Dawn of honourable peace
Address
by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the 61st Independence
Anniversary Celebrations at Galle Face, Colombo on February
4. |
I announce with pride that we have raised the National Flag today
over a motherland that is being united in keeping with the heart felt
wishes and prayers of our people.
My dear people who through sacrifice of life have come forward to
defend the freedom of our land; and through their blessings and every
thought supported that struggle; and my dear children who have eagerly
looked towards the struggle for freedom in our land, 61 years ago our
great motherland was freed from the clutches of British Imperialism.
The British granted us Independence on February 4th 1948, after 500
years during which our country was controlled wholly or partly by the
Portuguese, Dutch and the British.
By this time our people had struggled against colonial rule in 1818
and 1848. Our great heroes such as Monaravila Keppettipola and Puran
Appu had scarified their lives in these struggles. Whenever we think of
our freedom we always recall the greatness of such heroes.
However, due to our motherland being subjected to repeated foreign
incursions and invasions there were many challenges to the progress of
our nation. The unbroken progress of our knowledge and technology was
suddenly interrupted. With the dawn of Independence from British rule on
February 4th 1948, we gained the opportunity to move towards progress in
a manner that was inherent to our nation. However, we failed to lead our
society, handed to us with divisions, into the proper path of unity and
progress.
|
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing
the Nation from the Galle Face Green Picture by Sudath Silva |
Therefore, as we completed 30 years after independence we saw the
birth of separatist, racist and terrorist politics that sought to divide
our motherland.
Although every year in the past we have commemorated our
Independence, through 30 years during this period we have lived in the
midst of an illegal, armed, terrorist movement. Therefore, throughout
this period we could not celebrate true Freedom.
Terrorism
Due to this terrorism the Sinhala and Muslim people who lived in the
north were compelled to flee from their traditional lands. This period
saw the massacre of Buddhist worshippers near the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi,
at Anuradhapura.
At Kaththankudi, Muslims were killed while worshipping in their
mosque. There were terrorist attacks on the pinnacle of Buddhist
worship, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Innocent people
were collectively massacred in many places of this land.
That is not all, for the first time in the history of our land the
tiger terrorists carried out ethnic cleansing. They sought to establish
a fascist state in which the Sinhala and Muslim people, as well as the
Tamil people who were not prepared to bow before them, would not live. A
large number of Democratic leaders of the Tamil people were killed by
the terrorists. Similarly, many of our national leaders were
assassinated by the forces of terror. The entire country was terrorized.
Our country became the victim of the most powerful terrorist
organization in the world. We had come to the verge of the separatist
terrorists achieving their goal of dividing the country and establishing
a separate state of Tamil Eelam.
We were being compelled by some administrators of that time to accept
the so-called peace brought about by the division of the country, and
the victory of the forces of terror. Many foreign forces attempted to
persuade us that the path to achieving peace was to be subjugated by a
terrorist organization that had power on land, sea and air as well as
ruthless suicide killers.
Together with this, some international institutions sought to show
our country as a failed State, which pained the hearts and minds of all
of us at the unfortunate fate that was sought to be bestowed on the land
of our birth.
We were finally challenged by this unfortunate fate that our great
motherland could no more bear.
In the Presidential election held in 2005 you brought me to the
leadership of our land. It was to battle against this misfortune of
fate; to defeat it and to bring victory to the nation over it. It was to
defeat the foundations of a cowardly peace based on the victory of
separatist terror, and instead establish a genuine and dignified peace
for our land.
In the Presidential Election of 2005, you handed to me and to our
Government the challenge of being victorious over the threat that time
had raised against us. We faced this daring challenge with a
determination to somehow achieve victory over it.
It is said that failure is the very mother of success. You are aware
that most governments and leaders of the past attempted to solve this
problem with separatist terror, through military means and discussions.
It is no secret at all these efforts were unsuccessful. It is these
failures that led me to decide to move towards success. This is what I
stated in my policy statement - the Mahinda Chintana - presented for the
2005 Presidential Election:
“It is my intention to critically examine the merits and demerits of
the steps taken so far to deal with this complex problem and consider a
fresh approach. In doing so, the fundamental platform that I would base
my initiative would be an undivided country, a national consensus and an
honourable peace”.
We have now been able, within a short span of two and half years, to
almost completely defeat the cowardly forces of terror that had wrapped
our entire nation in fear through several decades.
This great victory has been brought to our country through our Army,
Navy, Air Force, Police, the Police Special Task Force and Civil Defence
Corps carrying out the task before them, jointly and with great
dedication.
Our heroic forces have given us the opportunity today to celebrate
the anniversary of our Independence in a country freed, after many
years, from the dark shadow of terrorism.
We are all aware that there have been betrayals and subjugations
throughout our history. This reminds us of many infamous names. At the
same time are we also reminded today of the bravery, national pride and
patriotism that was seen in our great kings such as Dutugemunu, Gajaba
and Vijayabahu.
