12.11.2008
Sunil C Perera
Defence
Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse says it is important that
the LTTE should be defeated militarily to bring about a
lasting peace in this country.
He said the security forces are engaged in a military operation
against terrorists and it is not a move against any race
or group of people.
The Defence Secretary in an interview with Business Today
Magazine stated that all communities should clearly understand
this situation. Media freedom and human rights could be
enjoyed only if the country has a peaceful environment.
Therefore, the defence secretary said, it is the responsibility
of everybody to support the government's efforts to eliminate
terrorism of the LTTE.
This should be understood by persons and groups who claim
that they are appearing for human rights and democracy.
Speaking further, Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse said it is the
security forces in Sri Lanka that introduced first the strategy
to conduct military operations without causing damage to
civilians.
The strategy was successfully practiced during operations
conducted to regain the eastern province. Commenting on
the LTTE's offer on a truce, the defence secretary said
it is the habit of them to resort to ceasefire agreements
whenever they are weaken militarily. |