http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Towards_prosperity_Northern_agricultural_revival_20130108_03

Towards prosperity - Northern agricultural revival

From time immemorial Sri Lanka's economy has been agriculture based. It has been the main force of economic development. Apart from tea, coconut and rubber, the paddy cultivation was the mainly focused crop among the peasant community. During the era of ancient kings, Sri Lanka was self-sufficient in rice production. Annual monsoons regularly filled the tanks and reservoirs that ensured regular irrigation to the paddy fields

Prior to the LTTE reign of terror the people of the North and East were extensively engaged in agriculture. Northern produce had a constant and sought after market in the South. Southern products were very popular in the peninsula. But LTTE terrorism closed the doors of harmony that had prevailed throughout history. The LTTE obstructed the exchange of goods and services between North and South which eventually led to the decline of trade and exchange between the two regions.

During the conflict agricultural land were extensively laden with land mines and IEDs by the terrorists. Farmers were denied access to their lands and fertile lands were forcefully taken over by the terrorists. Farmers who defied were cold bloodedly massacred. Government welfare provisions like fertiliser subsidies were shamelessly taken away by he terrorists. The once lush agricultural lands were turned into barren wasteland.

The atrocities of the LTTE terrorists culminated when they denied water to the Eastern farm lands by cutting off irrigation from Mavil Aru tank. Thus began the beginning of the end of the LTTE.

Under the post war development programme through the government's 'Northern Spring' and 'Eastern Reawakening' programmes, a vast amount of funds were injected into the agricultural revival of the North and Eastern regions. The people are now enjoying the dividends peace.

Some of the state sponsored facilities are as follows.

Year 2009

• No. of farm machineries and equipments distributed among re-settled families: 2283
• Seeds (70 metric tones) distributed to cultivate abandoned lands.
• Land taken under the paddy cultivation (26905 hectares)
• Total expenditure of all projects Rs. 175.97 million

Year 2010

• No. of farm machineries and equipments distributed among re-settled families: 7753
• 925 MT of seeds distributed to cultivate abandoned lands.
• 35168 hectares taken under the paddy cultivation
• Total expenditure of all projects Rs. 65.74 million

Year 2011

• National Farmers' week celebrated in Vavuniya
• No. of farm machineries and equipments distributed among re-settled families: 16962
• 270 MT of seeds distributed to cultivate abandoned lands.
• 93599 hectares taken under paddy cultivation
• Total expenditure of all projects Rs. 97.75 million

Year 2012

• No. of farm machineries and equipments distributed among re-settled families: 6007
• Seven private plant nurserymen involved in 100000 Drumstick seeds production
• 155 metric tones of seeds distributed to cultivate abandoned lands.
• 95318 hectares taken under the paddy cultivation
• Total expenditure of all projects Rs. 126.65 million

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Kilinochchi_Tamil_woman_soldiers_enjoys_Southern_visit_20130109_03

Kilinochchi Tamil woman soldiers enjoys Southern visit

Recently joined 103 Army Tamil woman soldiers of Kilinochchi visited the President of Seva Vanitha Army Branch yesterday (8th January) during a familiarization tour to the South, at Manning Town 'Viru Kekulu' pre-school auditorium.

As many of them have not been visited the South previously, the Security Forces Headquarters Kilinochchi made all the arrangements for the excursion. On arrival they were received warmly by the President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) together with members.

During the session, cordial discussions were held and woman soldiers enjoyed a variety show amidst the warmth hospitality of SAVB. One of the visiting woman soldiers delivered a vote of thank for warmth welcome received and the hospitality extended during their significant maiden tour to Colombo. Tamil-Sinhala bilingual interpretations were also conducted during the event.

Wrist-Bands produced by the SVAB's "Brave Hearts" project were gifted to visiting woman soldiers to mark the event.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Sri%20Lanka_a_terrific_spot_for_beaches_cuisine_and_culture_Cond_Nast_Traveller_20130105_03

Sri Lanka has southern Asia's most fascinating beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, cave paintings, and historic hill towns, states Cond‚ Nast Traveller in a report published recently.

