New Year!"
Courtesy: Daily News
This is the first New Year being celebrated in harmony and contentment since the Motherland was unified, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Sinhala and Hindu New Year message.
The President also said: "It is my belief that these New Year festivities should seek to further unite our people in heart and mind. The New Year celebrations by Sinhalese and Tamils alike are most appropriate in recognizing the kinship among us.
This is the continuance of strong cultural traditions that strengthen the bonds among the people of our land.
The Government has carried out all necessary measures to bring the joy and meaning of the New Year closer to the people. To this end we have sought to bring prosperity to the nation through agricultural development and encouraging an ethical way of life.
The true spirit of the New Year should be felt most by our children who make up the future generation. It is our responsibility as a nation to teach them the best values and traditions preserved through thousands of years and bestow upon them the cultural heritage that has enriched our nation.
Towards this end, it is my wish that every household will carryout the New Year traditions with hope of auspicious beginnings for the future.
I trust that this Sinhala and Tamil New Year which reflects the unity and pride of our nation will be celebrated by all in the spirit of joy, peace, sharing and contentment which will lead us to a future of prosperity.
I wish you all a Happy New Year!"
Courtesy: Daily News
Last modified on: 4/14/2010 8:55:46 AM Hotel owners add more rooms with influx of foreign holidaymakers
Last modified on: 4/14/2010 8:55:46 AM
Hotel owners add more rooms with influx of foreign holidaymakers
It is now boom times for Sri Lanka. The island's hotel owners are racing to refurbish and add thousands more rooms as foreign holidaymakers pour into the country after the end of the war.
Leading hotel groups plan to spend millions of dollars on new decor and facilities for the influx of tourists drawn to the plentiful sunshine, beaches and tropical wildlife on the Indian Ocean island nation. The ambitious expansion comes amid a post-war revival that has pushed up hotel room rates and given the hospitality industry something to cheer for the first time in years.
For once, after seeing tourists put off by violence and travel warnings from foreign governments, the industry says it is struggling to find places for the visitors, most of whom come from Britain, Germany, France, India and Japan.
Counting on this solid demand, many are now investing in new furniture, bars, restaurants, swimming pools and extensions.
Sri Lanka's Tourist Board expects the total number of hotel rooms to grow from about 15 000 now to 22 000 in the next
The industry is hoping to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2016, up from 447 890 in 2009, the final year of hostilities.
It is also hoping to earn $2-billion annually in tourist revenue by 2016, up from $350-million last year.
Courtesy: Independent Television Network
Hotel owners add more rooms with influx of foreign holidaymakers
It is now boom times for Sri Lanka. The island's hotel owners are racing to refurbish and add thousands more rooms as foreign holidaymakers pour into the country after the end of the war.
Leading hotel groups plan to spend millions of dollars on new decor and facilities for the influx of tourists drawn to the plentiful sunshine, beaches and tropical wildlife on the Indian Ocean island nation. The ambitious expansion comes amid a post-war revival that has pushed up hotel room rates and given the hospitality industry something to cheer for the first time in years.
For once, after seeing tourists put off by violence and travel warnings from foreign governments, the industry says it is struggling to find places for the visitors, most of whom come from Britain, Germany, France, India and Japan.
Counting on this solid demand, many are now investing in new furniture, bars, restaurants, swimming pools and extensions.
Sri Lanka's Tourist Board expects the total number of hotel rooms to grow from about 15 000 now to 22 000 in the next
The industry is hoping to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2016, up from 447 890 in 2009, the final year of hostilities.
It is also hoping to earn $2-billion annually in tourist revenue by 2016, up from $350-million last year.
Courtesy: Independent Television Network
People endorse UPFA policies - PM
People endorse UPFA policies - PM
With the resounding victory of the ruling UPFA at the parliamentary polls, the people have endorsed its policies, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka told the Sunday Observer.
He said that the people have reposed confidence in President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“People have accepted the Government’s vision. People have understood that the country can only prosper under the UPFA Government which ended 30 years of terrorism”, he said.
