Victory Day Celebrations In New Zealand

Victory Day Celebrations In New Zealand
The United Sri Lanka Association (USLA) of Wellington New Zealand that was constituted in 1983 to do what ever was in it's power to safeguard Sri Lanka's unitary status, commemorated the first anniversary of the elimination of the greatest threat to Sri Lanka's unitary status in recent times, viz. Tiger Terrorism.
President Channa Ranasinghe commenced the commemoration following the singing of the national anthem, by dedicating the event to USLA's founding fathers , especially to those who did so much for this cause in New Zealand but were not still around to see this momentous day one year ago or see today, in particular, the late Dr Ubaya Dias and the late Dr. Upali Manukulasuriya.
President Ranasinghe , calling it Sri Lanka's real independence day, spoke of USLA's contributions to the Rehabilitation of the Ranaviru, the disabled soldiers, towards which USLA had already donated over NZ $ 17,000 and was maintaining a dedicated account for ongoing donations. The money sent so far to the Seva Vanitha Army Branch for this purpose, has been used mainly for purchase of artificial limbs.
Dr. Chula Rajapakse, USLA spokesperson , speaking next recalled the significance of the day being commemorated. Firstly , it was the day Sri Lanka was liberated from the gravest threat to it's integrity in recent times, Tiger Terrorism. This was achieved against the all odd's , leaving this most brutal terrorist group, considered invincible for over three decades, vanquished beyond any doubt, in an operation that lasted for less than two years.
Secondly, today was also the commemoration of the greatest hostage release in human history. The way over 300,000 streamed into the safety of the army, in full view of the world media at the first opportunity, Dr. Rajapakse said, left no doubt that they were indeed Tiger hostages and could not possibly have been the targets of deliberate security forces fire as some tried to make out, even today.
Thirdly today was a celebration of the post liberation achievements in development like the sea ports of Hambantota and the southern international airport, the upgrading of the road network and the unprecedented development programs for the North and East.
He then drew attention to the greatest challenge that Sri Lanka was now confronted with, that from the newly constituted "Transnational Government of Tamil Elam". This was essentially the international network of the Tigers, that remained largely intact with their ill gotten booty to fund their activities , posing an even more difficult threat to counter, this time with the guile of their pen. He observed with satisfaction, that consequent to their efforts, the New Zealand government had acknowledged the need to monitor the activities of this group in New Zealand, and had undertaken to do so.
Despite these, he called on the Sinhalese, to give leadership to forging a national unity and a national identity, which transcended ethnic differences, and to usher in a Sri Lanka where all of Sri Lanka was homeland for all of it's people, be it Wellawate or Jaffna, Trincomalee or Galle. He suggested adopting the New Zealand practice of singing the national anthem in two languages, in Sri Lanka's case in Sinhalese and Tamil, as one of many actions possible to forge a sense of both national unity and national identity.
He next went on to emphasize the further significance of today which was that it was a day to remember and honor the Ranaviru, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and others who were left maimed for life, securing Sri Lanka's liberation.
Mr Don Wijewardana , a former USLA president, and author of the recently published book, "How the LTTE lost the Elam War", speaking next identified further sources of ongoing challenge for Sri Lanka . First of these were some western governments and news agencies like British TV Channel 4. These were groups that were unable to accept Sri Lanka's achievement in eradicating terrorism, an achievement at which bigger nations have failed. Even more this had been achieved despite the many impediments instigated by them. Consequently they continue to rake up new allegations such as of war crimes by Sri Lanka and attempt economic sanctions against Sri Lanka like the withdrawal of the European Union's BSP preferential tariff provisions.. Another challenge for Sri Lanka was that posed internally from groups such as the TNA, who are essentially still peddling the Tiger agenda.
Mr Palitha de Silva another former President paid a tribute to the work of some of USLA's founding fathers like, Mr Danny Muthmala, DrUpali Manukulaasurya and Mr. Rudra de Zoysa for their work & commitment to USLA's objectives in the early years of USLA, and so laying the foundation for the future work of USLA.
Mr Rudra de Zoysa, reiterated with passion the importance of never forgetting the ultimate sacrifice made by the Ranaviru and the supreme sacrifice made by others who remained maimed for life. This he had personally witnessed last year on a visit to the Army rehabilitation camps. He urged the audience to contribute generously to the Ranaviru rehabilitation funds.
The event concluded with participants partaking of a meal of milk rice.
Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM
Spokesperson,
United Sri Lanka Association.
Wellington NZ