Sri Lankan armed forces and the government under the leadership of the President have achieved a monumental victory against a highly organized, well equipped and fully armed terrorist group who were also backed by treacherous local politicians and their colonial masters. This victory would be comparable to the great victories won by ancient kings against foreign invaders who came from South India, Portugal, Holland and Britain. Those invaders won when the leadership in Sri Lanka was weak and lost when it was strong. Similarly the LTTE gained ascendancy when our leadership was weak and lost ground when it was strong and finally was wiped out by a leadership that could stand up to everything that local and foreign forces could throw at it.

The government got everything right. First and foremost the armed forces were well looked after, all modern weapons were purchased, a committed defence secretary and the best commanders were appointed and left to do their job without political interference. The civilians were treated with dignity and kindness. Their safety was given priority over other considerations, often at the disadvantage of the armed forces. The links with friendly countries that were helping us to fight the terrorists were strengthened and every diabolical move by the colonialists was resisted and countered. Media freedom was ensured as far as possible proved by the fact that even articles of a seditious nature were allowed to be published. Every Tom, Dick, Harry and Miliband were allowed to visit the country and have his or her say but told where to get off which is better than stopping their visits. The NGOs both local and foreign who make noises to earn their keep, were not muffled. The Indian factor was managed with professional diplomacy. The final result was that even the most powerful country in the world could not stop the march to victory. The government has emerged unscathed with enhanced people’s support who also showed that they could undergo hardship in the interests of the country.

Thus one could make bold to say that our armed forces are the best in the world for several reasons. They are brave, gallant, disciplined, kind to the civilians, and far superior to any other in tactical warfare. These are poor village youth who are prepared to pay the supreme price to save their country, as they have no other country. The modern armies of the Western countries do not exhibit any of these qualities. They don’t have to. With the press of a button they can wipe out an entire population including the terrorists. The civilian casualties are written off as unavoidable collateral damage. They could afford to do this because their wars are often fought in somebody else’s country and the civilians at the receiving end are not their people.

This gigantic victory against all odds would no doubt encourage other small countries facing similar challenges and would influence the future polarization of nations. It has shown that colonialism could be resisted and even small countries cannot be brow beaten into submission provided the leadership is strong and the people are behind the government and willing to support the struggle in spite of hardships. It also showed the true colours of those who pretend to be our friends. The hidden agenda of treacherous local politicians, and why they collude with colonial powers too remains exposed. They are the Don Juans we have to beware of. This victory would be short lived if they are allowed to gain a foothold. Neither these politicians nor their masters have yet issued a statement welcoming the annihilation of one of the most brutal terrorist organizations of the world although it is a good thing for the world at large.

Let us never forget our war heroes, dead, alive or injured. Let us look after them and their families as long as they live. Let us organize ourselves in every village and town to support them in every respect, finance, education, health, shelter, employment etc. Let the existing organizations expand with the help of the people and the government to meet the challenge. Let there be monuments, libraries, schools, banks, housing schemes etc exclusively for war heroes and their families. Let the expatriates help in this meritorious deed. Let the soldier be remembered.