The premier said that the Government’s future vision was to develop all spheres including agriculture, education, social, industrial and other sectors where the development programs were implemented. “With the development of these sectors, the country will soon become self-sufficient and the foreign exchange saved will be used to develop the villages as well as urban areas”, he said.
He said that people should feel and enjoy the development and then they would contribute their mite for the country’s development, “No Government can achieve success alone and it needs the co-operation of people in its journey towards development.
We feel that the support of those who genuinely supported us as well as those who opposed us is vital in this journey. Both can play a vital role in developing the country and its people”, he said.
Prime Minister Wickramanayaka while thanking those who reposed confidence in the UPFA and President Rajapaksa and helped hold a peaceful election called upon all to shed differences and join hands to embark on a common goal to achieve the Government’s development targets.
He said that people who have confidence in the Government’s future goals had chosen some dynamic young politicians such as Namal Rajapaksa to represent them in the new Parliament.
“People have chosen some new politicians to speak on their behalf and this is a good sign,” he said adding that the Government will abolish the preferential voting system once they get the two-third majority in Parliament
With the resounding victory of the ruling UPFA at the parliamentary polls, the people have endorsed its policies, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka told the Sunday Observer.
He said that the people have reposed confidence in President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“People have accepted the Government’s vision. People have understood that the country can only prosper under the UPFA Government which ended 30 years of terrorism”, he said.
The premier said that the Government’s future vision was to develop all spheres including agriculture, education, social, industrial and other sectors where the development programs were implemented. “With the development of these sectors, the country will soon become self-sufficient and the foreign exchange saved will be used to develop the villages as well as urban areas”, he said.
He said that people should feel and enjoy the development and then they would contribute their mite for the country’s development, “No Government can achieve success alone and it needs the co-operation of people in its journey towards development.
We feel that the support of those who genuinely supported us as well as those who opposed us is vital in this journey. Both can play a vital role in developing the country and its people”, he said.
Prime Minister Wickramanayaka while thanking those who reposed confidence in the UPFA and President Rajapaksa and helped hold a peaceful election called upon all to shed differences and join hands to embark on a common goal to achieve the Government’s development targets.
He said that people who have confidence in the Government’s future goals had chosen some dynamic young politicians such as Namal Rajapaksa to represent them in the new Parliament.
“People have chosen some new politicians to speak on their behalf and this is a good sign,” he said adding that the Government will abolish the preferential voting system once they get the two-third majority in Parliament
Landmark judgement will usher in economic prosperity - President
Landmark judgement will usher in economic prosperity - President
UPFA secures 117 seats out of 180 announced
by Dinesh WEERAWANSA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged to use the landmark ‘judgement’ by the voters at Thursday’s parliamentary general election to usher in economic prosperity and take the country to new horizons.
He said that all Sri Lankans have “fulfilled a sacred duty” reposing faith in him and the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). Of the 180 seats decided on - district-wise voting, the UPFA takes an unprecedented lead with 117 seats. The remaining 45 seats of the 225-member legislature is yet to be decided on - 16 after the final results of the Kandy and Trincomalee districts are announced and the other 29 on the National List, based on the performance of the political parties.
The United National Front (UNF), the main Opposition UNP backed alliance, secured only 46 seats, almost half the number of MPs elected from the UNP at the previous general election in 2004.
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also fared poorly by securing only 12 seats.
The political nudity of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was starkly exposed with the so-called Marxists-led alliance - Democratic National Alliance (DNA) securing only five seats.
The JVP, despite taking cover behind Sarath Fonseka to cover its political bankruptcy, suffered its biggest setback in its political history, securing only five seats, compared to 41 at the 2004 general election. The JVP failed to secure even a single seat in their former strongholds of the Hambantota and Matara districts.
The UPFA secured majorities of over 100,000 in six electoral districts while its majority in the electoral district of Kurunegala exceeded 200,000. Of the 20 districts, of which the final result has been announced, the biggest majority of 322,953 votes was recorded in Gampaha.
