Correct political and military leadership led to victory - Defence Secretary

Courageous political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the correct military leadership given to the Security Forces were the principal reasons behind the historic victories achieved in the struggle to defeat terrorism , said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa participating in a live telecast yesterday evening.

There was tremendous external and internal pressure brought on President Rajapaksa, especially at the initial period of the war against the Tigers, the Defence Secretary explained. Some foreign powers not only told him that the LTTE was invincible but also wanted him to stop the war, he said.

“There were also difficulties in procuring necessary arms and equipment for the prosecution of the war. It was through the untiring efforts of the President that Sri Lanka could obtain the required military hardware from China, Pakistan and other friendly countries,” he added.

The Defence Secretary also revealed that it was the changed strategy and tactics in the battle front that facilitated the military victories.

The use of small groups, formation of wide fronts as well as simultaneous offensive operations from several locations, the use of special task forces and commando groups were some of these new strategic and tactical measures, he explained.

The Sri Lanka Navy also developed new strategies, some of which were engaging the enemy at deep sea far off from our shores, the use of small crafts in combating LTTE boats, he said.

Similarly, the Sri Lankan Air Force which could aim more precisely at targets identified by ground and air surveillance helped the advance of the army, he opined.

The myth of LTTE invincibility has been shattered and the victories were achieved with stunning rapidity, the Defence Secretary revealed.