Lest we forget

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

May 19, 2009, not only goes down in Sri Lankan history but it is a day of great significance around the world. It is a day when the LTTE, one of the world's most ruthless terrorist organizations collapsed at Nandikadal Lagoon with the death of its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

This put a full stop to the country's 30 year battle with terrorism which had cast shadows of terror to millions of innocent lives from all regions sans ethnicity, race or religion.

Nearly 300, 000 Tamil people who were forcibly used as a human shield was liberated through the humanitarian operation carried out by joint-security forces.

Though today marks the beginning of the War Heroes month, we should remember how many soldiers have sacrificed their lives to liberate our country from the terrorist scourge that engulfed Sri Lanka.

Had it not been for their bravery and sacrifices and the strong leadership which guided them, we would still be buried in uncertain times where destruction ruled, terror made a constant presence and the civilians are robbed of their loved ones.

No amount of gratification could repay the Tri-Forces and police personnel for their commitments.

Their bravery together with the bold and unwavering leadership and commandeering of President Mahinda Rajapaksa helped Sri Lanka achieve this great feat of eradicating terrorism, a matter that even countries with the world's most sophisticated technology and weaponry have failed to accomplish.

Such deeds remind us of how our ancestors fought against invaders. Many kings have shed their own blood and sacrificed their kin to protect their motherland. King Vijayabahu I is a towering figure from history for his valour, courage and far sightedness.

Heroes like Veera Puran Appu and Keppetipola Disawe are remembered for their gallantry.

If not for our warriors the country would have been overrun by western powers. Tales of their heroic deeds have been taught to us while we are still infants cradling in our mothers arms. Unlike them the war heroes of our time do not have a particular name or face to erect as a statue of remembrance.

But take a stroll along the street or visit the Ranaviru Sevana and you get many young men and women who have given their limbs to liberate their country. Memorials alone are not enough to honour and remember the fallen. Patriotism and reverence for our past heroes must not be left to chance.

Due to their sacrifice we can now live with dignity and honour. Therefore we need to ensure that there is lifelong care for disabled war heroes as well as gratitude to those who had escaped from death and injury in the battlefield.

The present statistic show that there are more than 300 totally disabled soldiers with injuries ranging from spinal cord, brain damage to disabilities such as hearing impaired, speech defects and amputations. Most of them are in their prime youth with many years ahead of them. Some are either on a wheelchair or bed ridden while others use prosthesis or crutches. Injury care is vital for their survival.

They are unable to return to their homes because a majority of them are from rural areas that lack the basic needs and care that their present state demands for.

Some homes even do not have proper shelter.

Though the government strives to ease their traumatic burdens we as citizens too can lend a hand. Spare a moment for these individuals who have taken over a magnanimous burden in the name of the country.

Honour and empower them for their deeds. Make them feel loved and cared in the society. Let them know that their great sacrifice lives on in our thoughts. Ease them of their day to day stress and cure their mind and will. Give them hope, confidence and a sense of belonging back into the community that they call a 'home'.