The final result of the 2010 general election would be known only by April 20 after a re-poll is conducted in certain polling stations in Kandy and Trincomalee districts. The final results of the two districts and the final all-island result will be released only after the re-poll on April 20.
The Commissioner of Elections decided to suspend counting of votes in certain polling booths in the Nawalapitiya electorate in the Kandy district and also a few areas in Trincomalee on account of alleged malpractices.
“We are duty-bound to preserve the trust placed in us. We propose to make this historic victory an opportunity to build an exemplary Government on the road to building the miracle nation,” the President said in a post-election statement.
The UPFA swept the board with a landslide victory, the biggest ever in the 32-year-old history of the preferential voting system introduced by President J.R. Jayewardene in 1978. Political observers said the record victory by the ruling party is a mandate given by the people for the Mahinda Chintana, the unique policy program introduced by President Rajapaksa.
During the UPFA’s election campaign, the President called upon the masses to elect a strong Parliament so that the country could face any international challenge.
By giving a clear mandate to the UPFA, the masses have responded to the President’s call in no uncertain terms.
The President said the “distinguished and historic” parliamentary election victory of the UPFA would be used to make Sri Lanka the new wonder in Asia. He called upon the newly-elected parliamentarians to introduce a new political culture and said that it is the undeniable task and duty of all MPs to build an excellent nation for the next generation.
He called upon all political parties to join hands with the UPFA to fulfil that task. “We should not condemn the defeated but enjoy our victory in humility,” the President said.
News Editorial Finance Features Political Security Sports Spectru
UPFA secures 117 seats out of 180 announced
by Dinesh WEERAWANSA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged to use the landmark ‘judgement’ by the voters at Thursday’s parliamentary general election to usher in economic prosperity and take the country to new horizons.
He said that all Sri Lankans have “fulfilled a sacred duty” reposing faith in him and the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). Of the 180 seats decided on - district-wise voting, the UPFA takes an unprecedented lead with 117 seats. The remaining 45 seats of the 225-member legislature is yet to be decided on - 16 after the final results of the Kandy and Trincomalee districts are announced and the other 29 on the National List, based on the performance of the political parties.
The United National Front (UNF), the main Opposition UNP backed alliance, secured only 46 seats, almost half the number of MPs elected from the UNP at the previous general election in 2004.
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also fared poorly by securing only 12 seats.
The political nudity of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was starkly exposed with the so-called Marxists-led alliance - Democratic National Alliance (DNA) securing only five seats.
The JVP, despite taking cover behind Sarath Fonseka to cover its political bankruptcy, suffered its biggest setback in its political history, securing only five seats, compared to 41 at the 2004 general election. The JVP failed to secure even a single seat in their former strongholds of the Hambantota and Matara districts.
The UPFA secured majorities of over 100,000 in six electoral districts while its majority in the electoral district of Kurunegala exceeded 200,000. Of the 20 districts, of which the final result has been announced, the biggest majority of 322,953 votes was recorded in Gampaha.
The final result of the 2010 general election would be known only by April 20 after a re-poll is conducted in certain polling stations in Kandy and Trincomalee districts. The final results of the two districts and the final all-island result will be released only after the re-poll on April 20.
The Commissioner of Elections decided to suspend counting of votes in certain polling booths in the Nawalapitiya electorate in the Kandy district and also a few areas in Trincomalee on account of alleged malpractices.
“We are duty-bound to preserve the trust placed in us. We propose to make this historic victory an opportunity to build an exemplary Government on the road to building the miracle nation,” the President said in a post-election statement.
The UPFA swept the board with a landslide victory, the biggest ever in the 32-year-old history of the preferential voting system introduced by President J.R. Jayewardene in 1978. Political observers said the record victory by the ruling party is a mandate given by the people for the Mahinda Chintana, the unique policy program introduced by President Rajapaksa.
During the UPFA’s election campaign, the President called upon the masses to elect a strong Parliament so that the country could face any international challenge.
By giving a clear mandate to the UPFA, the masses have responded to the President’s call in no uncertain terms.