The writer says that the Sri Lankan riviera, as it is unofficially known, wraps around a great swathe of the island's west and south coasts. 'Beaches with sand the golden-tan colour you're hoping to achieve are backed by palm trees and a patchwork of gardens, smallholdings, mangosteen orchards and rice paddies, interspersed, further south, with the bright-green sweep of the lowland tea plantations', the writer further said.

South of the bustling capital city, Colombo, the beach stretches for miles. Sheltered from the prevailing easterly winds and currents, it has a ringside view of some spectacular sunsets.

The Cond‚ Nast Traveller writer advises travelers to sip a glass of cold lime soda and watch the evening sun goes down, setting the Indian Ocean on fire. But this is also a rowdy coastal strip, and the hotels that colonise it tend to be gated enclaves, in order to create a corner of quiet in a world of colour and chaos, the writer adds.

The countryside becomes more verdant and at the same time a little wilder, with fields, orchards and rice paddies backing onto steamy rainforest tamed here and there by tea plantations.

For full story please visit:

http://www.cntraveller.com/recommended/beaches/sri-lanka-best-beaches-and-hotels/introduction-to-sri-lanka

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Mullaititivu_Tamils_the_real_Ambassadors_of_Reconciliation_20130107_01

Mullaittivu Tamils: the real Ambassadors of Reconciliation

(By: Shenali Waduge)

The Mullaittivu district was the preferred home, training and hiding base of the LTTE leader for over 3 decades. It was also where the LTTE met its Waterloo. 30 years of absolutely no changes despite a host of foreign NGO/UN presence has seen remarkable changes in just 3 years something people need to finally admit. Mullaittivu is a district that has strategic importance and explains why foreign intelligence and Tamil political parties are attempting to gain a foothold to once more deceive the people. Mullaittivu is certainly a perfect model district to show how people can distance from separatist thinking, accept their own former allegiance to LTTE but resolve to reconcile with a new tomorrow devoid of separatist ideology assisted by the armed forces who are giving a great support made easier by the excellent communication network that give the armed forces an edge over civil services.

Keppepilau model village where resettled Tamils are receiving school bags, bikes and household items

The exact number of civilians is questionable. 1981 census revealed 77,512 (with 3,948 Sinhalese) the 2012 census puts the population at 91,947 (inclusive of 8851 Sinhalese) in a district that comprises Thunukkai, Manthai, Oddusudan, Maritimepattu, Pudukudiruppu and Weli Oya within an area of 2,516.9 sq.km.

It was from the Mullaittivu district that LTTE captured the majority of children who became LTTE's child combatants and the fact that there is hardly 15,000 school going children in a district that has over 115 schools reveals this sordid truth. It also reminds us of the Sensolai "orphanage" bombed on 14 August 2006 which was a LTTE training camp disguised as an "orphanage" in the area of Vallipunam in the dense jungles of Udyarkattu (Puddukurippu) where LTTE also ran a secret torture camp and none of the UN offices who jumped to issue statements that Sensolai was not an LTTE camp can explain why an orphanage should be located in the thick jungles! The 4 June 2006 "graduating" ceremony of 10,000 Vanni residents in Puddukurippu trained by LTTE is further proof.

Those who have been to Mullaittivu, a district of possibly less than 60,000 civilians during LTTE rule would realize the helplessness of these civilians - their choice was to either side with the LTTE (cooking and hiding their weapons) or face consequences. Complicity aside it is these same civilians who now have been liberated from 30 years of mental trauma and three years on is it too soon to be expecting them to openly shower their appreciation upon the armed forces?

Soldiers at Keppepilau model village digging up area to start a new brick house

Questioning barriers to reconciliation is several incidents that have taken place obviously with the connivance of foreign intelligence or 'Tamil Diaspora'. One such is the Jaffna with university students wanting to pay homage to dead LTTE. The Government must not hesitate to declare that LTTE is a proscribed terrorist movement and any such open commemoration is strictly prohibited and banned while no one has any right to separate Sri Lanka.

