The 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is scheduled to be held in New York this week.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/09/19/main_Editorial.asp

The 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is scheduled to be held in New York this week.
During the past four years, with unfailing regularity, we have witnessed an organised international conspiracy against Sri Lanka, always prior to the UNGA sessions. There is no exception this time and apparently the same international elements have got down to business again.
A section of the International Community, together with certain International Non-Governmental Organisations and LTTE sympathisers abroad, have resumed the same scenario to make yet another attempt to take Sri Lanka to task.
Similar attempts were made during Sri Lanka's relentless battle against terror and even after the LTTE leaders were vanquished on the banks of the Nandikadaal Lagoon on May 18, 2009. Some local opportunistic Opposition politicians too provided the ammo to certain countries in the West to take Sri Lanka to task, chiefly for the 'sin' of eradicating terrorism, despite being the first country to do so.
Parliaments in certain countries in the West spend precious time to debate issues regarding a tiny island nation such as Sri Lanka, as if they have nothing else to worry about. Although these so-called developed countries have one in seven of their countrymen living in abject poverty, apart from other issues, they seem to be more interested in Sri Lanka's internal matters.
These countries, which project themselves as the godfathers of democracy and international protocol, are quaintly concerned about the recent Constitutional Amendments in Sri Lanka which were passed with a thumping majority of 144 votes in Parliament, within the legal framework of the country's legislature.
Issuing statements on their 'concerns' about the legitimate actions in Sri Lanka's Parliament is a clear violation of international protocol and is tantamount to meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign State.
Sri Lanka is no doubt a small country compared to the US or the UK. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka, as a sovereign State and an independent member country of the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), enjoys the same legitimate right as any other nation. Like any other independent nation, Sri Lanka has an equal right to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Unfortunately, certain countries in the West do not practise what they preach. They often talk glibly on the need to combat international terrorism. Notwithstanding the fact that they could take the best example from Sri Lanka as a role model, they make a scandalous attempt to frame war crimes charges against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's rapid resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is worthy of emulation and a role model for the world at large. At a time when so-called developed countries are still struggling to resettle people displaced due to cyclones and many countries having a poor record in resettling IDPs, Sri Lanka is outstanding.
Regrettably, certain countries in the West and some INGOs do not seem to understand this logic. They are either moronic or for reasons best known to them, ignore the bitter truth. Do they feel embarrassed to acknowledge that Sri Lanka, a speck in the Indian Ocean, performed this Herculean feat at a time NATO forces are still struggling in Afghanistan?
Sri Lanka has not only displayed to the world its ability to eradicate terrorism, but has also proved its mettle in resettling over half a million people displaced in the North and the East in double quick time. This record is hard to match and goes to prove that Sri Lanka is a role model for the UN as far as resettlement is concerned due to the country's proven track record.
Despite Sri Lanka having all these landmark achievements to its credit, a few countries in the West and certain international organisations are still making a vain attempt to project a gloomy picture of Sri Lanka to suit their private agendas.
It is now time that member countries of the UN, especially members of NAM, demonstrate their unity and strength against this type of Western conspiracies.
Sri Lanka's Security Forces acted with the utmost restraint to maintain a zero civilian casualty rate during the three-and-a-half-year humanitarian operations to rescue innocent civilians from the jaws of LTTE terror. The Service Commanders have reiterated this exemplary act at proceedings of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). No other Army in the world has acted in such a responsible manner in a conflict situation.
Sri Lanka's Security Forces risked life and limb and made every attempt to avoid civilian casualties despite battling the most ruthless terror outfit in the world. If the UN respects the legitimate right of a member country to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Sri Lanka is indeed a role model.
The LLRC is functioning smoothly, recording concrete evidence on the merciless acts of the LTTE and the praiseworthy humanitarian efforts of the Security Forces. Service Commanders, Government officials and civilians are now before the LLRC airing their experiences.
The UN should emblazon Sri Lanka's expertise to help other countries plagued by terrorism and in resettling people displaced due to conflict situations. No other country has such a wealth of experience in battling terrorism or resettling IDPs. Hence, the UN must exploit Sri Lanka's first-hand experience in combating international terrorism, rather than setting up committees to take the island nation to task.
Combating terrorism was an internal problem of Sri Lanka and the Security Forces naturally had every right to defend the country and safeguard Sri Lanka's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The West should not shed buckets of crocodile tears regarding those displaced in the North and the East. Those countries which point an accusing finger at Sri Lanka, must be told in no uncertain terms 'physician heal thyself'.
As President Mahinda Rajapaksa has quite rightly told the UNGA on previous sessions, there can't be two types of terrorism, one for the West and another for this part of the world. There are no good terrorists and bad terrorists. Terrorism anywhere in the world is terrorism and should be eradicated in similar fashion. His intrepid statement is an eye opener to one and all.