The President said the “distinguished and historic” parliamentary election victory of the UPFA would be used to make Sri Lanka the new wonder in Asia. He called upon the newly-elected parliamentarians to introduce a new political culture and said that it is the undeniable task and duty of all MPs to build an excellent nation for the next generation.
He called upon all political parties to join hands with the UPFA to fulfil that task. “We should not condemn the defeated but enjoy our victory in humility,” the President said.
News Editorial Finance Features Political Security Sports Spectru
Monday, April 12, 2010
Last modified on: 4/10/2010 8:17:30 PM The triumph of democracy - President
Last modified on: 4/10/2010 8:17:30 PM
The triumph of democracy - President
This is the triumph of Democracy. It is a clear restatement of the confidence the people placed in me, the Mahinda Chintana and the UPFA at the recent Presidential Election, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa commenting on the results of the General Election which gave a clear parliamentary majority to the UPFA.
'We are humbled by the size of the repeated mandates given by the people and pledge to respond, in full measure, to the trust placed in us,' the President added.
The assured majority in parliament given by the voters encourages the government to proceed with its policies for the strengthening of peace and reconciliation, reconstruction, greater infrastructure development, increased investment in identified areas of growth, and the overall development of the country to make it the centre of economic and social progress in South Asia.
These results, coming after the successful elections to Provincial Councils and the Presidential Election, are proof that democracy is fully in place in Sri Lanka and the commitment of our people to the democratic process.
It is now the time for peaceful celebration by those who have contributed to this victory; and the acceptance of the verdict of the ballot by those who have lost. It is also the time for all who place their trust in democracy to come together to build a new era of prosperity for Sri Lanka, the President said.
Courtesy : Presidential Secretariat
The triumph of democracy - President
This is the triumph of Democracy. It is a clear restatement of the confidence the people placed in me, the Mahinda Chintana and the UPFA at the recent Presidential Election, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa commenting on the results of the General Election which gave a clear parliamentary majority to the UPFA.
'We are humbled by the size of the repeated mandates given by the people and pledge to respond, in full measure, to the trust placed in us,' the President added.
The assured majority in parliament given by the voters encourages the government to proceed with its policies for the strengthening of peace and reconciliation, reconstruction, greater infrastructure development, increased investment in identified areas of growth, and the overall development of the country to make it the centre of economic and social progress in South Asia.
These results, coming after the successful elections to Provincial Councils and the Presidential Election, are proof that democracy is fully in place in Sri Lanka and the commitment of our people to the democratic process.
It is now the time for peaceful celebration by those who have contributed to this victory; and the acceptance of the verdict of the ballot by those who have lost. It is also the time for all who place their trust in democracy to come together to build a new era of prosperity for Sri Lanka, the President said.
Courtesy : Presidential Secretariat
Last modified on: 4/10/2010 8:14:50 AM President's victory message: Accept defeat and victory in same spirit
Last modified on: 4/10/2010 8:14:50 AM
President's victory message: Accept defeat and victory in same spirit
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message to mark the comprehensive UPFA victory at Thursday's Parliamentary Elections, thanked the people of Sri Lanka in placing their trust and confidence in him to carry out the policies in the Mahinda Chinthana programme.
The President states that the confidence placed in him and the UPFA by the people will be protected and this historic Parliamentary Election victory will help to move this country forward to being a developed nation.
It's the duty of every Parliamentarian elected to protect the future generations and request all political parties and citizens to join hands to accept defeat and victory in the same spirit and see that peace prevails in the country.
President Rajapaksa finally thanked every person who helped to conduct the Parliamentary Elections, including the Elections Commissioner, Government Servants, Police and Security Forces, all political parties and candidates.
Courtesy : The Island
President's victory message: Accept defeat and victory in same spirit
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message to mark the comprehensive UPFA victory at Thursday's Parliamentary Elections, thanked the people of Sri Lanka in placing their trust and confidence in him to carry out the policies in the Mahinda Chinthana programme.
The President states that the confidence placed in him and the UPFA by the people will be protected and this historic Parliamentary Election victory will help to move this country forward to being a developed nation.