In stark contrast young children who realize the difference in LTTE and armed forces are getting on perfectly with their new found heroes - men who they know would not kidnap them and make into killers. This is the start of the much needed trust factor. With soldiers now able to converse in Tamil the children show no reluctance to approach the military and speak with them. This is certainly a major obstacle that has been overcome without any third party and between children and the forces striking a healthy chord. It is something that the Government could well do to tap employing further exchange of students, greater prominence towards language communication - the youth of tomorrow is unlikely to commit the same mistakes their elders made and language is certainly a key factor.

This is a sample house 􀍴 550sq.ft /2 bedrooms/bathroom/kitchen and living area on a 40 perch plot for each resettled Tamil family

Why is it that despite the large presence of UN/INGOs and NGOs throughout LTTE rule with projects that covered protection, health, nutrition, food security, agriculture, water, education, infrastructure, shelter and housing and mining -there is absolutely nothing to trace any of these projects and few civilians to even acknowledge such. Which leads us to question what have the UNICEF, UNHCR, UMCOR, IOM, MTI, HI, WHO, UNFPA, WFP, CARE, UNDP, OXFAM, CORDAID, SCISL, PWJ, ZOA, UNHABITAT, FSD, CTF, RDF, World Vision, World Bank, DRC, WUSC, FAO and over 50 such organizations been doing in Mullaittivu all these years.

In terms of population Mullaittivu is a district which had the least number of Tamils in an area that was 2,516.9 sq.km and questions why there was a need for so many NGOs to be present? Of course the LTTE made sophisticated bunkers - these could not have been done without special vehicles and with numerous arrests by Sri Lankan forces of these international agencies assisting LTTE even transporting weapons it is now time for the Government to open an investigation into the manner UN/INGOs and NGOs functioned in Sri Lanka and their role in assisting terrorism. There was a time that even the armed forces were demoralized by former officials and present advisors when the war was said to be unwinnable and even LTTE had sent "official" letters after the CFA asking soldiers to abandon the North and return home to their wife and kids.

Two very happy siblings thankful to finally leave their cadjan huts into a new home

Gratitude perhaps in nothing one can expect overnight from a community whose thoughts and emotions had been suppressed and repressed by the LTTE indoctrinating hatred for the Sinhalese through 3 decades. However, the security forces have not stopped at simply eliminating terrorism and in the Mullaittivu district the security forces have shown remarkable compassion seen by the passion with which they handle the civilians. Led by Mullaittivu SF Commander Maj. Gen. Marc ably assisted by his subordinate commanders, a good synergy of teamwork without much media coverage is what anyone visiting Mullaittivu can observe and should appreciate.

From IDP camps to new homes - these Tamil civilians will soon receive a new brick 550 sq.ft (2 bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/living room) house on a 40 perch land each, dry rations for 6 months, access to hospitals, school and ability to carry out a livelihood without fear whilst they have kept their former cadjan hut as a reminder of how they lived. These brick houses built by the army take 19-20 days to complete.

But that they work diligently to build a "home" for people who once hated them is something they are not given enough credit or applause for. Already the armed forces have built over 65 such houses at the cost of 325,000 as against 50 houses built by India at a cost of Rs.575,000 taking 2 years! With LTTE making over USD300m annually supported by the Tamil Diaspora did they build better homes, roads, schools and health facilities for the Tamil people and begs to question why after 3 decades elements of the Diaspora are so concerned about the living conditions of their people now?

The Keppapilau model village is certainly worthy of mention as these are civilians who were part of those who had been saved by the armed forces in 2009. Their gratitude is certainly something that needs mention as they have been quick to realize the political gimmicks of the Tamil National Alliance and desiring to have nothing to do with them.

As liberated citizens it is best that these villagers are now left alone to pick up their lives which was at a standstill for over 30 years - they do not need politics to complicate their lives even the neighboring nation who are trying their best to get a foothold in Mullaittivu district realizing that these civilians are not as easy to persuade as those in the other districts.

