Take a sprightly step into the future!

One of the most memorable moments during the presentation on security and kindred issues facing Sri Lanka, made by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for Heads of media organizations and newspaper editors on Wednesday at the Defence Ministry, was when he emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to march boldly into the future. This is timely advice indeed, given that the outcome in Geneva has not been up to this country's expectations.

Taking on a question from the audience he said that there was absolutely no need for 'investigations' of any kind on issues thrown up particularly by the final stages of the conflict. Such a demand was wrong in principle, he pointed out. For, Sri Lanka has a legitimate and constitutionally sanctioned government and the latter had done what was expected of it through its actions on the security front. 'Let's look forward', the Defence Secretary urged.

Sri Lanka needs to think on these things at the present juncture, when it is up against some challenges in the international sphere. It would seem that those sections of the international community which were straining every sinew and nerve to use the UNHRC to bring this country to heel, are for deliberately overlooking Sri Lanka's achievements in the area of domestic normalization and national reconstruction.

In fact, the Defence Secretary was clear on the point that Sri Lanka had left no stone unturned to reveal to the international community what Sri Lanka has achieved on 'the ground', in terms of North-East reconstruction and rejuvenation. Every foreign notable who visited Sri Lanka was shown these clear pluses. Yet, they were insisting on Sri Lanka being subjected to 'accountability' processes. It would seem that the international community is not trusting its own eyes on these issues.

It is for these reasons that the Lankan state is tending to believe that the relevant sections of the international community are in a destructive mindset as regards Sri Lanka. Apparently, these sections are in a desperate attempt to disempower and undermine Sri Lanka and they are trying every trick in the bag to further this dark design. Going by the record, there is substance in this reasoning.

In the face of these challenges, Sri Lanka would do well to continue to move in sprightly fashion into the future. Lapsing into despondency would prove fatal for this country, for, that is exactly what its enemies are trying to achieve. We need to win more and more allies and ensure that those who are thus won remain with us. Concurrently, our bridges of amity and cooperation with the like-minded in the international community must be progressively strengthened. As we have right along urged, the organizations and pressure groups of the developing world must be revived and energized to meet the challenges facing us. As we have always said, it is time for Third World groupings, such as, the Non-aligned Movement, to prove their worth once again.

While attending to these chores on the international front, Sri Lanka needs to boldly go ahead with its good work in the domestic arena. Now more than ever before, national unity must be strengthened and sustained. Bonds of fraternity among our communities must be strengthened and energized continuously. Every local political force should guard against the grave blunder of flinging divisive slogans which would stir and rouse to flames, base human instincts. Communal amity must be nourished continually and sustained, come what may.

Simultaneously, national reconstruction and development must be persisted with. We need to add to the pluses and positives which we have already acquired. Equitable growth should remain our prime aim with regard to material advancement because it is in this goal that permanent stability and contentment lies.