It's the duty of every Parliamentarian elected to protect the future generations and request all political parties and citizens to join hands to accept defeat and victory in the same spirit and see that peace prevails in the country.
President Rajapaksa finally thanked every person who helped to conduct the Parliamentary Elections, including the Elections Commissioner, Government Servants, Police and Security Forces, all political parties and candidates.
Courtesy : The Island
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
President appeals to his countrymen to take a correct & wise decision
Wednesday, 07 April 2010
- At the final rally in MiddeniyaPresident Rajapaksa has appealed to the masses to take a correct and wise decision without being duped by political forces against the country.
Addressing the final election rally of the Freedom Alliance inMiddeniya, he invited supporters of the UNP and the JVP to vote forthe Government without wasting their ballot. It is the responsibilityof the entire nation to join hands in developing the country. As such,the President noted that everyone should unite in fulfilling thistask.He called on the people to send more members to Parliament from theFreedom Alliance. This, he added will help accelerate development.The President presided at this rally in Middeniya, the final in theseries of UPFA rallies organized to strengthen the victory of theparty. Massive crowds from all directions converged to the MahaVidyalaya Grounds.Speaking further, the President said the “Mahinda Chintana” programmewill be successfully carried forward through a stable and strongGovernment comprised of young and veteran politicians. Several FreedomAlliance candidates who are in the fray in the Hambantota District forthe general election also addressed the rally.
- At the final rally in MiddeniyaPresident Rajapaksa has appealed to the masses to take a correct and wise decision without being duped by political forces against the country.
Addressing the final election rally of the Freedom Alliance inMiddeniya, he invited supporters of the UNP and the JVP to vote forthe Government without wasting their ballot. It is the responsibilityof the entire nation to join hands in developing the country. As such,the President noted that everyone should unite in fulfilling thistask.He called on the people to send more members to Parliament from theFreedom Alliance. This, he added will help accelerate development.The President presided at this rally in Middeniya, the final in theseries of UPFA rallies organized to strengthen the victory of theparty. Massive crowds from all directions converged to the MahaVidyalaya Grounds.Speaking further, the President said the “Mahinda Chintana” programmewill be successfully carried forward through a stable and strongGovernment comprised of young and veteran politicians. Several FreedomAlliance candidates who are in the fray in the Hambantota District forthe general election also addressed the rally.
Monday, April 5, 2010
UPFA on way to grand victory
UPFA on way to grand victory
Nadira Gunatilleke
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will probably record a grand victory on April 9 winning over 142 seats in Parliament, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said. It will be possible for the new Cabinet to be sworn in even before the New Year celebration, he said.
Facts
* UPFA will win over 142 seats
* We have ended one war
* Other will end after April 9
The UNP created two wars. One is the ethnic war and the other the preferential votes war. The present regime finished one war and will end the second by April 9 and correct all mistakes made during previous regimes, Alahapperuma said addressing the weekly UPFA press briefing at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo yesterday.
Minister Alahapperuma said according to the results of the previous Presidential Election, the UPFA would get 125 seats. A latest survey shows that the UPFA would win between 136 and 142 seats. But latest developments in the election campaign show that the number of seats could further increase beyond 142, he said.
Prof.A.J.Wilson who played a main role in introducing the existing preferential system had said that it was only an `experiment’.
It has already proved that this system cannot continue any longer. Therefore all votes cast for the UPFA will be votes that help to change this system, he said. Today some Opposition members talk about an interim administration but it is only a dream. The real and honest members of the JVP should carefully think about the agenda of the JVP and where it is leading their members, Alahapperuma said.
The JVP is only selling the honesty of its members. According to history, 18th and 19th centuries belonged to Europe, the 20th century belonged to the US and the 21st century belong to Asia. Sri Lanka is going to become the miracle of Asia under the leadership of a great leader who have a practical strategy (Mahinda Chinthana – Vision for the future), he said.
Nadira Gunatilleke
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will probably record a grand victory on April 9 winning over 142 seats in Parliament, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said. It will be possible for the new Cabinet to be sworn in even before the New Year celebration, he said.