Another resettled Tamil civilian family who make a living by helping fishermen

As an onlooker at a donor presentation in the 80 acre Keppapilau Model village in the Wattappalai area where 165 families have been given a new home, the manner that NGOs actually function reveals the hypocrisy of their charity movements globally. Most NGOs maximize on electronic print and media strategies to promote projects for which there is a large outpouring of funds. The donation of 100 bikes and cooking utensils was less than one third of the cost that went towards the travel costs, food, lodging and other logistics need of over 10 donors arriving from overseas! The painstaking truth is that for Third World nations, natives in need anything is better than nothing whatever amounts is pocketed as administrative costs by most of these charitable hearts and the 'tamashas' associated with their charity campaigns.

It is also a good time for the armed forces to insist that of the 40 perches gifted to each family 10 perches be allocated to grow some form of agricultural item as the soil is perfect for such and the military can handle the food supply chain using its logistics to transport goods to the consumer helping both farmer and consumer bridge the additional costs profited by the middleman.

It is with the advent of peace that natural human emotions come to play and just as the south of Sri Lanka is witnessing many personal tiffs and vendettas, the jealousies, mistrusts, selfishness is very much prevalent amongst these newly settled Tamil civilians. With unlimited assistance pouring in a wave of laziness has also made inroads into a rural society used to hard work. Anyone arriving in Mullaittivu would experience groups of civilians approach their vehicles thinking that santa has brought further gifts!

We are now at a crucial juncture. The reconciliation process must first come from within the minds translated into actions by the Tamil civilian populace most of whom have been groomed to hate the Sinhalese whilst not having any contact with them. Such blind hatred lasting 30 years takes a long time to heal and certainly not anything that can be achieved over night despite the fact that the armed forces are showing patience that no other armed forces has done.

A single mother with her extremely talent daughter who can sing Sinhala songs as well

The passion with which members of the armed forces go about their duty stationed in Mullaittivu from what was observed throughout the district is something that deserves more credit than they are currently getting. None of their actions are in any SOP and the manner they patiently deal with the civilians who ask for sewing machines, new homes, electricity and the like is far better than any public servant is able to achieve despite years of experience but one that the public servants need to emulate - for they need to play a greater role in terms of service delivery. Part of the issues in public sector service delivery is when officials function outside of their mandate committing errors in decision making, favoring friends, family or caste and not following the codes laid out for public servants.

Of course as onlookers our expectations of gratitude by these Tamil civilians towards the armed forces is nothing that can be faulted. People should not disregard or ignore the fears and insecurities of the 74% majority Sinhalese population too. The Tamil civilians were once either voluntarily or by force following LTTE orders or assisting LTTE terror activities. It is a factor the majority Sinhalese is willing to forgive but find hard to forget. While LTTE has been eliminated these civilians themselves need to be aware that attempts to separate Sri Lanka is still alive and they need to play a greater role in terms of assuring that they will not be a party to any future separatist agendas.

Mullaittivu is certainly one district that has borne the brunt of terror with LTTE using its entire area to operate its clandestine terror using its people as scapegoats. Three years following the LTTE elimination the people have chosen the wise path towards reconciliation moving alongside the troops clearly saying no to the separatist political parties still out to destroy the peace that prevails. Mullaittivu Tamils can certainly show the path to peace and bridge the North South divide.

Security forces assisting construction work. From IDP camps to new homes - these Tamil civilians will soon receive a new brick 550 sq.ft (2 bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/living room) house on a 40 perch land each.

-The Ministry of Defence bears no responsibility for the ideas and opinion expressed by the numerous contributors to the “Opinion Page” of this web site-

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/01/06/main_Editorial.asp

International ties grow stronger

Year 2013 will be significant in the annals of Sri Lanka's history as it hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). As the Head of State of the host nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa will take over the chairmanship of the Commonwealth Movement from Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who took the chair at the last CHOGM in Perth last year.

The 2013 CHOGM will enable leaders in the Commonwealth to gain first-hand experience on Sri Lanka's progress since terrorism was eradicated.

Some countries which are either unaware of the positive developments in Sri Lanka or those being misled by LTTE cohorts and a section of the Tamil Diaspora, will get a good opportunity to realise the true situation. It is far from what some Western politicians in those countries, who depend heavily on the Tamil Diaspora vote for their political survival, project to their respective governments.

Hence, Sri Lanka could showcase CHOGM to enlighten the international community on the true ground situation here.