Our forces have protected the great heroism and dignity of the past
and handed it to the future. It was no easy task to destroy the threat
to the unitary nature and freedom of our country from the LTTE that was
described as the most powerful terrorist organization in the world.
Our troops have given us the opportunity to see the dawn of an
honourable peace for the country. They have sacrificed their flesh,
blood, sinews and life itself to bring this great historic opportunity
to our motherland. Our troops were able to carry forward the battle
against terror with great care so as not to cause harassment to the
innocent Tamil people.
Peace
The dignified peace that is now dawning upon us becomes greater and
more unique than the peace enjoyed by the people of other countries,
because it is built on the immense sacrifice of these heroes.
There are good reasons behind this victory. The people contributed to
this victory without any differences, in the face of many economic
hardships. They correctly understood that we have launched a proper
battle for the defeat of separatist terrorism.
But for the sacrifice of their children to the armed forces, police
and civil defence corps in such large numbers by our mothers and
fathers, as never before seen in our history, this victory would not be
possible.
Victory
Their immense commitment was not in vain. It is these sacrifices that
have enabled the National Flag to fly with pride over the entire country
today. Our troops gave us this victory through their own skills,
knowledge and expertise. Our forces did not obtain the assistance of any
foreign experts. Similarly, our forces had a certain expertise of their
own. It is their refusal to say no, on any occasion. They always thought
that “we should do this somehow for our country”.
Our country has achieved these victories because they had the courage
to think in such manner. Do not forget that in most countries where
separatist terrorists have been active, they have achieved victory.
However, In Sri Lanka we have been able to defeat terrorism and
separatism and safeguard the unitary nature of our State.
Whatever the number of countries in the world, there is no place that
is safer to anyone than the land of ones birth. The time has now dawned
for the Sri Lankans who have left their country, because of this
unfortunate battle that had dragged for more than 20 years, to return to
their land of birth and to the places they lived in.
On this important occasion, on behalf of the entire Sri Lankan
nation, I make an open invitation to all Sri Lankans - Sinhala, Tamil,
Muslim, Burgher, Malay and of all other communities, who left this
country because of war to return to your motherland.
I am confident that in a few days we will decisively defeat the
terrorist force that many repeatedly kept saying was invincible.
However, we should not think that with this alone we have overcome
all challenges before us.
Since independence we have achieved good results in some sectors. We
have obtained a satisfactory position on child health and education. 97%
of our children obtain admission to schools for education. At a time
when in most countries of the world a free health service and free
education have been denied to their people, we as a government are
dedicated to carry out these social responsibilities.
However, although there are several such matters about which we can
be pleased there are many more challenges to be overcome, too. It is
necessary to provide a more productive education to our children, which
is suited to needs of the progress of our country.
Wherever poverty raises its head it should be overcome. It is
necessary to see the emergence of a public service with different
attitudes.
We should bring the public service to the position when it considers
the people as its master. Today, we all face the challenge of bringing
about a country that has good governance and prosperity, leaving no room
for corruption and waste.
We are today a nation that has defeated a powerful enemy that stood
before us. Similarly, we should have the ability to defeat all internal
enemies that are found in our midst. We should be ready to change as it
is necessary to meet these new challenges. What is best is to be united
as one nation, to see the dawn of the proper social, economic, cultural
and political goals of society.
Today, there is a new vibrancy in our National Flag. There is a new
resonance in our National Anthem. The National Flag that our heroic
troops took to the north flutters in the hands of the people of the
north. Our entire nation is now united in the shade of the National
Flag, conscious of the need to achieve victory over the new challenges
before us. They love their country more than at any other time in our
history.
We should be ready to properly grasp and not waste the opportunity
that history has presented to us after 61 years of freedom from colonial
rule, to once again raise our country to the dignity it deserves.
The nation expects a new future, and a future of change. A future
where the unpleasant experiences that we jointly faced in the recent
past are not repeated. It is time to stop the refrain that we “cannot”
and we “don’t have”.
Dignity
The remnants and leftovers of subjugation should be erased from our
minds. We should look towards the future as a people with a proud and
glorious history. Do not strain to demonstrate subjugation and
servitude. Rather, strive to demonstrate your freedom and non-servitude,
to rise with dignity of a citizen who equally loves the Sinhala, Tamil,
Muslim, Burgher, Malay and all others who makeup our nation. The sowing
of discord belongs to the past. The future belongs to those who sow the
seeds of unity.
The spread of social injustice is of the past. The future is for the
building of social justice.
How can it be difficult for us who were able to defeat separatist
terrorism that many said was invincible, to build this new future in our
motherland? However, difficult it may be, doing justice by the Sri
Lankan nation has no other path than the determination to achieve it.
More than anything else I have faith in the spirit and pride of the
Sri Lankan nation. Our heroes of war confirmed this belief of mine. We
move towards an era of national reawakening and commit our service to it
because, of this trust in our nation.