Facts
* UPFA will win over 142 seats
* We have ended one war
* Other will end after April 9
The UNP created two wars. One is the ethnic war and the other the preferential votes war. The present regime finished one war and will end the second by April 9 and correct all mistakes made during previous regimes, Alahapperuma said addressing the weekly UPFA press briefing at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo yesterday.
Minister Alahapperuma said according to the results of the previous Presidential Election, the UPFA would get 125 seats. A latest survey shows that the UPFA would win between 136 and 142 seats. But latest developments in the election campaign show that the number of seats could further increase beyond 142, he said.
Prof.A.J.Wilson who played a main role in introducing the existing preferential system had said that it was only an `experiment’.
It has already proved that this system cannot continue any longer. Therefore all votes cast for the UPFA will be votes that help to change this system, he said. Today some Opposition members talk about an interim administration but it is only a dream. The real and honest members of the JVP should carefully think about the agenda of the JVP and where it is leading their members, Alahapperuma said.
The JVP is only selling the honesty of its members. According to history, 18th and 19th centuries belonged to Europe, the 20th century belonged to the US and the 21st century belong to Asia. Sri Lanka is going to become the miracle of Asia under the leadership of a great leader who have a practical strategy (Mahinda Chinthana – Vision for the future), he said.
World Cup is a a great opportunity to showcase our country – Chairman SLC
World Cup is a a great opportunity to showcase our country – Chairman SLC
05 April 2010
Ladies & Gentleman, it is my pleasure & privilege, to welcome all of you this evening, as we are gathered here to witness a historic event, the international launch of the ticket, the mascot and unveiling of the ICC World cup in Sri Lanka.
Firstly, on behalf of all of us, let me convey our grateful thanks to His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapakse, for accepting our invitation despite his numerous state duties to grace this occasion to offer his blessings. Thank you, your Excellency.
Not only in Cricket, that we need an astute leader to march towards victory. His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, weathered many a storm, faced numerous bounces, yet, stood tall, as a true leader with determination, courage and firm grit, and won the match for Sri Lanka by eradicating terrorism from our mother-land.
Our resolve and commitment to this gentleman`s game, was made easier due to the fact, that His Excellency, the President Honorable Mahinda Rajapakse, being a keen ambassador of this noble game, provided us much assistance and encouragement, whilst making this country one of the safest countries to live in, for which we are truly grateful.
After three decades of strife, as we now enjoy the fruits of peace, it has given us the opportunity to extend the international reach of cricket from Colombo to all districts of Sri Lanka.
Pallekelle, nestled in the hill country and Sooriyawewa in the deep South would enable fans the opportunity of going around our beautiful country and enjoy the hospitality of our people and see for themselves the splendor of the diverse culture and it’s scenic beauty.
The internationally renowned R. Premadasa Stadium – refurbished, will be the center stage with two new stadiums Pallekelle and Sooriyawewa for staging the 12 World cup matches allocated to us. I am sure that this would leave an everlasting legacy for future generations, and will be show pieces to be cherished by the cricket loving public for years to come.
As an Asian nation, co-hosting the most prestigious ICC World cup tournament with our brother nations, India & Bangladesh, it is not only a great opportunity to showcase our country, but an honour for which we are truly grateful to our governing body the ICC for having placed their trust and confidence in us.
Ladies and gentlemen, whilst thanking our Hon. Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Mr. Gamini Lokuge for his co-operation, support and guidance given to us at all times,
Let me thank the vice president of ICC Mr Sharad Pawer, all Directors of ICC, Representatives of ICC and members of the COC who are here with us today. It is indeed a source of encouragement to all of us.
Ladies & Gentleman, Let us assure the world, with our friendly neibhours India & Bangladesh that the 10th ICC World Cup 2011 will be one of the greatest sporting spectacles to be held in the sub-continent.
A special note of thanks goes to the ICC for joining hands with UNICEF to promote the `Spirit of Cricket` among our brothers and sisters from the North and East, formerly associated with arm groups and other disadvantaged children.
