This tiny island nation has attracted world attention for a feat that no other nation has achieved. Not even countries with bigger armies, larger coffers and a higher say in world affairs. But who, out there is applauding us and our military ? A small number of true friends. How come ? What would it have been if someone had caught Bin Laden or vanquished the Taliban, or the Al Quaeda ? Oh then the world would have celebrated.

World sensitivity to terrorism changed after 9/11. Before that, it was a lonely fight for Sri Lanka. The LTTE were freedom fighters, not terrorists. After 9/11 they became terrorists. The UN was quick to respond with a spate of Conventions demanding state intervention to deal with terrorist financing, money laundering, child proscription etc. etc. etc.

I have watched the way Sri Lanka’s victory has been reported internationally. I have listened to discussions on a variety of aspects. I have heard callers (supposedly from among the Tamil diaspora) talk of genocide (obviously they don’t know the meaning of that term !). But I don’t find adequate focus on the following –

The LTTE had no mandate to represent the Tamil people. They were never given one. Their pursuit (for a separate nation) was their own, not that of the Tamil people.

They were terrorists (acknowledged as such internationally and proscribed by many) who received generous funding from the Tamil diaspora. What right have the Tamil diaspora to fund an organisation that has no legitimacy among the people who they (the LTTE) were professing to fight on behalf of. What right have they, who are not citizens of this country, to get involved in issues of Tamil people who have their own elected representatives here to speak for them. Did we ever hear the Tamil diasppora demanding of Prabakaran that the human shield he wove around him, be released ? No. we only heard them shout for the LTTE and wave the LTTE flag. The flag of a proscribed terrorist Organisation. What does that amount to ? – aiding and abetting terrorism. They were not interested in the Tamil civilians. Theirs was a cause inspired by their own interests. Shame.

The LTTE killed Tamil intellectuals (as well as Sinhala leaders) who could have ably represented the Tamil people. Why ? because they (the LTTE) wanted to be the only voice. They had much to lose (luxury bunkers, five star accommodation, food fit for Kings) if the fight for Tamil Ealam had to be given up for a political solution which didn’t provide those luxuries. And the latter could have been achieved through a democratic process.

The LTTE were renowned for conscription of children to fight their war. What a crime ! Do we hear that fact mentioned by any one now ? This was one of the worst crimes they committed and even the UNICEF had abundantly clear evidence of it. Why didn’t the International community (IC) demand an investigation into this crime when it was happening ? Why didn’t the IC demand that they be prosecuted for this crime ?

No mention was ever made of the response of those in the south of the country to help those in the IDP camps. That alone belies the cry of genocide by the likes of MIA who obviously believe what they want to believe, whether it be blatant untruths or not. She should stick to what she’s good at – singing.

The IC has lost its credibility. If their concern were the Tamil innocent civilians, then they should have demanded of Prabakaran that he releases those who he was detaining to shield him. What did they do with Sadam Hussein ? Did anyone ask that he be pardoned when he was found ? Yet, someone thought it fit to ask that Prabakaran be pardoned.

Think about it – A US led effort to fight the Taliban is ongoing. Will they think of pardoning the leadership, if found? Also, is anyone asking for a ceasefire on account of the largest exodus of innocent civilians out of the Swat valley? There’s too much human suffering there. But no! No one asks for that.

Their war is important. Ours is not.

Current debates always include a question "Can Sri Lanka deliver now to eliminate the root causes of this conflict ?" Yes, we can and we must. We can, much better than they can. We achieved what everyone said was impossible. We have the capacity, the intelligence and above all, as was clearly articulated by the President on Tuesday, the will, to do just that. I hope all Sri Lankans will rally round the new identity we have for ourselves – "those who love the country", to help the Government make it possible. Sri Lanka is home to those who want it to be home.