26.1.2008

" Terrorism must be eliminated and the political problem must be resolved by a political solution"
The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka

The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka in a interview on the ITN "Thulawa" program Thursday night spoke regarding a range security matters prevailing in the country.

The Commander of the Army began stating that it is his task to eliminate terrorism as practiced by the LTTE leader while the Sri Lanka Government (SLG) will resolve the political problem with a political solution. He said that since LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran assassinated the Mayor of Jaffna Alfred Durayyapah over 30 years ago, it was possible for him to build his terrorist outfit because of the vacillating policy adopted by successful governments. The major factor which enabled the LTTE to increase its strength and influence was because the Governments during the period did not "act" correctly as they were undecided "to fight or not to fight". This gave the terrorists time to motivate and build a nexus between the 60 million Tamils in Tamil Nadu and the 40 million Tamil Diaspora which provided the leadership, finances, moral and organizational support to reach a position of strength and influence internationally. He observed that due to lack of a strategy to defeat the LTTE areas which were "cleared" were soon lost due to the absence of direction and commitment.

The Commander of the Army stated that today due to the clear policy of His Excellency Mahinda Rakapaksa, supported by the Secretary Defence it was possible for the Army to reach a position of strength not only to achieve its objectives according to a well conceived plan but also to retain the areas "cleared ". Earlier without an understanding of the LTTE game plan to achieve Tamil Eelam areas once cleared were lost to the LTTE again. Today the Eastern Province has been cleared and the Government has launched a massive development plan for the region despite many interested groups and critics predicting that the LTTE will reclaim "their" lost territory. These pessimists and critics have been proved wrong.

The East was the lynch pin of the LTTE. It provided manpower, financial resources, food, training bases, hospitals, arms & weapons dumps a launching pad for attacks besides many other facilities. To protect the area the LTTE deployed over 3000. Over 2000 terrorists were killed and over 2000 T56 assault rifles, heavy weapons, thousands of rounds, hundreds of kilos of explosives, vehicles, etc were recovered. Over 300 fled to other areas leaving even their underground hospitals and stores of food. This success exploded the myth that it was the Karuna faction which supported the Army against the terrorists. The Commander of the Army rejected the idea as it was not necessary to "learn" from Karuna - if he had the capability he would have defeated the LTTE and the Army in the East and held it. Today the Karuna faction has established the democratic path by establishing the TMVP to contest the forthcoming elections. This demonstrates that they wish to enter the political stream. The people now have confidence that the LTTE is a spent force and support the Army especially by providing information regarding the terrorists. The Commander said that he is confident that once the Tamil youth in the East see the advantages of peace they will not go back to join the Terrorists. All communities in the East are cooperating with the Security Forces and the Government as they can visualize a bright and peaceful future for all communities.

The Commander of the Army stated that a myth was created among the International Community to believe that the LTTE cannot be defeated and there is no alternative but to negotiate with the LTTE leader to usher peace. This myth has now been exploded. Prabhakaran's dream of "Eelam" based on the East are over with his leaders eliminated Prabhakaran is "on the run" and the facade built around him has collapsed .He has issued orders to stop communications and has no place to hide as air strikes have followed him to his hideouts. Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka when questioned whether Prabhakaran is living or dead answered that the question is irrelevant as he is good as dead. The Commander of the Army also stated that the LTTE is not "finished" yet but "weakened" sufficiently and it will take a little more time to eliminate terrorism completely.

The LTTE according to the Commander of the Army adopted various ruses to strengthen itself when weakened. The Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) gave unbridled opportunity to strengthen its fighting strength to around 15,000. The LTTE was able to activate its international networks to bring huge supplies of explosives, small arms, heavy weapons, ammunition, communications equipment, and sophisticated equipment, acquire and build boats and other warlike stores without any restrictions. They were free to move around, collect intelligence and eliminate members of the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces. He said that the CFA was an "unwise" move by the then government. This freedom the LTTE does not have today. He could not say whether the then commanders were aware of the signing of the CFA.

When asked for the views of Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka regarding the CFA he said that there are those who say there were no "body bags" coming South, no explosions, there was the freedom to travel and there was no fear of explosion. However, he pointed out that it is most 'unfortunate" that people with ideas live in Sri Lanka. He said that when His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office as President there was only a Brigade (around 1500 soldiers) in reserve. He stated that the Eastern province was 'liberated " from the terrorist last year and this has been possible due to the clear leadership of His Excellency to build up five Brigades (over 25,000 soldiers ) as reserve forces .The Government has provided the required military hardware in the war against LTTE terrorism ranging from body armour, steel helmets , vehicles(over 100) with anti- claymore mine explosion resisting capability, fighting vehicles ("buffles"), vehicles (over 300) , to heavy weapons, ammunition, communication equipment, medical facilities as ambulances , etc . 35 ,000 soldiers have been enlisted since 2007. Troops are engaged in anti terrorist operations in the Mannar, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Trincomalee sectors whilst maintaining peace in the Eastern province. Since March, 2007 two divisions are deployed in the Jaffna sector. In comparison the Commander stated that Prabhakaran has lost not only LTTE "fighters" but also leaders at all levels .With around 200,000 people in the Killinochchi area the LTTE could force each family to provide two children but what is available consists of those inexperienced without any commitment to fight. He said about 15 terrorist are killed daily in Jaffna area and over 2500 killed in all operational areas so far.

He referred to the terrorist killings in Buttala - Tanamalwila area and explained that the area is vast and mostly jungle making the task more difficult. However he said that adequate Troops, Police and members of the Civil Defence Force have been deployed and it will not be long before those responsible will be eliminated.

The Commander stated that the Army has demonstrated that the LTTE is not invisible as made out earlier by interested groups here and abroad. He reiterated that this achievement is due to the commitment of the Security Forces, the support form the public and the clear leadership of His Excellency. The support given by the Secretary Defence by launching the 50,000 housing units for the Security Forces and the establishment of a school for the children of the Services , building of transit camps in Habarana ,etc have encouraged the youth to enlist in the Army.

He said there are problems regarding transfer of soldiers that are needed. But these have been addressed but the operational areas need soldiers. He dismissed the "myth" that some officers live in comfort while others do not. He pointed out that the most efficient and "result" oriented Officers will be recognized for promotion and those who do not make the grade will have to make way for the most efficient. He expected the Officers to understand this as unlike earlier seniority is not the criterion for promotion.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka stated that the SLG will resolve the political problem while he will complete the task assigned to him and not lave the task to the next. He said was confident he will realize his mission to eliminate terrorism and provide peace and security to the people of all communities in Sri Lanka.

Courtesy - MCNS/ Sri Lanka Defence