This project compliments the current rehabilitation and re-integration programs initiated by His Excellency,As showcased in this remarkable presentation…….
Your Excellency, Ladies & Gentleman, please do enjoy the rest of the evening.
Thank you.
05 April 2010
Ladies & Gentleman, it is my pleasure & privilege, to welcome all of you this evening, as we are gathered here to witness a historic event, the international launch of the ticket, the mascot and unveiling of the ICC World cup in Sri Lanka.
Firstly, on behalf of all of us, let me convey our grateful thanks to His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapakse, for accepting our invitation despite his numerous state duties to grace this occasion to offer his blessings. Thank you, your Excellency.
Not only in Cricket, that we need an astute leader to march towards victory. His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, weathered many a storm, faced numerous bounces, yet, stood tall, as a true leader with determination, courage and firm grit, and won the match for Sri Lanka by eradicating terrorism from our mother-land.
Our resolve and commitment to this gentleman`s game, was made easier due to the fact, that His Excellency, the President Honorable Mahinda Rajapakse, being a keen ambassador of this noble game, provided us much assistance and encouragement, whilst making this country one of the safest countries to live in, for which we are truly grateful.
After three decades of strife, as we now enjoy the fruits of peace, it has given us the opportunity to extend the international reach of cricket from Colombo to all districts of Sri Lanka.
Pallekelle, nestled in the hill country and Sooriyawewa in the deep South would enable fans the opportunity of going around our beautiful country and enjoy the hospitality of our people and see for themselves the splendor of the diverse culture and it’s scenic beauty.
The internationally renowned R. Premadasa Stadium – refurbished, will be the center stage with two new stadiums Pallekelle and Sooriyawewa for staging the 12 World cup matches allocated to us. I am sure that this would leave an everlasting legacy for future generations, and will be show pieces to be cherished by the cricket loving public for years to come.
As an Asian nation, co-hosting the most prestigious ICC World cup tournament with our brother nations, India & Bangladesh, it is not only a great opportunity to showcase our country, but an honour for which we are truly grateful to our governing body the ICC for having placed their trust and confidence in us.
Ladies and gentlemen, whilst thanking our Hon. Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Mr. Gamini Lokuge for his co-operation, support and guidance given to us at all times,
Let me thank the vice president of ICC Mr Sharad Pawer, all Directors of ICC, Representatives of ICC and members of the COC who are here with us today. It is indeed a source of encouragement to all of us.
Ladies & Gentleman, Let us assure the world, with our friendly neibhours India & Bangladesh that the 10th ICC World Cup 2011 will be one of the greatest sporting spectacles to be held in the sub-continent.
A special note of thanks goes to the ICC for joining hands with UNICEF to promote the `Spirit of Cricket` among our brothers and sisters from the North and East, formerly associated with arm groups and other disadvantaged children.
This project compliments the current rehabilitation and re-integration programs initiated by His Excellency,As showcased in this remarkable presentation…….
Your Excellency, Ladies & Gentleman, please do enjoy the rest of the evening.
Thank you.
Last modified on: 4/4/2010 1:33:04 PM Second court martial to hear charges against General Sarath Fonseka reconvened - Press Release
Last modified on: 4/4/2010 1:33:04 PM Second court martial to hear charges against General Sarath Fonseka reconvened - Press Release
His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa has substituted a fresh convening order by nominating three new senior Army officers to the second Court Martial (CM), expected to hear charges against General Sarath Fonseka, now in military custody.
Major General M.P. Peiris RWP RSP USP ndc psc (President-CM), Major General S.W.L Daulagala RSP USP and Major General M. Hathurusinghe RSP IG are to sit for the tribunal, fixed for April 6th afternoon. Rear Admiral W.W.J.S Fernando is to serve as Judge Advocate.
The second Court Martial, expected to hear charges on General Fonseka's contravention of military procurement procedures adjourned its sittings on March 17, 2010 preferring it to be reconvened. The first Court Martial will resume its sittings earlier on April 6, 2010.