Commonwealth leaders could themselves witness the unprecedented development in Sri Lanka since terrorism was defeated and the peaceful co-existence of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims in all parts of the country.

Moreover, Commonwealth States' heads could behold the new lease of life people in the North and the East enjoy after they were liberated from the clutches of LTTE terror. The successful completion of the resettlement programs which reached new world standards and the mega development projects launched in the North and the East would be food for thought for the Commonwealth leaders and they could take the message to the rest of the world.

It was only last month that President Rajapaksa and Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma declared that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Colombo from November 15 to 17 this year.

CHOGM is held biannually and is the Commonwealth's highest consultative and policy-making body. Commonwealth leaders agreed on Sri Lanka as the 2013 host for the meeting when they met in the Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2009. This decision was reaffirmed at the 2011 CHOGM in Perth, Australia.

As a committed member of the Commonwealth family, Sri Lanka will spare no pains to host a successful CHOGM. The Commonwealth shares a strong commitment to the twin pillars of democracy and development. Sri Lanka eagerly looks forward to welcoming all Commonwealth leaders and delegates to this thrice-blessed isle.

There is no doubt that the 2013 CHOGM will be successful and a mutually beneficial summit in the true Commonwealth spirit. Sri Lanka, as the host country, will share its experiences in the areas of collective interest, including rural development, youth empowerment and people-centred socio-economic growth within the Commonwealth family, engaging with all members to achieve a significant outcome.

CHOGM brings together leaders representing around a quarter of the world's nations and one-third of the world's population. Hence, CHOGM should no longer act as a toothless tiger and must protect its identity while working for the betterment of those in the Commonwealth.

As the Commonwealth Secretary General had said, CHOGM provides an opportunity for Commonwealth leaders to work on a common approach to the national and global challenges of our times, to find paths to peace and prosperity for all, and deliberate on how this outstanding organisation can continue to serve the world better.

The Commonwealth will march towards greater horizons under the leadership of President Rajapaksa. It could also exploit Sri Lanka's expertise and first-hand experience in eliminating terrorism which has plagued many countries in the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth unites governments and people on practical action on shared values and principles, mutually supporting one another in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The Commonwealth community would savour the warmth and hospitality of all Sri Lankans.

Australia, which now heads the Commonwealth, has played an exemplary role. The Australian Government has pledged that it would support Sri Lanka both politically and technically for the forthcoming CHOGM.

Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr's recent visit to Sri Lanka has strengthened bilateral relations further. It is evident that Australia has the best understanding on Sri Lanka's developments - much more than any other Western nation.

The Australian Foreign Minister has demonstrated implicit faith in Sri Lanka's own mechanism for reconciliation - the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). He referred to the LLRC report as the "best instrument" to resolve any issues.

Minister Carr's remarks on Canada's stance to skip the 2013 CHOGM is an eye-opener to one and all. When asked about Canada not attending the summit here, he said that Canada should engage with Sri Lanka on human rights' issues.

This is precisely what Sri Lanka has been telling the world all along. Those who level charges against Sri Lanka must first and foremost see for themselves, rather than swallow the concocted stories dished out by Tiger sympathisers lock, stock and barrel.

Australia has been working closely with Sri Lanka and is one of the few countries which has not been misled by the LTTE cohorts' propaganda. These asylum seekers have been categorised as economic migrants.

The timely action of the Australian government has put a spoke in the wheel of LTTE sympathisers to get more Tamils from Sri Lanka to Australia on the pretext of political asylum. Gone are the days when LTTE henchmen in the West got down their activists from Sri Lanka in the guise of political asylum. Other Western countries, including Canada, must emulate Australia's worthy example.

Australia has already committed millions of dollars in aid to enhance educational opportunities in Sri Lanka, in the hope that it would help stem the flow of illegal immigrants. US$36 million will be expended over four years to help around four million primary and secondary schoolchildren in Sri Lanka and contribute to a stable society. Australia has expressed its interest in a "stable Sri Lanka with rapid economic growth".

It is hoped that the Australian initiative would focus the attention of world leaders outside the Commonwealth and that all would support Sri Lanka in its sincere efforts in national reconciliation and development.

