LTTEs defeat:

Achieved through correct planning and leadership - Minister G.L.Peiris

Rasika Somarathna

The existing myth that terrorism cannot be defeated by militaristic means, does not hold water anymore, in the face of Sri Lanka’s gains in defeating the LTTE, which was considered as the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world, Minister, Prof. G.L.Peiris told media yesterday.

Citing a recent editorial in the “Wall Street” journal, the Minister noted that it had said that the answer to this long existing question had been delivered in just two words – Sri Lanka.

Also quoting a famous exchange of words between former British Premier Margaret Thatcher and the IRA where the latter had said “You have to be lucky always and we have to be lucky only once” the Minister said that this amply portrayed the destructive ability of a terror outfit even with limited resources.

“Other Government’s fighting terrorist organizations the world over could derive satisfaction and confidence from the Sri Lankan experience” he added.

The Minister addressing a UPFA media briefing attributed the success to correct and unvawering political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa which filtered to the military hierarchy and other stakeholders.

He further said that both these spheres were inseparable and according to historical experiences, such military campaigns had been always backed by a strong political will.

Minister Peiris also said that the unique feature in the present regime’s battle against terrorism was that it had not cut down funds on development and welfare activities, despite a heavy military budget. According to worldwide experiences, such cut downs were inevitable, but Sri Lanka through correct planning and leadership had stood firm in this regard he added.

Even in the face of a global economic melt down, Sri Lanka has been able to keep it’s head above water due to proper economic planning based on strengthening the local economy including the grassroots level the Minister said. ‘Today when hope of lasting peace is at hand, a lot of multi national companies has voiced interest in basing their investments in Sri Lanka, he added citing the East as a prime example,” he said.