LTTE's invincibility laughable

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Even the most vociferous opponents of the LTTE would not have imagined that the terrorist group could have been defeated in a comparatively short time, said Chairman Consumer Affairs Council and attorney at law Upali Senaratne.

There was a myth spun round the LTTE by many organizations and persons, sympathizers, of the LTTE that it was invincible and that it was so strong and so well organized it could not be militarily defeated.

When President Mahinda Rajapaksa started the offensive against the LTTE often there were mixed reactions mostly negative and pessimistic.

The operations started with capturing Mavil Aru, Paranthan and continued till the whole Eastern Province was liberated but when the armed forces started their operations in the north most people believed that Kilinochchi a key town in the mythical homeland of the terrorists could not be liberated, he noted.

Given the courageous leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the dedication and determination of the armed forces, we have regained the lost territory today and we stand tall as proud Sri Lankans.

The President had demonstrated in no uncertain terms that the victory over the LTTE was especially a victory for the Tamil people in the North and East and was not only an offensive against terrorism but more importantly a humanitarian mission, Senaratne said.