The Government has done everything to secure a better tomorrow for all those who have been rescued from the grip of LTTE terror. The Northern and the Eastern Provinces have recorded a rapid growth of over 20 percent and the people in those areas have begun to contribute to the national economy. Why is it that those who shed crocodile tears over the well-being of the Tamils in the North fail to see these positive developments?

The LTTE cohorts and a section of the Tamil Diaspora are still attempting to take Sri Lanka to task on their so-called war crimes allegations. Leaders of these Western countries should at least now not fall prey to this ploy.

Some countries which voted in support of the US-led Resolution against Sri Lanka early last year, have now adopted a new stance. Most of these countries today have a better understanding on the real situation prevailing in Sri Lanka. They could no longer be taken for a ride by those with vested interests who continue to pump dollars lavishly on some Western countries.

President Rajapaksa's strong foreign policy has also won him new friends the world over, apart from those friendly countries which steadfastly supported Sri Lanka over the years. In this backdrop, Sri Lanka could easily beat all overwhelming odds and face whatever challenges, both locally and internationally courageously.

Hence, those who have been day-dreaming of a regime change will have to wait till the cows come home. The masses have pledged their utmost support to the President and the UPFA Government and will never bow down to the pressure thrust by LTTE cohorts through their agents abroad.

Sri Lanka's international relations will be even stronger this year as the country embarks on an ambitious program to win the economic war as well.

 

 

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/01/05/sec02.asp

Defence Secretary welcomes UN decision, calls for action against LTTE rump

Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the global community should realise that the contentious issue of child soldiers could never have been resolved if the LTTE had retained its fighting capability.

The Defence Secretary expressed these views responding to the United Nations Security Council Working group on Children and Armed Conflict closing its dossier on Sri Lanka after deciding that children in armed conflict were no longer an issue.

Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa

In spite of an unprecedented agreement between the UN and the LTTE, in 1998, to stop using children in combat, the LTTE continued to use children in combat to the very end. Colombo based diplomatic missions, including the UN were aware of efforts to save children from the LTTE.

LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Security Forces said the LTTE recruited children at gun point even in February 2009, three months before the conclusion of the conflict.

The Working Group adopted the ‘Draft Conclusions on the situation of children and armed conflict in Sri Lanka’ on December 19, 2012.

Defence Secretary Rajapaksa pointed out that those wanting to haul Sri Lanka before an international war crimes tribunal for eradicating the LTTE, had brazenly encouraged the LTTE’s use of child soldiers in combat.

“In fact, the images of child soldiers had been of great propaganda value to those promoting the LTTE, both here and abroad,” the Defence Secretary said.

He called for stringent action against those who encouraged the use of child soldiers. Prior to adopting the Draft Conclusions, the Working Group considered the report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict in Sri Lanka, and its recommendations in accordance with Security Council resolutions.

The UN in June 2012 de-listed Sri Lanka from the United Nations Secretary-General’s ‘List of Shame’ that lists countries where children are involved in armed conflict acknowledging that Sri Lanka “successfully completed Security Council-mandated programmes to end the recruitment and use of children.

The Defence Secretary said Australian born Adele married to former LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham actively promoted the forcible conscription of children by the LTTE, which on its own released pictures of Adele with LTTE combatants in the Vanni during the height of the conflict.

He said she now lived a quiet life in the UK. He said the Balasinghams had been involved with the LTTE since the very outset. Commenting on the post-war national reconciliation process, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said the government had given child combatants an opportunity to resume education.

“Even the rehabilitation process was nearing completion,” the Defence Secretary said urging the global community to give Sri Lanka the credit it deserved for eradicating terrorism.

The Defence Secretary recalled how a comprehensive study undertaken by the UNICEF at the end of the conflict revealed the forcible conscription of children by the LTTE. The UNICEF report was based on information provided by parents of those children abducted by the LTTE during the conflict, he said. One-time UNICEF Executive Director in Colombo Dr. Hiranthi Wijemanne and retired career diplomat John Gunaratne told the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) how Sri Lanka’s effort to include child soldiers in the CFA agenda had been ignored.

