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Sri Lanka: a role model for the world

Countering a three decade long insurgency, Sri Lanka emerged victorious defeating a formidable and ruthless separatist terrorist outfit the LTTE in 2009. Overcoming numerous obstacles both home-grown and external the scourge of terrorism was wiped out in what was once seen as unachievable and unattainable by many, the political leadership gave the world an example of how to defeat terrorism.

Since the times of yore Sri Lanka's territorial integrity and sovereignty has come under threat by foreign powers in connivance with traitorous locals. And time in and again and our leaders have led us towards victory, freedom and prosperity. Our history is full of brave leaders such as king Dutugemunu who had united the country under one rule.

The international community can learn many lessons from Sri Lanka's victory over terrorism in the fight against global terrorism. A committed and strong political leadership and a well planned strategy led to the military success. Sri Lanka is a perfect role model for countries which are struggling to fight terrorism. It successfully broke the myth that insurgencies cannot be defeated.

The threat

The LTTE was one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world. Velupillai Prabhakaran, the megalomaniac leader of the LTTE cold bloodedly murdered all those whom he deemed as competition and consolidated his position in the separatist movement. The LTTE began an arms struggle calling for a separate state for tamils in the north and east. Within three decades this rag tag band of terrorists became one of the most violent and well funded terrorist organizations in the world. They taught terrorists the world over the finer points of suicide bombing and are infamous for carrying out the most number of suicide attacks claiming the lives of many political leaders, military personnel and civilians including children. They are also pioneers in recruitment of child soldiers, arms and drug trafficking and propaganda. Through intimidation, coercion and outright blackmail they had built up worldwide network of funding sources. Many analysts believed that LTTE could not be defeated. That hyped up myth was finally broken.

The challenge

Since coming to power through an overwhelming mandate His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa had promised the people peace with dignity. He had the confidence to defeat the LTTE and had a clear idea of how to do it. He had a clear and coherent vision. As soon as he assumed office he went to work. A well laid out strategy was formed and under the guidance of the Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a veteran military officer the humanitarian campaign was begun. Political leadership spearheaded the military success. The armed forces launched simultaneous operation from several fronts to cut off supply, weaken and also to prevent the LTTE from reorganizing. It also brought in modern technology to the battle field and increased the military strength. This new military strategy immensely contributed to the battle field success.

With the terrorists denying water to the eastern farmers by shutting off the Mavil Aru sluice gates the humanitarian campaign gathered momentum. The urge to liberate the people from the clutches of the LTTE became greater. First The LTTE scourge in the east was cleared and the security of the civilian population was assured. Then attention was focused on saving the people of the north who had been made into a human shield by the LTTE. Finally the LTTE was pushed back and confined to a small stretch of land in Nandikadal. Finally in May 2009 the Sri Lanka security forces succeeded in completely defeating the LTTE and rescue hundreds and thousands of innocent people in what can be termed as the largest Humanitarian Operation of modern times.

Unlike before the military also used media effectively. Media was widely used to inform battle progress to the yearning public who by now had rallied around them. The moral of the military was at an all time high. Journalists from the media were at the battle front to report the unfolding of battle, first hand. The media campaign boosted public support for the military operations. The whole nation was with them.

With the rapid progress in the battle field the anti-peace lobby was spinning at full speed. But the Government did not give into the extreme pressure brought upon by pro LTTE media and other organizations. In doing so it never failed to maintain friendly and cordial international and the diplomatic relations with the global community. The government managed to find new international friends who supported the military effort. It also maintained good relations with neighboring countries whose support was vital for the national effort.

Rehabilitation and reconstruction

With the military operations over the government was left with rehabilitation and reconstruction of the former conflict zone. Demining, resettlement of IDPs, reconstruction infrastructure, providing basic amenities and rehabilitation of combatants were high on the government's to-do list. A comprehensive action plan was drawn and work was expedited through 'Uthuru Wasanthaya'(Northern Spring) and "Negenahira Udanaya' (Reawakening of the East) programmes.

There were over 280,000 IDPs who needed to be resettled. Large areas of the north and parts of the east were heavily mined by the LTTE. As a result the National Mine Action Center (NMAC) was established in July 2010 carry out demining work. So far 98.34percent of the mined areas have been cleared. There were 11700 LTTE combatants surrendered or arrested who needed to be rehabilitated. Special facilities were made to accommodate these misled youth and provide them vocational training and education. Most of these ex- cadres have already been reintegrated with the society and are leading normal lives.

The government has rendered assistance to renovate or build over 24,500 houses in the North and East. Also, the government with the assistance of other organizations plans to build 73,044 houses there. So far the government has allocated billions of rupees towards these projects in order to develop the north and east in par with the rest of the country.

The government has taken special steps to develop agriculture in the north and east. During the last 'Maha' season, farmers have been able to cultivate over 80 percent of the paddy lands which were abandoned in the north due to the conflict. Thanks to the renovation of irrigation tanks and canals the former war zone is now 'green zone' with thousands of acres coming under the plough.

Hundreds of security forces personnel paid the supreme sacrifice. Scores of others were permanently or partially disabled. The government has implemented many programs to ensure welfare. One such is the 'Mihindu Seth Medura', a recuperating home for the disabled soldiers. In addition houses are built to 'Ranaviru' (War hero) families under Api Wenuwen Api project.

Sri Lanka's success story does not end here. Under the aegis of a committed and strong leadership it has come out of the dark through pain and sacrifice. Now that the future is clear. It is a matter of time before Sri Lanka will regain its past glory. And to the rest of the world Sri Lanka is indeed a very good example in many aspects.