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DateLine Thursday, 12 March 2009

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Strengthening security

The decision taken by the Government to strengthen security islandwide in the wake of Tuesday's LTTE attack in Akuressa is a timely one since there is a real possibility of the LTTE going for soft targets in the provinces following the stringent security measures deployed in the Colombo city.

A new security system is also been planned for the South which is becoming more and more vulnerable to terrorist attacks by the cornered Tigers now seeking an escape route. This is more so since the coming days is bound be crucial in the three decades old civil war with the LTTE poised to receive the killer blow. Thus the Tigers are bound to vent their frustration on the innocent civilian population in a last throw of the dice.

This once again raises the spectre of the now familiar bus and train bombs which had been the stock in trade of Tigers when facing defeat on the battlefront. Claymore attacks in far flung villages with low security presence, such as the Kebethigollewa massacre too cannot be ruled out.

Even places of religious worship and special religious events such as annual church feasts where massive crowds gather will be fair game for the LTTE judging by the audacious attack in the premises of a Mosque on a day of significance for Muslims, on Tuesday.

True, the new security measure would entail additional manpower which the forces could ill-afford at a time the war is at decisive phase. But as we mentioned yesterday in these columns a spectacular attack outside the theatre of war is bound to give milage to a dying outfit. This has to be avoided at all cost. This is also a time where the public should cooperate to ensure maximum security in their own interest.

In this regard it is alarming to note the lax security in buses and trains at present. This is in contrast to security alertness in public transport which went into overdrive in the immediate aftermath of the series of bus and train bombs in the recent past with bus crew and public ever vigilant for suspicious parcels and other objects.

No longer is this scrutiny evident endangering life and limb of innocent passengers. The Transport Minister should issues strict instructions for all bags and parcels to be examined and that overhead racks be cleared of all baggage.

It is apparent that the public in typical Sri Lankan style had dropped their guard after the initial excitement and are back to their lethargic selves which is just what the terrorists anticipate.

The Big match season that is now upon us too will offer ample opportunity to the LTTE to create mayhem. School authorities should prevail on their charges to do way with all Big Match parades and motorcades that would be inviting trouble. For, the desperate Tigers on its last legs are not likely to be selective in their prey. Politicians and other VIP hordes that show themselves at these extravaganzas would so well to change their minds especially following Tuesday's carnage. Besides one needs not be reminded that this is not the most opportune time for revelry when our valiant men on the battled field are laying down their lives in fierce battles. Nor when innocent civilians trapped in the LTTE areas are undergoing great misery and privations.

Security should also be beefed up in all branches of State Banks and other key Government institutions in the provinces which may be targets. Far flung villages which recently came under terrorist attacks reminiscent of past LTTE tactics, should be given special protection.

Intelligence gathering too should be stepped up to ferret out Tiger operatives from sleeper cells in the city.It was some time ago suggested that the army of three wheeler operators in the city be made use as amateur sleuths for the purpose on the basis that they are well familiar with the city's underbelly.

This, while helping to boost effective intelligence gathering would also save the security apparatus valuable manpower.

Security no doubt is going to receive top priority in the Government's agenda in the coming days.Eternal vigilance should be the by word of the public who no doubt would also be called upon to endure inconvenience and hardship to ensure a foolproof security set up.

The topic of security should also be taken to schools where young minds would be inculcated on the importance of vigilance in the present times.

Overall, the primary aim of our security planners should be to block LTTE depredations into the South as it had effectively done in hitherto Tiger controlled areas in the North and East. For this to be achieved a similar security plan has to be worked out in the South as well. This may cause hardships to many. But it is a price one has to pay to stay alive.

Media freedom the truth

Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe was interviewed by Stephen Sackur for “BBC HARDtalk” on March 2, 2009. Following are excerpts of the interview

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Glance at the national problem

(Continued from yesterday’s Op-Ed)

The demand for self determination by Tamil leaders is based on the assumption that Tamils have a homeland in the North and East and can manage their affairs more effectively without interference and importantly, discrimination by the central Government.

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Return of Gareth Evans resurrection of terror

Once again the International Crisis Group has pronounced on Sri Lanka, bang on cue after the other usual suspects. Most negative of these was Human Rights Watch which is a specialist, along with ICG,

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Lingerie and liberation

Mailing pink chaddis, setting brasseries afire and more, all for the sake of of women’s rights. According to popular myth, women’s-libbers of the 1960s burned their brassieres as a sign of liberation - throwing off the yoke, so to speak, quite literally.

 

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