Our primary concern safety of civilians - Ambassador
It is undeniable that the LTTE effectively folded shortly after
President Barack Obama told the world that the terrorists were holding
innocent Tamil civilians as hostages. He was one of the few world
leaders to note that fact so forcefully.
For the Sri Lankan leadership, that has always been the crux of this
conflict.
I have repeated many times that our primary concern was for the
safety of those civilians, said Lankan Ambassador to the US Jaliya
Wickramasuriya issuing a statement to the media.
He said, as I reflect on the last few dramatic days in Sri Lanka and
the final days of the LTTE, I would like to note with gratitude the
influence that the United States has had on this conflict, and on Sri
Lanka’s future.
“We were prepared to take weeks to end this conflict, if that was
required, to ensure the safe rescue of the people who President Obama
noted were being held by the LTTE as a human shield. He called the
situation, “deplorable,” and so it was.
I believe that the President’s statement had a great influence on the
LTTE, which has now effectively surrendered.
And the hostages have been freed - Sri Lanka’s Security Forces opened
up a path for their flight across a shallow lagoon near Mullaitivu last
week, allowing more than 50,000 civilians to flee LTTE control in last
72 hours alone. The Government estimates that the number of civilians
freed from the LTTE since April 20 is more than 145,000.
That remarkable feat wasn’t without casualties — at least four
civilians were shot and killed by the LTTE as they tried to escape last
week, and many more were similarly killed as they fled in the last few
months. Sri Lankan troops also lost their lives.
No civilian casualty is acceptable. But it is remarkable that so many
people were able to flee the LTTE without serious injury.
Now the hostages are safe. Sri Lanka faces a future that is brighter
than it has been for many years. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will speak
to the Parliament and the nation on Tuesday about his vision for a
future without the LTTE threat.
That will be a promising moment for all Sri Lankans, especially for
those in the North who suffered through this conflict, and who were for
so long held captive by it.
As the Government rebuilds their homes, villages and communities, the
peace will truly be theirs. |