Book Review
How the LTTE lost the Eelam war
Author: Don Wijewardana
Published: Stamford Lake
I had the pleasure of reading this book, which has now gone into its
second print. It is a monumental and incisive analysis of the many
events and factors spread over nearly three decades that contributed to
the elimination of a terrorist group described as the worlds most
brutal, by even some of their one-time sympathizers.
 It is a very readable and riveting presentation that I read from
cover to cover without a break and I believe most of its readers would
do the same. While in no way retracting from the glory due to the war
heroes, this book provides an insight into the complexities involved in
winning a war, much of which is fought outside the battlefield. The book
details the outstanding leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and
the well coordinated contribution of the armed forces. Even more, the
book details the 'winning strategy' the Commander in Chief mapped out
and his outstanding achievement in defending it against the
unprecedented and relentless pressure from the west to negotiate without
wasting public funds.
Such pressure, as pointed out in the book, came even from UN agencies
with questionable motives and allegiances. On the other hand, the book
highlights the beneficial impact of the new international alliances the
Commander in Chief pioneered.
The author is an experienced researcher who has taken an apolitical
and objective view. His being based in New Zealand gave him a
perspective that is probably unavailable in Sri Lanka, particularly to
assess the international pressure that was being brought to bear on this
conflict.
He has for long been involved in countering these as a part of the
activities of the Wellington NZ based United Sri Lanka Association.
This book also has useful appendices that include the CFA and
previous Presidential election results. It makes it not only a "must
read book" today but also a useful one on the book shelves for future
reference.
- Dr Chula Rajapakse
Book discussion
Seetha Mahendra’s short story collection Samugath Suhadiniya will be
discussed at Sri Lanka Press Council (close to Mel Medura and Lanka
Sumithrayo at Horton Place) on March 11 at 4 pm. Samugath Suhadiniya is
Seetha’s 10th book. The discussion will be moderated by Dr Praneeth
Abhayasundara. The session is organized by Press Council Media course
students.
Book launch
Newton Gunasekara’s latest book Sirilaka Siri Visithuru was launched
at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Colombo 10, on March 8 at 10 am. The
book is useful for tour guides. It is a Dayawansa Jayakody Publication. |