What is before us is a century of expectations. If we are able to
leave the stage of history as those who have fulfilled the expectation
of the nation, what more satisfaction can one have? Let us all go
towards realizing that great satisfaction.
In that march ahead, should we hesitate to say what has to be said?
No. Should we hesitate to do what needs doing? No. Or else, would it be
possible for us to bring about a Sri Lanka that is free of terrorism? In
overcoming the challenges of the future too, we shall work in the same
manner.
I do not believe that the true extent of our development is seen on
the bill-boards in our cities. I believe that the full measure of our
progress can only been seen when the faces of our people and our
children light up with joy and satisfaction. It is necessary to work
hard to achieve this.
We took the greatest risk in the battle to defeat separatist terror.
It was the risk of life. Our Defence Secretary and the Commander of our
Army did not abandon their responsibilities even having faced terror
attacks from suicide killers. During this period the forces of terror
preyed on the lives of two of our most senior Ministers.
However, in the face of such danger we did not show that we lacked
the courage to face up to the enemy. At a time when their fellow
soldiers were dying from enemy attacks in the battle field, our troops
did not abandon the battle for fear of their lives.
Had we not the courage to face up to such dangers would it have been
possible for us to safeguard our country? Similarly, I wish to state,
that in the struggles ahead to build a new country we shall not fear to
take necessary decisions in the face of any dangers that we may face.
We shall also in the same manner enter the struggle to establish
stability and good governance in our country, free of corruption and
waste. We must be able to change as required by the challenges placed
before us by time. If we cannot do so we should be ready to leave the
stage.
A Former Governor of the World Bank James Wolfenson said thus on July
5th 1998: “Wherever social and economic expectations have been
destroyed, in such a place there is only a small space for peace.
Similarly, there is also very small space for stability”.
I am today a firm believer in this. We are now building a country
where people will not die through terrorism. Similarly, we should
transform this into a country where the social and economic expectations
of the people are not shattered. If not, there will only be a very small
space for peace and stability.
It will be possible for the victories of war to be lost by war, only
if such military victories are not consolidated through the plough.
Therefore, we should be ready to direct our country towards a campaign
that will take us to social, economic, cultural and political progress.
Sovereignty
It is our responsibility to bring our people to the awareness that
sovereignty lies with them. If the people do not believe that what is
done is in keeping with their needs and expectations, the value of their
sovereignty will be diminished. What change can we bring to the country
without seeing the dawn of the day when the people realize that they are
the real owners of the agricultural land, the assets of nature, the
environment and all assets of the ocean and fisheries?
What other path is there to demonstrate the power of sovereignty,
other than giving to the poor a standard of life under which they have
land to live, a home, a good education for their children and proper
opportunities for employment?
What purpose is there to them in any power that does not bring about
a change their lives? Ensuring the security of people’s sovereignty
means ensuring social security; increasing the space for peace and
widening the space for stability. This is how we should protect the
peace and stability we have won. I believe we can achieve this, too.
In conclusion, permit me to say something very special on this day of
national pride. I call upon you to stand on your feet with the firm
conviction that we can take our country to future victories based on the
experiences and the knowledge we have gained in the struggles we have
won to date.
Let us be ready to raise our country to new heights as people full of
enthusiasm, but with tranquillity of mind; with the necessity for speed,
yet with proper method. Let us not fear any challenges. Let us have the
courage to realize our expectations.
Freedom
Similarly, let us extend the cooperation of the entire nation to the
people of the north and the east who suffered under the grip of
separatist terror for many years, to once again step towards
satisfaction and freedom in life.
Let us come forward both in word and deed to bestow upon them the
kindness, friendship and prosperity they deserve.
This 61st anniversary of independence has given us the opportunity to
realize the pride and dignity of our freedom. The time is now ready for
the battle to raise Sri Lanka to the dignity of a country that is
energetic, powerful, virtuous and wise. Let us as patriotic Sri Lankans
achieve success in that battle too, without delay. Let us dedicate
ourselves to bequeath this true freedom to our country.
I respect the maxim that the motherland and one’s own mother are
comparable to paradise.
At a time when our motherland is united under a single banner, I
invite all parties to come together irrespective of ethnicity, community
and party differences, giving the opportunity to all to do their duty by
the motherland.
What greater satisfaction can Mother Lanka have than all of us being
the children of a single mother? I, therefore, appeal to you to join us
to bring that great satisfaction to our motherland.
Let us look at all the children of our motherland - Sinhala, Tamil,
Muslim, Burgher, Malay and of all other communities, spread throughout
our land, and living with no divisive thoughts among them.
They look upon us with great expectations. They question us and hold
us to task. They seek their future from us. They are the future of this
land. May you have the strength and courage to take our country in a new
direction on their behalf.
May you all receive the Blessings of the Noble Triple Gem. |