Courtesy : SL Army
His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa has substituted a fresh convening order by nominating three new senior Army officers to the second Court Martial (CM), expected to hear charges against General Sarath Fonseka, now in military custody.
Major General M.P. Peiris RWP RSP USP ndc psc (President-CM), Major General S.W.L Daulagala RSP USP and Major General M. Hathurusinghe RSP IG are to sit for the tribunal, fixed for April 6th afternoon. Rear Admiral W.W.J.S Fernando is to serve as Judge Advocate.
The second Court Martial, expected to hear charges on General Fonseka's contravention of military procurement procedures adjourned its sittings on March 17, 2010 preferring it to be reconvened. The first Court Martial will resume its sittings earlier on April 6, 2010.
Courtesy : SL Army
Last modified on: 4/2/2010 11:33:34 AM Good tidings for Jaffna
Last modified on: 4/2/2010 11:33:34 AM Good tidings for Jaffna
President Mahinda Rajapaksa waves to the large crowd at a rally held at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna. Minister Douglas Devananda was also present.
Picture By Sudath Malaweera.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Jaffna yesterday has brought good tidings to the people.
President Rajapaksa said the people in the Jaffna Peninsula will be provided water for drinking and agriculture by bringing water from Iranamadu Tank to the Jaffna Peninsula. The President was speaking at a massive rally held at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna yesterday in support of UPFA candidates at the forthcoming General election.
He said the construction of a canal from the Iranamadu Tank to the Jaffna peninsula has been planned to give impetus to agriculture in the district. Nearly 700 new houses will be completed and distributed among the people before the end of this month.
The Jaffna University has been brought under a comprehensive development plan and an Engineering Faculty will be established in the university.
"The Government has focused special attention on the education of schoolchildren and a number of viable programs are being implemented for their benefit," he said. Over 164 LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the Government were handed over to their parents and guardians.
Out of them 148 would enter the Jaffna University soon. A student hostel for them at Kaithady is also nearing completion.
The rehabilitated youth will be provided IT training at the Pambemadu Computer Laboratory that was opened yesterday.
He said the UNP should be responsible for depriving the educational rights of the younger generation by burning Asia's biggest library located in the heart of Jaffna city. The President said a number of programs have already been planned for the uplift of living standard of the people in the Northern province under the Uthuru Vasanthaya program.
The Government will restore what the people in the Jaffna district lost for the past 30 years due to the terrorism, he added.
He said all communities irrespective of their place of origin in Sri Lanka are treated equally by the Government.
Courtesy : Daily News
President Mahinda Rajapaksa waves to the large crowd at a rally held at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna. Minister Douglas Devananda was also present.
Picture By Sudath Malaweera.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Jaffna yesterday has brought good tidings to the people.
President Rajapaksa said the people in the Jaffna Peninsula will be provided water for drinking and agriculture by bringing water from Iranamadu Tank to the Jaffna Peninsula. The President was speaking at a massive rally held at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna yesterday in support of UPFA candidates at the forthcoming General election.
He said the construction of a canal from the Iranamadu Tank to the Jaffna peninsula has been planned to give impetus to agriculture in the district. Nearly 700 new houses will be completed and distributed among the people before the end of this month.
The Jaffna University has been brought under a comprehensive development plan and an Engineering Faculty will be established in the university.
"The Government has focused special attention on the education of schoolchildren and a number of viable programs are being implemented for their benefit," he said. Over 164 LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the Government were handed over to their parents and guardians.
Out of them 148 would enter the Jaffna University soon. A student hostel for them at Kaithady is also nearing completion.
The rehabilitated youth will be provided IT training at the Pambemadu Computer Laboratory that was opened yesterday.
He said the UNP should be responsible for depriving the educational rights of the younger generation by burning Asia's biggest library located in the heart of Jaffna city. The President said a number of programs have already been planned for the uplift of living standard of the people in the Northern province under the Uthuru Vasanthaya program.
The Government will restore what the people in the Jaffna district lost for the past 30 years due to the terrorism, he added.
He said all communities irrespective of their place of origin in Sri Lanka are treated equally by the Government.
Courtesy : Daily News
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