Courtesy: defence.lk

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201301/20130101its_reality_check_time_critics_sl.htm

It's reality check time for critics of Sri Lanka

Peace may not restore ideal conditions overnight. But postwar Sri Lanka has taken the great leap forward to restore peace, dignity and self-respect to all citizens which were never available under the horrors of needless terrorism, states Bandula Jayasekara, consul-general of Sri Lanka in Sydney responding to the article by Bruce Haigh (''Diplomats paint one-sided picture of Sri Lanka'', December 28, p15). The response adds that “He refers to the origin of the Sri Lankan flag. There are 192 flags flying at the UN and only the Sri Lankan flag has given a place to the Tamils. Not even India”. Here is the text of the response by Bandula Jayasekara, consul-general of Sri Lanka in Sydney: Since Bruce Haigh (''Diplomats paint one-sided picture of Sri Lanka'', December 28, p15) has singled me out by name for defending my country - which is my duty as Sri Lanka's consul-general in Sydney - I would point out that he shouldn't have rushed into places where better informed commentators would fear to tread. He refers to the origin of the Sri Lankan flag. There are 192 flags flying at the UN and only the Sri Lankan flag has given a place to the Tamils. Not even India. The design of the Sri Lankan flag came out of consensual agreement signed by Tamil and Muslim community leaders immediately after independence. Haigh's claim that neutral symbols were rejected is a bizarre fantasy not substantiated by the historical facts. Error 2: Both at the grassroots and highest political level Sinhalese have shared power. After independence in 1948 every cabinet had Tamil and Muslim ministers. If Haigh cares to go back to his text books he may learn the difference between sharing power and separatism. Error 3: Sri Lanka had 30 years of terrorism. The international community banned the Tamil Tiger terrorists, led by Prabhakaran, ''the latest Pol Pot of Asia'' (James Burn, The New York Times, June 25, 1995). Moderate Tamil leaders have condemned Prabhakaran as the ''Tamil tyrant who killed more Tamils than all the others. If Haigh were to remove his anti-Sri Lankan blinkers he may see the reality in a better light, and it is 2012 and not 1994. Error 4: Referring to South Africa and East Timor he says that ''the truth will be out [about] the treatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka''. I don't know in what part of Sri Lanka he was when he was deputy high commissioner but if he had his ear to the ground, as every diplomat should, he would have understood or tried to understand how terrorists were destroying my country. What was he doing when the terrorist tyrant Prabhakaran forcibly kidnapped under-aged children on their way to school and thrown as fodder into a futile war? In the name of separatism he ruled with an iron fist, killing all peace-makers, including India's Rajiv Gandhi. He decimated the entire Tamil leadership in mainstream politics. Sri Lankan Tamils were only liberated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lankan security forces. It is time Haigh took a reality check on the ground situation in Sri Lanka. Last but not the least he picks on my comments about the remnants of the pro-LTTE lobby penetrating Australian borders in the guise of asylum seekers. This is a fact known to Sri Lankan and Australian intelligence units. Besides, people-smuggling has been a common tactic of the LTTE to pack Western electoral constituencies with pro-LTTE agents who in turn can influence decision-makers at the highest levels to push an anti-Sri Lankan agenda. I forgot to mention the other hidden agenda: they exploit the available social security systems to collect money to finance their violent politics - a violation of Security Council resolution 1373. The Sri Lankan government put an end to the violent ''human rights'' (which Haigh is promoting heavily) record of the LTTE when it crushed them in May 2009. With all the infirmities that can exist in a postwar situation the Sri Lankan government has established a sound record of rehabilitating LTTE cadres and settling nearly 300,000 internally displaced people who were dragged from village to village, without food, water, shelter and medicine by the LTTE. Peace may not restore ideal conditions overnight. But postwar Sri Lanka has taken the great leap forward to restore peace, dignity and self-respect to all citizens which were never available under the horrors of needless terrorism. These facts make it clear that Haigh's knowledge of Sri Lanka is not that hot as it claims to be. I am also sorry about Haigh's desperate and futile attempt to create a wedge between myself and high commissioner Thisara Samarasinghe in Canberra.